Computer Lab
The computer lab is located on the fourth floor of the Library and is a division of the Law School Computing Services. The lab hours parallel those of the Law Library, and a lab monitor is scheduled to be on duty during most hours of operation for assistance with questions pertaining to software applications. Network printers are available on each floor of the Library that allow students to print from their law school accounts.
The Library computer lab features Windows XP computers for general use. All of these machines feature Office 2003 for word processing and email, and may be used for LexisNexis and Westlaw research as well as internet access. Students can also access Computer Assisted Legal Instruction (CALI) on these computers, and they can download the CALI exercises for home use. For students wishing to use the CALI exercises on the Internet from a location other than the computer lab, a Tulane Law School CALI authorization code is required. The CALI authorization code can be obtained at the Reference Desk in the library lobby. The computer lab closes 15 minutes earlier than the library.
Accounts
Use of the computer lab is limited to currently enrolled Tulane law students who are given accounts in the first year of law school.
Printing
Each computer in the lab is connected to a networked laser printer. Each student is provided with an account which provides 250 pages free of charge per semester. Additional printing capability may be purchased in Room 232, on the second floor, before 4:00 p.m. (Monday - Friday). Payments are made in $5 increments (100 pages). Network printers are available on each floor of the Library that allow students to print from their law school accounts.
When using Westlaw or LexisNexis in the computer lab, it is strongly recommended that students send their print jobs to the designated Westlaw or Lexis printers -- not to the attached network laser printers. If print jobs are sent to the network lasers printers, your account will be charged for each page printed. Both Westlaw and Lexis offer very liberal printing privileges (at no charge to the student) when their networked printers are used. Telephones are located next to each Westlaw and LexisNexis printer for assistance with printing problems or for any other question relating to the research software. Reference librarians are also available during regular businiess hours to answer any questions that you may have regarding online research.
Laptops
Each carrel is wired for electricity and network access. An Ethernet adapter is necessary to connect a portable computer to the network and laptops most be registered with Computing Services before using the network. A wireless network with 802.11 a/b/g capability is installed in the law school and allows connectivity across the Tulane campus.
Lexis/Westlaw
In addition to the general use PCs, the computer lab includes a Law Library training room, where Westlaw and Lexis company representatives can train each first-year student in the use of their databases. Advanced classes are offered periodically throughout the year for all students. This room is also available to current Tulane law students for Lexis and Westlaw searching when training is not taking place. Each student is provided with an individual password that can be used for home access. Documents from these services may be downloaded to a disk, printed on dedicated Lexis and Westlaw laser printers, e-mailed, or sent to an attached printer.
Lexis and Westlaw can only be used for educational purposes. Research for anyone outside the law school community is prohibited.
Other computer workstations within the Library
The Library lobby also contains four computer workstations, which allow patrons the ability to access the Library's online catalog, check email, view legal databases, and conduct internet searches. Two of the computers allow free public access to Westlaw with unlimited printing. This service is provided in part by the generosity of the ACTEC Foundation (American College of Trust and Estate Counsel). Library computer workstations are also available on the fifth and sixth floors for easy access to the collection while using materials on those levels and for searching government websites while using either our Federal Depository Collection (fifth floor) or Louisiana Depository Collection (sixth floor).