Should You Use a Textbook to Teach Legal Research?

Legal research professors have struggled with the question of assigning and using a text in class. Because there are many excellent legal research texts available, instructors may feel their students need the safety net of a printed textbook. For professors who decide to use a textbook, this article includes reviews of selected current legal research texts. On the other hand, professors may believe that many students do not read their legal research texts and prefer teaching without a textbook. Instead, they may use a series of web sites, PowerPoint slides, tutorials, podcasts, and electronic texts. The article discusses student reaction to a legal research course at Georgia State University College of Law that does not use a textbook.