Free Newsletters

To keep abreast of new Westlaw features and to receive helpful research tips, consider subscribing (free of charge) to one or more free newsletters available either electronically or in print <http://west.thomson.com/newsletters/>. You do not need to subscribe in order to get access; you can browse current as well as back issues of the titles noted below. A selection of newsletters available includes:

• Keypoints – Federal <http://west.thomson.com/newsletters/4.aspx> Published 10 times each year, this newsletter seeks to keep readers up-to-date with new Westlaw developments and to increase proficiency in standard legal research materials. Articles highlight statutory and administrative materials, as well as case law and KeyCite.
• Keypoints – State <http://west.thomson.com/newsletters/5.aspx> This newsletter for state and local government agencies, published 10 times a year, provides helpful search tips and reports on new Westlaw developments.
• West E-lert <http://west.thomson.com/newsletters/19.aspx> Stay on top of Westlaw developments with this monthly newsletter reporting on new features, new content, and new Westlaw user materials. Note: This is a good resource for attorneys and paralegals (not just law librarians).

Some of the newsletters available in print (and also available electronically) include:

• GlobalLaw Quarterly <http://west.thomson.com/newsletters/GlobalLaw/> Each issue contains feature news, trends, books, author interviews and updates on electronic media on a broad range of global topics.
• Practice Innovations <http://west.thomson.com/newsletters/practiceinnovations/> Communicates best practices and innovations in law firm information and knowledge management to legal professionals. Note: Many of the articles describe legal research techniques relevant to attorneys practicing in all sectors.

Note: The newsletters sometimes contain updates concerning Westlaw resources and databases to which the U.S. Department of Labor does not have access due to subscription limitations. To determine if you have access to a particular database, enter the database identifier into the Search these databases field on the left side of the screen once you have logged into Westlaw with your user ID and password. Click the GO button. If you are then directed to a screen that indicates that the database is not part of the subscription (or if you try to search a database and receive the message “Your request to access [DATABASE] cannot be processed because use of this database is not authorized under your subscription agreement.”), you will know that DOL’s subscription does not provide access to the database in question. DOL employees can contact the law library for assistance locating alternate resources.