CUSTOMIZING THE USER INTERFACE AND SEARCHING DATABASES IN WESTLAW INSTRUCTIONAL MANUAL IT 570 Becky Smeltzer FALL 2007
CONTENTS Welcome... 3 Section One: Setting the User Interface... 4 Setting Preferences... 4 Adding and Removing Tabs... 8 Setting Shortcuts... 11 Section Two: Exploring Westlaw Databases... 14 Adding and Removing Databases... 14 Directory... 15 Scope... 18 Contents... 20 Section Three: Searching with Templates, Natural Language, Terms and Connectors... 22 Templates... 22 Natural Language... 25 Terms and Connectors... 29 Section Four: Improving Search Results with Tools, ResultsPlus, and Searching and Fields... 35 Tools... 35 ResultsPlus... 37 Searching and Fields... 39 Section Five: Follow Up Searching with Research Trail and Alert Center... 41 Research Trail... 41 Alert Center... 42 Appendix... 48 2
WELCOME This manual will teach you how to set the Westlaw User Interface and search the Westlaw databases more efficiently. Questions to consider: 1. Can you set the Westlaw User Interface ensuring that any extra charges are minimal? 2. When searching Westlaw databases, is it better to use Natural Language or Terms and Connectors? 3. If you need current information on a topic, can you set up an Alert Center? In this manual, you will learn the answers to these questions and much more! You will need to be at your computer as you go through this manual so that you can set your individual preferences. The instructional manual is divided into five sections: Setting the User Interface; Exploring Databases; Searching with Templates, Natural Language, Terms & Connectors; Improving Search Results; and Follow Up Searching with Research Trail & Alert Center. The eyeglass symbol will serve as a visual cue to guide you through the manual. When you see the eyeglasses, there will be an opportunity for you to compare what you are seeing on your computer screen with a screenshot in the training manual. In each section, there are Checkpoints to help you monitor your understanding of the training materials. The picture of the scales will let you know that there is a Checkpoint ahead. Answers to the Checkpoints are found in the Appendix. Let s begin by learning how to customize the Westlaw User Interface. 3
SECTION ONE: SETTING THE USER INTERFACE In Section One, you will learn how to customize the Westlaw User Interface. First, you will set your Preferences. Next, you will add Tabs. Finally, you will set Shortcuts. You will need to be at your own computer to set your user Preferences. Go to www.westlaw.com to sign on to your Westlaw account. SETTING PREFERENCES 1. Sign on to Westlaw by entering your assigned password and client ID name as seen in Figure 1.1. 2. Click the Sign On button. Figure 1.1 The Westlaw User Interface appears. Shortcuts and Search at the top. You will see the blue Westlaw opening screen with 4
Figure 1.2 3. Click on the Preferences link on the upper right hand corner of the screen. Figure 1.3 5
You will see a screen with options for setting Location and Pricing as seen in Figure 1.4. 4. Set the time zone to Eastern if you are in Knoxville or to Central if you are in Nashville. 5. Select the date format you prefer. 6. Set Jurisdiction to US United States. Figure 1.4 7. Printing costs should be set to Bill by Document Figure 1.5 8. Searching should be set to either By Transaction or Ask at Sign On if you prefer to be prompted each time you log on, as seen in Figure 1.6. 6
Checkpoint 1: Let s see how you are doing. Print this screen to show the changes you have made in the User Interface. You can check your work by comparing your printout to the screenshot in the Appendix. 9. Click on the Save Changes button to preserve the customizations you have made. Figure 1.6 10. Click on the Tennessee Tab to return to the opening screen. Note: You will always return to the Tennessee Tab. The Tennessee Tab serves as your Home Page when you are on Westlaw. Figure 1.7 7
1.8. You will see the Westlaw opening screen with Shortcuts and Search at the top, as seen in Figure ADDING AND REMOVING TABS 11. Click on the Add/Remove Tabs link. Figure 1.8 After you click on Add/Remove Tabs, you will see a screen labeled Manage Tabs. Figure 1.9 8
12. Under Topical, check Municipal Practitioner. Figure 1.10 13. Under Jurisdictional Federal, check 6 th Circuit. Figure 1.11 14. Scroll to the top of the page and click on the Next button. Figure 1.12 9
You will see a screen labeled Save Tabs as seen in Figure 1.13. 15. The tabs you selected are listed. Be sure the Tennessee tab is selected to display when you sign on to Westlaw. 16. Click the Save button. Figure 1.13 You will see the Tennessee tab in the opening screen. Note the added tabs as seen in Figure 1.14. Figure 1.14 10
