Research Help From the Zief Law Librarians

Posted on by Tim Sanzi

Research Help from the Law Librarians

Need help with your legal research assignments? The Zief Law Library research librarians are here to assist you! Whether you’re working on a 1L LRWA memo, tackling an upper-division paper, or conducting research for a clinic, externship, or internship, we’re just a click away.

Using Ignacio with Confidence

Ignacio, USF’s online library catalog, is a powerful tool for locating books, journals, eBooks, and more. However, navigating it can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s where Suzanne, Mike, and Tim come in. Having been through law school themselves, they know how challenging legal research can be and are here to help.

One-on-One Research Consultations

To make the most of Ignacio and other resources, book a one-on-one consultation with a librarian. We can help you:

  • Develop a research plan tailored to your project.
  • Navigate Ignacio and other USF databases effectively.
  • Discover and access key resources you need.

Meet with us in person at Zief or over Zoom. To schedule, visit our Zief Research Help page or email ziefref@usfca.edu.

Drop-In Reference Help

If you need quick assistance, drop by the library or send us a question via our ticket system or email. We’re available to answer questions, troubleshoot search issues, and guide you toward the best resources for your needs.

Why Work with the Research Librarians?

Navigating Ignacio and other legal research tools can be daunting. With so many options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Our librarians can simplify the process, teaching you advanced search techniques and pointing you toward resources you might not know exist.

We’re also here to support you beyond Ignacio, whether it’s connecting you with interlibrary loan services or helping you refine your research strategy to align with your academic or professional goals.

See You at Zief!

No matter where you are in your legal education or career—1L, upper-division student, or alum—the Zief Law Library research librarians are here to support you. Visit us online or in person to get expert guidance and make the most of your legal research!

 

New Books At The Zief Law Library: December 2024

Posted on by Randall Seder
A collage of ten book covers from the list of new books at the Zief Law Library, added to the collection in December 2024.
A book cover collage of ten new titles added to the library’s collection in December 2024.

The Zief Law Library added new books to its collection in December 2024. Topics from December include: appellate and trial advocacy; artificial intelligence; business associations; Cambodian law; civil procedure; civil rights and justice; constitutional law; courts and judiciary; economics; environmental law; evidence; family law; health law; immigration law; Indigenous rights; intellectual property; labor law; legal education; legal research and writing; privacy; reproductive rights; and more! 

Click the titles below or explore our monthly New Books at Zief Law Library webpage for the complete list of recent arrivals. On this site, you will find new additions to the Zief Library print and digital collections. Navigate the site by using the tabs to the left. New books are organized by date of arrival. 

Welcome Back – Spring Hours

Posted on by Tim Sanzi

Welcome back, USF Law! The Zief Law Library team hopes you had a wonderful and restful winter break. The library resumes regular services on Monday, January 6th and will have the following hours:

  • Monday – Thursday: 8:00am – 11:00 pm;
  • Friday: 8:00am – 8:00pm;
  • Saturday: 9:00am – 8:00pm;
  • Sunday: 10:00am – 11:00pm.

Zief Research and Reference services:

  • Monday – Friday: 10:00am – 2:00pm.

Have a great semester!

Law Library Hours: Winter Break and Holiday Season!

Posted on by Tim Sanzi

As the semester winds down, we at the Zief Law Library wish you success on your finals and a restful holiday season. Please note our revised holiday hours as follows:

  • Saturday 12/14: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Sunday 12/15: CLOSED
  • Monday – Friday 12/16-12/20: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday 12/21 – 12/22: CLOSED

Thank you for engaging with our resources and services throughout the semester. We’ll be back in the Spring with more updates, tips, and insights on legal research. Until then, happy holidays and best wishes for the New Year!

–The Zief Law Library Staff

Happy Holidays from the Zief Law Library

Posted on by Tim Sanzi

The Librarians and Staff at your Zief Law Library want to wish you a very Happy Holiday season. Thank you for making the library an integral part of your academic journey this semester. Whether you joined us for research support, quiet study, or just a friendly chat, we’ve loved being part of your success this semester. Our best wishes for a restful break and a fantastic new year—we look forward to seeing you in the Spring!

