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Utilization of Online Databases by State Law Advisors in the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Pretoria, South Africa

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 September 2025

Khulekani Khumalo  and
Mandisa Msomi Open the ORCID record for Mandisa Msomi [Opens in a new window]
Khulekani Khumalo
Affiliation:
Department of International Relations and Cooperation, South Africa. Email: khulekani31@gmail.com.
Mandisa Msomi
Affiliation:
University of South Africa , South Africa. Email: msomim@unisa.ac.za.
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Abstract

This study examined the use and satisfaction levels of State Law Advisors regarding online legal databases at the Research Centre in the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in Pretoria, South Africa. The study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of digital platforms in facilitating legal research and decision-making processes. Data were collected via structured interviews with State Law Advisors, who function as primary legal experts in matters of international law. The findings reveal that although State Law Advisors recognize the efficiency and convenience of online legal databases, various challenges hinder their optimal use. Identified key issues include restricted after-hours access, dependence on librarians for database retrieval, insufficient mobile optimization, and a limited understanding of advanced search functionalities. Enhancements to infrastructure were recommended by respondents, specifically the provision of dedicated computers within the Research Centre and remote access through personal devices, especially for individuals working late or travelling internationally. Additionally, there was a significant demand for the incorporation of more specialized international law databases to address the specific research needs of State Law Advisors. The findings underscore the necessity for enhanced digital accessibility, focused user training, and increased resource availability to bolster legal advisory functions and effectively support South Africa’s international engagements.

Keywords

State Law Advisorsaccessonline databasesinternational lawresearch centre

Information

Type
Article
Information
International Journal of Legal Information , Volume 53 , Issue 2 , Summer 2025 , pp. 155 - 164
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by International Association of Law Libraries

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