SETTING SHORTCUTS 17. Click on the Edit link beside the Shortcuts. Figure 1.15 11
You will see a screen labeled Edit: Shortcuts. 18. Check the following boxes: Scope icons, Find by citation, Finding Tools, KeyCite this citation, the first five boxes under Searching, Definitions, Librarian Tools, Dockets, Table of Contents, Local Rules Finder, and the first three under Litigation Tools, as seen in Figure 1.16 below. Figure 1.16 12
19. Click the Save button. You will see the Tennessee tab in the opening screen. Figure 1.17 Checkpoint 2: It s time to check your work again. Print this screen to show that your Tennessee Tab is the opening Tab. Congratulations! You have completed Section One and customized your User Interface! You have successfully: Set your User Preferences Added Tabs Set Shortcuts Now that have customized your User Interface, you are ready to learn about the Westlaw Databases. 13
SECTION TWO: EXPLORING WESTLAW DATABASES In Section Two, you will begin learning about the Westlaw databases. First, you will learn how to add databases to your collection. Next, you will explore the database Directory. Then, you will discover what is in the Scope of a database. Finally, you will inspect the Contents area of the Scope. ADDING AND REMOVING DATABASES 1. Click on the link Add/Remove Databases. Figure 2.1 You will see the Edit: Quick Search screen, as seen in Figure 2.2 on the following page. 2. Locate Show these layouts: check all three boxes. 3. Locate Show these collections: check everything down to and including Other, plus Labor & Employment. 4. Click the Save button. 14
Figure 2.2 DIRECTORY You will return to the Tennessee tab in the opening screen, as seen in Figure 2.3. 5. Click on the Directory at the top center of the screen. Figure 2.3 You will see the Westlaw Directory and a list of the Westlaw databases in your subscription, as seen in Figure 2.4 on the following page. 6. Click on All Databases to search the Westlaw Directory of all Westlaw databases. 15
Figure 2.4 You will see all the Westlaw databases arranged by subject, as seen in Figure 2.5. 7. Click on My Databases to return to the view of the databases in your subscription package, as seen in Figure 2.6. Figure 2.5 8. Click on Municipal Law Practitioner Core. 16
Figure 2.6 You will see an alphabetical list of databases related to municipal law, as seen in Figure 2.7. 9. Click on Matthews Municipal Ordinance. Figure 2.7 17
You will see a Search Selected Databases Matthews Municipal Ordinances screen, as seen in Figure 2.8. Figure 2.8 SCOPE 10. Click on the Scope icon. Figure 2.9 You will see the Scope screen for Matthews Municipal Ordinances, as seen in Figure 2.10. Note: Even though the note states that the Premium billing rate applies to this database, it is part of your subscription package. Figure 2.10 18
11. Click on the Tennessee tab. You will see the Tennessee tab in the opening screen, as seen in Figure 2.11. 12. Select a database. Under Cases, find Tennessee State Cases (TN CS). 13. Click on the button to the right of (TN CS). Figure 2.11 You will see the Scope screen for Tennessee Cases (TN CS). 19
Figure 2.12 Checkpoint 3: It s time to check your work. Find a list of abbreviations for the fields used in this database and print the screen. Checkpoint 4: Let s see if you can find a tip about using a date restriction in this database and print the screen. Remember to check your work in the Appendix. CONTENTS 14. Look at the Contents area of the Scope of TN CS, as seen in Figure 2.13. 15. Determine the years of coverage of the Supreme Court of Errors and Appeals. Figure 2.13 20
Checkpoint 5: Now you take a look! Inspect the Contents area to determine the earliest coverage of Tennessee Court Cases in this database and print this screen. Congratulations! You have completed Section Two, Exploring Westlaw Databases. You have: Added databases to your collection Explored the database Directory Discovered what is in the Scope of a database Inspected the Contents area of the Scope of a database You are ready to move on to Section Three: Searching with Templates, Natural Language, Terms and Connectors! 21
SECTION THREE: SEARCHING WITH TEMPLATES, NATURAL LANGUAGE, TERMS AND CONNECTORS In Section Three, you will learn three ways to search the Westlaw databases. These searching methods will make your searching more efficient and more effective! You will begin with Templates, then look at Natural Language, and end with Terms and Connectors. Using Templates is an easy search method and is just like filling in the blank! TEMPLATES 1. Click on the Tennessee Tab to return to the opening screen, as seen in Figure 3.1. 2. Click on the link Find using a template. Figure 3.1 You will see the Tennessee Find Templates screen, as seen in Figure 3.2. 22
