Exploring the Use of Legal Databases Among Law Students at North-West University, South Africa

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the usage statistics of legal databases by law students at North-West University (NWU) for 2023, focussing exclusively on usage statistics. The primary objective was to assess the frequency with which each legal database available to students was used and to evaluate whether these resources are being used effectively. Using data obtained from the university’s library records, this study examines the number of times each legal database was accessed by students between January and December 2023. The study focused on the following legal databases: JutaOnline, LexisNexis, HeinOnline, Westlaw, JSTOR, Sabinet African Journals, and Sabinet Legal. The research employed quantitative methods to analyse usage patterns, including the total number of database accesses, the frequency distribution, and comparisons between different databases. The study aimed to provide valuable insight into the use of legal databases among law students, shedding light on which databases are used most frequently. The implications of these findings can inform library management and university administration in optimising resource allocation, improving access to high-demand databases, and enhancing support for student research and learning activities in the field of law.