Thank you to all who replied to my query. Following is summary of my
findings and your comments.
Many are facing similar decisions re web-based services and eager to share
information. Some believe that a recent groundswell of dissatisfaction with
West's frequent price increases, questionable publishing practices, and
unresponsive customer service opened a door for LEXIS to seize a marketing
opportunity for its web-based service by offering "ridiculously good deals".
Several switched to LEXIS alone and several allowed individual departments
to select flat-rate LEXIS or Westlaw service, but the majority of librarians
are hesitant to switch exclusively to either LEXIS or Westlaw web service.
They are reserving the option to employ a variety of complementary tools
including print, CD-ROM, LEXIS-NEXIS, Westlaw, LoisLaw, and the Internet to
ensure comprehensive search coverage.
A resounding concern is whether courts and governmental agencies are opting
for short term economic relief from a long term problem of soaring costs for
legal information. They fear the aftermath of switching service every other
year in terms of retraining and retooling users, already overwhelmed by
technology.
Pro LEXIS Comments: good customer support and training; very intuitive and
user friendly web product; desk top access via the web; no print charges;
and, free and unlimited Shepard's access.
Con LEXIS Comments: lacks a comprehensive digest; lacks key number, topic
or headnote search capabilities; no annotated statutes; less inclusive law
review coverage; very slow response time during peak Internet use; and,
frozen screens and quirky web interfaces with some browsers.
West does enjoy dominance in print reporters and finding tools. Westlaw does
afford the advantage of searching for key numbers, synopses and headnotes
from these reporters. However, in subject matter and chronology both
Westlaw and LEXIS-NEXIS services are relatively comparable due to their
competitive leapfrogging development. Also, fixed-rate plans tailored to
each court/firm/agency further narrows the cost between the two. Time will
tell if LEXIS has gained a marketing foothold with its web-based product.
Again, thanks to all who replied.
Jan D. Medved
Library Director
Jackson County Law Library
mailto:jmedved@jcll.org
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