Figure 3.2 3. Use the template to find Tennessee Court Case 183 S.W.3d 643. Figure 3.3 23
You will see a result screen for Puckett v. Roberson Figure 3.4 4. Click on the Tennessee Tab to return to the opening screen. Checkpoint 6: Try using the Template to find Tennessee Court Case 207 S.W.3d 279. Print the first screen of your results. Wasn t that easy? You can also use the Template to find Tennessee Statutes. 5. Click on the link Find using a Template. 6. Use the template to find Tennessee Statute 25 4 101. Figure 3.5 24
You will see a result screen for Tennessee Code Annotated 25 4 101 Time; scire facias. Figure 3.6 Checkpoint 7: Try using the Template to find Tennessee Statute 7 86 105. Print the first screen of your results. Remember to check your work in the Appendix. Using Templates is an easy way to search the Westlaw databases. Natural Language is a more difficult method, but one you will be able to master! NATURAL LANGUAGE 7. Click on the Tennessee Tab to return to the opening screen, as seen in Figure 3.7. 8. Click on the Natural Language tab under Search. 9. Enter the sentence Are curfews constitutional? without the quotation marks in the Search box. 10. Select (TN CS) as a database to search. 11. Click the Search Westlaw button. Figure 3.7 25
You will see a results screen with approximately 100 documents, as seen in Figure 3.8. 12. To limit results, edit search by clicking on the edit search link. Figure 3.8 You will see the search box with your original search question, as seen in Figure 3.9. 13. Click on the link Require/Exclude Terms. Figure 3.9 You will see a screen with Your Description and a place to require and exclude terms, as seen in Figure 3.10. 14. Check to require the terms curfews and constitutional. 15. Click the OK button. 26
Figure 3.10 You will see the search box with your original search question, as seen in Figure 3.11. 16. Click the Search Westlaw button. Figure 3.11 You will see a results screen with 3 documents, as seen in Figure 3.12. Note: When using Natural Language, requiring terms will greatly limit results. 17. Select the first document by clicking on State v. Matlock. 27
Figure 3.12 You will see a results screen for State v. Matlock, as seen in Figure 3.13. 18. Click the arrow to the right of Best at the bottom of the page. Figure 3.13 You will see the best places to read, based on the retrieval rate of your search terms. Your search terms are highlighted in yellow, as seen in Figure 3.14. 28
Figure 3.14 Checkpoint 8: Let s check your progress. Print the screen of best places to show you were able to search using Natural Language. You have finished the section on searching with Natural Language! You are ready to move on to searching with Terms and Connectors. TERMS AND CONNECTORS 19. Click on the Tennessee Tab to return to the opening screen. 20. Under Terms and Connectors type curfew without quotation marks in the Search box. 21. Select (TN CS) a database to search. 22. Click the Search Westlaw button. Figure 3.15 29
You will see a results screen with 178 documents. 23. Open the fifth item, State v. Matlock, by clicking on the title. Figure 3.16 You will see a results screen for State v. Matlock, as seen in Figure 3.17. 24. Click on the arrow to the right of the word Term at the bottom of the screen. 30
You will see all instances of the terms curfew and curfews highlighted in yellow. 25. To edit your search, click on the link Edit Search in the upper left hand corner of the Tennessee Tab. Figure 3.18 You will see the search box with your original search term, curfew, as seen in Figure 3.19. 26. Add the terms ordinance and challenge to the term curfew. Do not type any punctuation marks in the search box. Note: Without punctuation, the search will be on the terms curfew or ordinance or challenge. 27. Click on the drop down arrow to the right of Add Connectors or Expanders. You will see the complete list of Boolean operators, connectors, and expanders. Figure 3.19 28. Position your cursor between curfew and ordinance and click on the &. You may have to use your space bar to add a space on either side of the &. 31
29. Position your cursor between ordinance and challenge and click on the &. You may have to use your space bar to add a space on either side of the &. Figure 3.20 Checkpoint 9: Using Connectors and Expanders can be tricky. Let s locate a guide that you can print out and keep on hand. Click on the Help link beside Adding Connectors or Expanders, as seen in Figure 3.21. Figure 3.18 You will see Using Connectors in Terms and Connectors Searches open in a new window. Print the information in the new window, Using Connectors, as a guide for future reference. Close the Using Connectors guide by clicking on the X in the upper right hand corner of the screen. 32
