Abstract Unconventional shale environments have traditionally been evaluated with wireline logging tools. Recently, it has become more common to evaluate these wells with logging-while-drilling tools because of challenges such as wellbore stability problems that make it risky to leave the hole uncased long enough to run wireline. This paper discusses when it may be appropriate to log unconventional shale environments with LWD tools, the services that are available, and the possible advantages of real-time data while drilling. It also describes the possible differences in the LWD and wireline measurements, including such factors as openhole vs. cased hole data acquisition, time-lapse effects, and anisotropy responses of sonic, resistivity, and nuclear tools. The paper presents examples from the Bakken and Haynesville shales, including azimuthal resistivity, density, caliper, and sonic data. Special considerations for interpreting logs in these environments are discussed, particularly regarding log interpretation in high angle wellbores. Finally, details about the optimization of the logging program and tool configurations are provided for ideal data acquisition in unconventional shale environments.