We've already discussed why research guides are important and we looked at some of the better sources for legal research guides. But there will be times when what you are looking for is not on one of the websites we've already looked at. That means you will need to actually search for a research guide. There are three basic ways to do that.
Research guide search engines. There is really only one. Check out the ever popular University of Cornell Legal Research Engine located on the Cornell Library site. This allows you to do a subject specific search for quality legal research guides and resources. An added advantage is the ability to search not only for a research guide but the "legal internet." This latter tool is similar to a feature available from Westlaw - without having to sign on to your account. While searching you may find a research guide search engine from the University of Akron called Law Scout. Unfortunately, Law Scout has not been updated in some time so its currency and content is in question. Still, even outdated information can lead you to good sources if you are willing to spend the time updating your sources.
Google Search. The basic Google search is always the same: in the search box type your specific subject in quotes and then "legal research guide" also in quotes. For example, if you are interested in finding a guide on family law you might try "family law" and "legal research guide." There are commercial guides out there so, at least at first, you probably shouldn't limit your to .edu searches. Don't be afraid to refine your search depending on the results you get.
Geographic relevancy. If you want a research guide about the resources from a particular jurisdiction you might want to try looking on the law school library website for that state. For example, if you wanted to find a research guide about collection procedures in Georgia, Georgia State has just such a guide as well as many other research guides about specific areas of Georgia law. Here at UConn we have a research guide about finding Connecticut materials.