You will return to the search box with your revised search terms, as seen in Figure 3.22. 30. Click the Search Westlaw button. Figure 3.19 You will see a results screen with 4 documents. Figure 3.23 Note: You can use Terms and Connectors to greatly limit search results. 33
Congratulations! You have completed Section Three! You have learned how to perform advanced searching techniques by using: Templates Natural Language Terms and Connectors In Section Four, you will learn how to improve your search results. 34
SECTION FOUR: IMPROVING SEARCH RESULTS WITH TOOLS, RESULTSPLUS, AND SEARCHING AND FIELDS In Section Four, you will learn how to use three Westlaw products to improve your search results. These products are Tools, ResultsPlus, and Searching and Fields. TOOLS 1. From the previous results list, click on the case State v. Jones. You will see the results screen for State v. Jones. Figure 4.1 2. Select the first paragraph of the conclusion of the case, beginning with Based upon the foregoing. 3. Click on Tools in the bottom right hand corner. Figure 4.2 You will see a pop up box appear in the lower right hand corner. 35
4. Select Copy with Reference. Figure 4.3 You will see the text you selected open in a new window. 5. Click the Copy button. Figure 4.4 6. The highlighted text and the legal reference appear in a box; click on the copy button. 7. Open a new Word document. 8. Paste your text into the Word document. 9. Print your Word document with the selected text and reference. 36
10. Close the Word document without saving it. Checkpoint 10: Let s see if you can use Tools on your own. You are still in State v. Jones. Scroll to the section labelled Factual Background. Select or highlight the text of the first paragraph, beginning with On August 28, 2000. Use Tools to copy and paste this text and its reference into a Word Document. Print the Word Document. Now that you have mastered Tools, you are ready to investigate ResultsPlus. Based on the document you are viewing, ResultsPlus will give you up to three links to resource material from other databases. RESULTSPLUS 11. Click on the arrow to the right of the Doc 1 of 4 to navigate to the third document, State v. Overton. Figure 4.5 You will see the results screen for State v. Overton, as seen in Figure 4.6. The ResultsPlus are on the left side of the screen. 12. Click on the About link for ResultsPlus. 37
Figure 4.6 You will see a guide open in a new window, Viewing ResultsPlus Materials, as seen in Figure 4.7. Checkpoint 11: You will want to print this section to keep for reference. Be sure to read the section on Charges for ResultsPlus! Figure 4.7 13. Close the guide window by clicking on the red X in the upper right hand corner. 38
Note: Charges may apply to some ResultsPlus sources; use with caution! You have completed the section on ResultsPlus! You now are ready to examine Searching and Fields. SEARCHING AND FIELDS 14. Click on the Tennessee Tab to return to the opening screen. 15. Click on the Scope icon for TN CS. Figure 4.8 16. Click on the link Searching and Fields. Figure 4.9 You will see tips on Searching and Fields. 39
Figure 4.10 Checkpoint 12: Can you find which search methods are best suited for the database TN CS? Print the screen that shows the answer to this question. Note: Each database has search tips in its Scope, indicating whether it is better to use Natural Language or Terms and Connectors as a search method. Congratulations! You have completed Section Four! You have learned how to improve your searching results by using: Tools ResultsPlus Searching and Fields You are now ready for Section Five, which includes two follow ups to searching in the Westlaw databases. These follow up areas are the Westlaw Research Trail and the Alert Center. 40
SECTION FIVE: FOLLOW UP SEARCHING WITH RESEARCH TRAIL AND ALERT CENTER You have learned a lot about searching in Westlaw! There are a couple of resources you should know about that can help you with follow up to your searching. These resources are the Research Trail and the Alert Center. RESEARCH TRAIL 1. Click on the Research Trail link in the upper right hand corner of your screen. Figure 5.1 You will see the Research Trail screen with the results of your previous searches. Checkpoint 13: Did you find your Research Trail? Print a copy. 2. Find where you viewed the document Puckett v. Roberson and click on the link. Figure 5.2 41
