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Research Guides

Help Searching JACOB

Information relevant for searching the Law Library's catalogs & databases

JACOB and JACOB+

Tips for Searching:

  • Simple Search: If you enter multiple words, the system will return results that contain all of those words.

  • Advanced Search: You can search by Field (e.g., Title, Call Number, ISBN), by Boolean operator (AND, OR, NOT), and by Filter (e.g., material type, language).

  • To search for an exact phrase, type quotation marks around the phrase:
    • "rule of law"

  • Use ALL CAPS for the Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT):
    • "collateral estoppel" OR "issue preclusion"
    • negligence NOT malpractice

  • Enter an asterisk * to perform a multiple character wildcard search:
    • type contract* to search for records that contain contracts, contracting, contractor, contractually

  • Enter a question mark ? to perform a single character wildcard search:
    • type organi?ation to search for records that contain organization and organisation

  • You may search for titles using an ISBN (International Standard Book Number) or ISSN (International Standard Serial Number).

For more help, please visit the Reference Desk in the Law Library. See our Ask Us page for additional ways to reach us, including by Chat, Text, Email, or Phone.

GW Law Theses

To locate theses authored by post-J.D. candidates of the Law School, search JACOB by keyword, author, or call number (AS36.G3). Selected Law School theses may also be found online through the Gelman Library.