Experiential Learning Research Guide: Getting Unstuck

Feeling stuck? Try using the tips below to get your research back on track:

• Check secondary sources.
• Search the web for the topic you're looking for and the term "library guide" to see if a librarian has put together a research guide that might help.
• Ask for help (see below)!

When should I ask for help?

• When you're researching an unfamiliar topic and don't know where to begin.
• When you've diligently searched Westlaw and Lexis but can't find the legal information you're looking for.
• A good rule of thumb: If you've been searching earnestly for 15-30 minutes and can't find anything relevant, the most productive thing you can do is ask for help.

Who should I ask for help?

• Your supervisor: If your assignment is unclear, you should ask your supervisor for clarification right away. If you're having trouble finding anything, a good question to ask a supervisor is, "Where would you look for this?" Your supervisor may be familiar with subject-specific research resources that you should check.
• A librarian: Librarians are here to help with your research! You can contact the LRC using the Library Chat box on this page, e-mailing us at lawlibrary@drexel.edu, calling us at 215.571.4772, or texting us at 267.310.2754. The institution you are working for may also have its own law library or knowledge management department that can help.
• A reference attorney: Westlaw and Lexis both provide live reference support by phone and chat, which is a great resource for when you're having trouble formulating a search, or when you're working outside business hours. You can use the live chat feature within each database, or call the following toll-free numbers:
  • Lexis: 1-800-45-LEXIS (1-800-455-3947)
  • Westlaw: 1-800-REF-ATTY (1-800-733-2889)

If you are getting too few (or no) results, try broadening your search:

• Use more general search terms.
• Try adding synonyms to your search.
• Try using broader search connectors, like OR.

If you are getting too many results, try narrowing your search:

• Hone in on the search terms that most specifically describe the issue you are looking for.
• Try using proximity connectors (such as /#, /s, /p) to make sure that the terms you are searching for are discussed in context with each other. 
• Try using a database's advanced search to run a more precise search (see below).

Advanced Search:

A database's "advanced search" feature helps you build your search by automatically adding terms and connectors, and allows you to conduct more precise searches by searching specific fields. For example, if you want to find cases about a topic rather than cases that mention it in passing, try searching only the synopsis or headnote fields. Try narrowing your advanced search to a specific content type (e.g., cases or statutes) to unlock additional search fields.