You will return to your results screen for Puckett v. Roberson. Note: Research events are stored for two weeks. Figure 5.3 ALERT CENTER 3. Click on Alert Center in the upper right hand corner of your screen. You will see the Alert Center Directory. 4. Find WestClip and click on the Create link at the right side of the screen. Figure 5.4 42
You will see the Create Entry form, as seen in Figure 5.5. Figure 5.5 5. Type Curfew in the Name of clip field, as seen in Figure 5.6. 6. Type TN CS in the Databases field. 7. Type curfew in the Query field. 8. Click on the Edit link adjacent to the Delivery Settings. Figure 5.6 43
You will see Edit Delivery Settings open in a new window, as seen in Figure 5.7. 9. Set Frequency to daily or weekly, according to your notification preference. 10. Set Destination to E mail. 11. Click on the Properties button next to E mail. Figure 5.7 You will see WestClip: E mail Properties open in a new window, as seen in Figure 5.8. 12. Enter your e mail address in the E mail address box. 13. Click the Save button. Figure 5.8 44
14. Set the Result Format to List all Citations, as seen in Figure 5.9. 15. Type 100 in the box for Retrieve Only Those Documents No Older than x Days. 16. Check the box beside Inform Me of No Results. Being informed of No Results allows you to confirm that the notification service is working, even if there are no hits during the time period you selected. 17. Under Ranking Order, select Database Default. 18. Click the Save button for delivery settings. Figure 5.9 You will see the WestClip: Create Entry form, as seen in Figure 5.10. 19. Click the Save button for entry details. Figure 5.10 45
You will see the Alert Center Directory. Your WestClip Alert on Curfews will display. Checkpoint 14: Click on the curfew link to display your Alert. Print your Alert to show you successfully created the WestClip Alert on curfews. 20. Click on Sign Off in the upper right hand corner to Exit WestLaw. Figure 5.11 page. You will see a sign off screen with your usage information, as seen in Figure 5.12 on the following 46
Checkpoint 15: You have arrived at your final checkpoint! Click on the link in the upper righthand corner to print your usage information. Figure 5.12 Congratulations! You have completed Section Five! You have learned how to: Track your Research Trail Set an Alert You may verify your answers to the Checkpoints in the Appendix. This concludes the instructional manual on Westlaw! You have customized your User Interface and are now able to search the Westlaw databases effectively and efficiently! Remember: you may always contact the MTAS Library Staff if you need additional assistance with Westlaw. 47
APPENDIX Checkpoint 1: Checkpoint 2: 48
Checkpoint 3: Checkpoint 4: Checkpoint 5: Checkpoint 6: 49
Checkpoint 7: Checkpoint 8: 50
Checkpoint 9: Checkpoint 10: 51
Checkpoint 11: Checkpoint 12: Checkpoint 13: Your Research Trail may appear slightly different in content. 52
Checkpoint 14: Checkpoint 15: 53
Directions: Please read each statement and CIRCLE the letter(s) that most closely represents your opinion. Scale: SA = strongly agree; A = agree; U = undecided; D = disagree; SD = strongly disagree Instruction 1. The instruction was logically sequenced. SA A U D SD 2. The pace of the instruction was appropriate. SA A U D SD 3. The module objectives adequately described what was expected of me. SA A U D SD 4. I can set my user preferences in Westlaw. SA A U D SD 5. I can add a tab to the User Interface. SA A U D SD 6. I can set shortcuts on the User Interface. SA A U D SD 7. I can locate the databases in my subscription. SA A U D SD 8. I can locate the Scope Notes for a database. SA A U D SD 9. I can determine the Contents of a database. SA A U D SD 10. I can search a database using Templates. SA A U D SD 11. I can search a database using Natural Language. SA A U D SD 12. I can search a database using Terms & Connectors. SA A U D SD 13. I can use Tools to copy a source and reference. SA A U D SD 14. I can locate secondary sources in ResultsPlus. SA A U D SD 15. I can locate search tips in Searching and Fields. SA A U D SD 16. I can locate my Research Trail. SA A U D SD 17. I can set up an Alert Center on a topic. SA A U D SD 18. This module improved the quality of my search hits. SA A U D SD 19. This module improved my searching speed. SA A U D SD Materials 1. The written directions were easy to follow. SA A U D SD 2. The color illustrations were helpful to me. SA A U D SD 3. The vocabulary was at an appropriate level. SA A U D SD 4. I will use the instructional module as a reference resource when I search in Westlaw. SA A U D SD What I liked best about this module was... What I liked least about this module was... I think this module would be improved if... 54