§2.5
		Introduction
		Paralegal Perspectives
		Lecture Notes
		Commonly Asked Questions

Introduction
The key to any online research system is search query formulation. This section of the manual teaches the basics of query formulation. Study it well. It will make your work in the upcoming exercises and assignments much easier to assimilate.

It is best to learn Lexis and Westlaw progressively as you continue through the program. Don't feel like you need to be an expert your first time online.

Paralegal Perspectives . . .

WESTLAW, LEXIS, AND THE LAW LIBRARY. . .
Both of these research systems are excellent. But don't fall into the trap of thinking you don't need to know 'hard-copy' research, as well.

First of all, being a good law library researcher will make you a more effective online researcher. Second, there will be times when you can't research online, or when you want to do some research on your own without using up online time. Third, there are some things that simply aren't found online. And fourth, maybe most importantly, electronic research takes the researcher straight from the issue to the law. When conducting law library research, the paralegal utilizes secondary sources that educate the researcher as to the legal issue involved. For instance, if you are researching the issue of spousal communications privilege, the online sources will certainly take you to the relevant cases and statutes. But had you researched in the law library, the secondary sources would have informed you of the evolution of the privilege, why it exists, what circumstances invalidate an otherwise valid privilege. In other words, you would have received a 'mini law school education' on the subject being researched.

So law library research is even more important for a paralegal than it is for an attorney.