Evolution of Legal Research Resources

Accessing University Collections

• University collections can be explored through the library's catalog or website to assess available books and resources.

Open Access

• 'Open access' refers to unrestricted online access to scholarly research, allowing anyone to view and use academic content without cost.

Directory of Open Access Books (DOAB)

• The main purpose of DOAB is to provide a comprehensive directory of peer-reviewed academic books that are openly accessible.

OBserving Law Initiative

• The OBserving Law open access book publishing initiative was developed by the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies.

OAPEN Library

• The OAPEN library primarily contains freely accessible academic books in various disciplines, with a focus on the humanities and social sciences.

Academic vs. Non-Academic Literature

• Academic literature is characterized by peer-reviewed content, rigorous research, and formal structure.
• Non-academic resources often lack peer review, are less formal, and may be intended for general audiences.

Characteristics of Non-Academic Resources

• Non-academic resources usually contain subjective opinions, anecdotal evidence, or informal writing styles.

Historical Storage of Legal Resources

• Before computers, legal resources were typically housed in physical libraries with print materials and reports.

Target Audience for Academic Literature

• The typical target audience for academic literature includes scholars, researchers, and students.

Evolution of Legal Resource Access

• Access to legal resources has shifted from physical libraries to online databases, expanding availability and convenience.

Characteristics of Academic Literature

• Academic literature is distinguished by an objective tone, specialized terminology, and extensive citations.

Language Use in Academic Literature

• Academic literature is written in formal, technical language that caters to an informed audience.

Features of Non-Academic Resources

• A distinguishing feature of non-academic resources is their casual language and broader appeal to the general public.

Target Audience Characteristics in Academic Literature

• The target audience for academic literature typically seeks in-depth knowledge and understanding of specific topics or fields.

Commonwealth iLibrary

• The primary function of the Commonwealth iLibrary is to provide access to a variety of academic publications focusing on commonwealth nations.

OAPEN Library Focus

• The main focus of the OAPEN library is on providing free access to high-quality scholarly books, particularly in the humanities and social sciences.

Objectives of DOAB

• The Directory of Open Access Books (DOAB) aims to enhance discoverability and accessibility of scholarly books, promoting wider dissemination of knowledge.

Finding the E-Library at University of Lagos

• Links to the e-library can typically be found on the library section of the University of Lagos website.

Explore the evolution of legal research resources from physical libraries to digital platforms. Learn about the characteristics of academic literature such as books, journal articles, and reports.