Beyond Lexis+ and Westlaw: HeinOnline

Posted on by Tim Sanzi
A computer screen showing the HeinOnline logo.
HeinOnline’s 20222 Information Video: “HeinOnline: Smarter, Better, Faster Research,” published in 2022.

Having access to extensive and reliable legal resources is crucial to a law student’s academic success. That’s why the Zief Law Librarians provide access to HeinOnline, one of the most powerful and comprehensive legal research databases available. Let’s explore what HeinOnline offers and how you can leverage it for your studies.

What is HeinOnline?

HeinOnline is a premier online research platform that provides access to over 3,200 law journals, government documents, case law, and other legal materials. With Hein’s extensive historical coverage, you can access journals as far back as their first published issue, and as recent as the most current publication allowed by publishers.

Key features of HeinOnline include:

  • Full-text, image-based PDFs of documents
  • Coverage spanning over 100 subjects across 40+ disciplines
  • More than 45 million pages of content
  • Materials from 60 different countries
  • Artificial intelligence tools to enhance research

Why Use HeinOnline?

  1. Comprehensive Coverage: HeinOnline often offers more extensive journal coverage compared to other legal databases, especially for older materials.
  2. Image-Based PDFs: All documents appear exactly as they were originally printed, ensuring accuracy and authenticity.
  3. Multidisciplinary Approach: While focused on law, HeinOnline covers related fields such as political science, criminal justice, and international relations
  4. Historical Depth: Access to centuries of legal scholarship and primary sources, including the entire Congressional Record and Federal Register.
  5. User-Friendly Tools: Features like ScholarCheck help you analyze the impact and authority of articles within your field of study.

    A screenshot from from the HeinOnline website main page information video, " Smarter, Better, Faster Research," published in 2022. The image shows a dark blue screen with the question "How Do You Research?" surrounded by various research tools and methods, including a computer, a smartphone, a stack of book, and a data graph.
    HeinOnline’s 20222 Information Video: “HeinOnline: Smarter, Better, Faster Research,” published in 2022.

How to Use HeinOnline Effectively

  1. Utilize Advanced Search: Narrow your results by article title, author, subject, date, and more.
  2. Explore Specialized Collections: HeinOnline offers subject-specific databases like the Law Journal Library, U.S. Treaties and Agreements Library, and World Constitutions Illustrated.
  3. Try SmartCILP: This tool provides weekly email updates on newly published articles in your areas of interest.
  4. Use ScholarCheck: Analyze which articles have been most influential in your field of study.

How can I access HeinOnline?

You can easily access HeinOnline on- and off-campus with your USF Single Sign-On!

For more information on incorporating HeinOnline’s resources into your research, visit the Zief Law Library Research Desk. Our librarians are here to help you make the most of HeinOnline’s features and build your legal research skills. Happy researching!