Subject matter research services are often called "looseleaf" services. Many are actually published in looseleaf binders so the publisher is able to update individual pages or sections as necessary.
Subject matter research services are also available in many other formats, including bound print volumes, CD-ROMs, and internet databases.
A subject matter research service may contain some or all of the following types of information:
- news or analysis of current events in the field
- statutory material (federal or state statutes, legislative history of pertinent statutes)
- administrative material (federal or state regulations and agency decisions)
- cases (federal or state)
Some areas for which subject matter services are available include environmental law, tax, bankruptcy, government contracts, intellectual property, employment and labor law, and securities law.
Some of the best known publishers of subject matter services are:
