Today's legal professional needs a basic understanding of how Internet research works, a general idea of the resources available, and an appreciation of how the Internet differs from other research tools. However, because it takes a significant investment of time and training needed to a become an expert Internet researcher, it may be most efficient for law firms to assign the bulk of Internet research work to law librarians as Internet research specialists. Librarians have training and experience in formulating searches and navigating different research tools. Involving a law librarian as part of your litigation team can pay huge dividends, especially if you bring them in early. Research done by librarians can be more accurate and on-point if they have firsthand knowledge of the issues.
Librarians can be better prepared to reply to the inevitable last minute research requests.
Internet search engines may be your best source of short-notice impeachment material. Librarians will be better prepared to assist with the inevitable last-minute research needs if they know the background of the case and what has and has not already been done. The quality of research will be higher. Costs can be better controlled. They can help streamline litigation costs so that the firm and the client get the best and most reliable research for the least cost.