JSTOR

Definition

JSTOR is a digital library that provides access to thousands of academic journals, books, and primary sources across various disciplines. It is particularly valuable for researchers and students in law, as it hosts a wide range of law review articles and periodicals that are essential for legal scholarship and research.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. JSTOR offers access to over 12 million academic articles, making it one of the largest digital repositories for scholarly literature.
2. Law students and practitioners frequently use JSTOR to find relevant law review articles that discuss important legal precedents and theories.
3. The platform includes archival content, which means users can access older publications that may no longer be available elsewhere.
4. Access to JSTOR is often provided through institutional subscriptions, allowing universities and libraries to offer their students and patrons comprehensive research resources.
5. JSTOR supports citation management tools, helping users to easily organize their references and cite sources correctly in their research.

Review Questions

• How does JSTOR enhance the research capabilities of law students and legal professionals?
  • JSTOR enhances research capabilities by providing a vast database of law review articles and periodicals that are critical for understanding legal theories and practices. This digital library allows users to access scholarly work from various authors, enriching their knowledge base. Additionally, the ability to search through archival content ensures that researchers can find both contemporary and historical perspectives on legal issues.
• In what ways does JSTOR differ from other digital libraries regarding its offerings for legal research?
  • JSTOR distinguishes itself by specializing in academic content, including a significant number of law review journals and legal periodicals not always available in other digital libraries. It focuses on providing high-quality peer-reviewed articles, making it a trusted resource for legal scholarship. Moreover, JSTOR’s archives contain older publications that may not be found elsewhere, allowing researchers access to foundational legal literature that informs modern practices.
• Evaluate the impact of JSTOR's accessibility on legal scholarship and education over the past decade.
  • The accessibility of JSTOR has significantly impacted legal scholarship and education by democratizing access to vital academic resources. Over the past decade, more institutions have integrated JSTOR into their curriculum, allowing students and scholars from diverse backgrounds to engage with high-quality legal research. This increased access promotes a deeper understanding of complex legal issues and encourages interdisciplinary approaches within the field. Ultimately, JSTOR has played a crucial role in fostering an informed legal community that values rigorous academic inquiry.

Related terms

Law Review:

A scholarly journal that focuses on legal issues, often published by law schools, featuring articles written by legal scholars, practitioners, and students.

Digital Library: An online database that collects and organizes digital content, providing access to resources such as books, articles, and documents.

Peer Review:

A process where scholarly work is evaluated by experts in the same field before publication, ensuring the quality and credibility of the research.