What are some points to keep in mind when deciding whether the Internet is the right research tool for your project?

Before using the Internet for a research project, you need to decide whether it is the right tool for your needs. The Internet is only one tool for doing research. Knowing which tool to use and when to use it is the key to obtaining quick, accurate results. Ask yourself the following questions:
• What sources are needed?
• Are they on the Internet?
• Are they available elsewhere?
• Either way, what is the cost?
• How much time do you have to produce results?
The availability (accessibility) of a source, what it costs, and the time it would take to use it are the basic considerations. If the Internet is the right tool for your research, you will have much at your disposal. The fee-based Lexis and Westlaw services are the dominant legal research resources on the Internet, and there are also some free services available online.