Lexis/Nexis


The full Lexis/Nexis online database system is available to all MIT
students and faculty.  The Nexis portion of the system (the business
information), but not the Lexis portion (the legal information) is
available to non-academic programs, university administrative offices,
centers, and institutes at MIT.  Access methods vary for each group of
users.

   Access Method For All Students And Faculty Other Than Course 15:

Students and faculty from any department may search Lexis/Nexis on
their own at Dewey Library as long as the search is related to
specific MIT class assignments. (See the Statement of Use below for
more information on contractual limitations on the use of this
system).

A sign-up sheet for Lexis/Nexis time is available at the Dewey Library
Reserve Desk.  You may sign-up over the phone by calling the Reserve
Desk at 253-9446.  If you have never used the system, you may also
inquire about training.

DURING SUMMER MONTHS, USE OF THE LEXIS/NEXIS SYSTEM FOR ALL COURSES
OTHER THAN COURSE 15 IS SUSPENDED.


        Access Method For Course 15 Students And Faculty Or
        Those Taking A Course 15 Class:

If you are enrolled in Course 15, you should contact your Program
Coordinator to obtain the passwords.  If you are enrolled in a
different Course, but are taking a Course 15 class, you should ask
your professor for the passwords.

Course 15 students are encouraged to access the Lexis/Nexis system
from the Sloan PC Lab or other means available only to Sloan students.

        Access Method For Members Of Non-academic Programs:

Members of non-academic programs, university administrative offices,
centers, and institutes may consult with a librarian at Dewey Library
Monday - Friday from 9:00 to 5:00 about obtaining a search from the
Nexis, but not the Lexis, system.

        To All Academic Users:

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THE SYSTEM IS AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY (EXCEPT
WHEN IT IS DOWN FOR MAINTENANCE).

HOWEVER, IF THE SYSTEM BECOMES OVERLOADED AND YOU TRY TO LOG IN,
ACADEMIC USERS (I.E. ANYONE AT MIT) WILL BE DENIED ACCESS.  ALSO, IF
YOU ARE USING LEXIS/NEXIS DURING AN "OVERLOADED" TIME, YOUR JOB MAY
BE TERMINATED WITHOUT WARNING.


The following Statement of Use from the Reed Elsevier group, the Lexis/Nexis
database vendor, outlines the policy for student and faculty users:

        STATEMENT OF USE FOR LEXIS/NEXIS EDUCATIONAL SUBSCRIPTION (from
        "Notes for Educational Subscribers, October 1995")

        "Just a reminder that the Lexis/Nexis educational subscription is 
        *for use by students and faculty for classroom-related academic
        research only*, including class preparation, for student's general
        research in connection with School classes, clinics or independent
        study courses, or for any other educational exercise directly
        connected with the School.  Use of, or assisting another in the
        use of, the Services to perform research for any purpose which is
        outside the scope of the educational activities of the School,
        whether or not remuneration to any party is involved, is unauthorized
        use.  Unauthorized use may result in disciplinary action against 
        the offender by the School and may jeopardize the School's access
        to the Services."

The following comments provide further clarification for academic
users:

        1.  Students may use the system for all their class assignments.
  	    80% of the total use of the system should be "hands on" by
            students.  Students should do their own searching.  Neither
            library staff nor faculty should do searching for a student.


        2.  Faculty may use the system to prepare for classes where
            they are requiring at least one classroom assignment [to be
            fulfilled on Lexis/Nexis] during the term of the class.

        3.  Graduate students may use the system for class assignments
            until they become ABD.  They may not use the system to research
            their dissertation.

        4.  Mediated searches should not be done [by library staff] for
            either students or professors.

        5.  The system may be used by professors to prepare for their
            established classes, but may not be used for course development.


   Training:

Dewey Library provides Lexis/Nexis training for students and faculty.  Please
call the Dewey Library Reserve Desk at 253-9446.  Classes are available for
all Departments.