I have been using WIN regularly since it became available and I recommend
it to students who are intimidated by boolean terms and connectors.
"Terms and connectors" can be a daunting new language to learn and WIN
is much simpler to understand. Intially there were problems with some
missed cases and imprecise language in queries, but as students became
more familiar with the process these problems were lessened. WESTLAW
has also made other refinements to the system that make WIN more effective.
Hyperlinking keynumbers and headnotes together means that you can jump
from one case to another using the same key number. Even if your WIN
search only turns up one relevant case you can use the key numbers and
headnotes to find other cases. In many respects WIN and hypertext
moves us closer to the day when online systems will replace books.
Elmer Masters
Reference Librarian
Barclay Law Library
College of Law
Syracuse University
ermaster@suvm
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