Instructional Services
The Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Library is pleased to provide a wide array of educational programming and instructional services in support of the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and Cleveland State University curriculum and Faculty research, as well as outside law-related educational organizations. For curriculum related programming and services, Faculty should make arrangements early in their course planning to help ensure their desired schedule. For additional information on, and assistance with, Law Library Instructional Services, contact Laura Ray, Educational Programming Librarian (216-687-6880).
Research Services
Law Library Research Librarians are uniquely qualified to present research lectures on general and subject-specific legal research strategies and resources, highlighting both print and electronic resources. We also work with Faculty to develop assignments related to such research instruction. Recent lecture topics include Administrative Law, Environmental Law, Labor Law, Legislative History, and Form/Transactional Materials. Our research lectures have been of particular value for College of Law courses fulfilling the required upper level writing or administrative law components.
Course Research Guides
Law Library Research Librarians develop research guides for courses, particularly noting print and electronic resources available to Cleveland-Marshall College of Law students, as well general research guides. Our research guides are available from the Law Library's Web page, and cover resources for cases, statutes and codes, regulations and rules, treatises and practice guides, study aids, searching the SCHOLAR and OhioLINK electronic catalogs, journal articles and current awareness services, as well as aggregate databases and Web sites. We can also tailor a course specific guide for Faculty to use on their course Web page or as a class handout.
Database and Web Searching Instruction
Law Library Research Librarians guide students, faculty, and research assistants in the effective and efficient use of LexisNexis, Westlaw, and OhioLINK research databases, as well as searching the Web. [Please note that LexisNexis and Westlaw are only available to College of Law students and faculty.] We address general principles such as preparation for searching, selection of appropriate databases and Web search services, research logs, knowing when to stop researching, and updating research. We also cover specific database and Web tips such as using segment and "Alert" searching in LexisNexis, field and "WestClip" searching in Westlaw, OhioLINK research database search templates, and the benefits of Web metasearch services.
Educational Software/Methods Instruction
Law Library Research Librarians provide student group instructional sessions in the use of PowerPoint and other educational software. We also provide individualized faculty instructional sessions in such software, as well as advise on the use of audiovisual and Web-based materials to enhance the learning process.
PowerPoint instruction reviews toolbars, view options, slide layout, entering/editing text, bulleted/numbered lists, tables, charts, color and "fill effects," graphics, clip art, images, sound clips, motion clips, animation, slide transitions, and playing presentations, as well as presentation templates and wizards.
Law Library Training Labs
Adjacent to the main Law Library PC Lab, we have two Training PC Labs to facilitate College of Law class electronic instructional needs. Each Lab is equipped with 15 workstations and a data projector. Please note Training Labs cannot be reserved during College of Law Reading and Exam weeks. To schedule a Training Lab, please contact Laura Ray, Educational Programming Librarian (216-687-6880).
Law Library Orientation and Tours
Law Library Research Librarians provide group orientations and tours for faculty, students, and research assistants of Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and Cleveland State University, as well as outside law-related educational organizations. Tours can be brief overviews or more specialized, highlighting particular jurisdictions, topics, or materials. Please note Tours cannot be scheduled during College of Law Reading and Exam weeks, and groups cannot exceed 15 people.