 

 

New Books At The Zief Law Library: November 2024

Posted on by Randall Seder
A collage of ten book covers from the list of new books at the Zief Law Library, added to the collection in November 2024.
A book cover collage of ten new titles added to the library’s collection in November 2024.

The Zief Law Library added new books to its collection in November 2024. Topics from November include: animal law; appellate advocacy; business associations; civil rights and justice; constitutional law; courts and judiciary; criminal law; drug and alcohol laws; education law; election law; employment law; environmental law and climate change; health law; immigration law; Indigenous rights; international human rights law; international law; journalism and mass media; labor law; legal education; legal research and writing; mental health; military law; privacy and data protection; sexuality and the law; technology; U.S. politics and lawmaking; video game law; and women’s rights.

Click the titles below or explore our monthly New Books at Zief Law Library webpage for the complete list of recent arrivals. On this site, you will find new additions to the Zief Library print and digital collections. Navigate the site by using the tabs to the left. New books are organized by date of arrival. 

Law Library Hours: Winter Break 2024 – Happy Holidays!

Posted on by Randall Seder

Congratulations on all of your hard work and accomplishments this semester! The library staff wishes you a restful holiday season with friends and family. Though we’ll miss you, we know time away will restore your energy for the new semester. See you in January! 

Please note that the law library will have the following adjusted hours for the Holiday Break:

Saturday, Dec. 14th: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Sunday, Dec. 15th: CLOSED
Monday, Dec. 16th-Friday, Dec. 20th, 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM (no library services)
Saturday, Dec. 21st-Sunday, Dec. 22nd: CLOSED
Monday, Dec. 23rd: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM (no library services)
Tuesday, Dec. 24th-Wednesday, Jan. 1st- CLOSED
Thursday, Jan. 2nd-Friday, Jan 3rd: 8:00 AM-6:00 PM
Saturday, Jan. 4th- Sunday, Jan. 5th: 10:00 AM-6:00 PM

Normal library hours will resume on Monday, Jan. 6th, 2025: 

See you then!

Visit the Law Library Hours of Operations website for a full calendar view of our current and upcoming hours. 

Law Library Hours: Thanksgiving 2024

Posted on by Randall Seder

Hi, all!

Please note that the law library will have the following adjusted hours for Thanksgiving 2024:

Wednesday, Nov. 27th: 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM
Thursday, Nov. 28th: CLOSED
Friday, Nov. 29th: 10:00 AM- 6:00 PM
Saturday, Nov. 30th: 10:00 AM- 6:00 PM
Normal Hours Resume on Sunday, Dec. 1st: 10:00 AM- 11:00 PM 

For a full calendar view of our current and upcoming hours, visit our Law Library Hours of Operations website.  

Beyond Lexis+ and Westlaw: HeinOnline

Posted on by Tim Sanzi
A computer screen showing the HeinOnline logo.
HeinOnline’s 20222 Information Video: “HeinOnline: Smarter, Better, Faster Research,” published in 2022.

Having access to extensive and reliable legal resources is crucial to a law student’s academic success. That’s why the Zief Law Librarians provide access to HeinOnline, one of the most powerful and comprehensive legal research databases available. Let’s explore what HeinOnline offers and how you can leverage it for your studies. Continue reading “Beyond Lexis+ and Westlaw: HeinOnline” →

New Books at The Zief Law Library: October 2024

Posted on by Randall Seder
A collage of ten book covers from the list of new books at the Zief Law Library, added to the collection in October 2024.
A book cover collage of ten new titles added to the library’s collection in October 2024.

The Zief Law Library added new books to its collection in October 2024. Topics from October include: abortion laws and reproductive rights; animal law; arbitration; art law and cultural heritage; artificial intelligence; blockchain; career planning; community property; constitutional law; courts and judiciary; the death penalty; energy law; environmental law; family law; finance; food law; immigration law; Indigenous rights; intellectual property; international human rights law; legal education; legal research and writing; mental health; military law; professional responsibility; sexuality and the law; technology; U.S. politics and history; video game law; water law; and more!

Click the titles below or explore our monthly New Books at Zief Law Library webpage for the complete list of recent arrivals. On this site, you will find new additions to the Zief Library print and digital collections. Navigate the site by using the tabs to the left. New books are organized by date of arrival. 

The Zief Law Library Celebrates Veterans Day: Monday, November 11th, 2024

Posted on by Tim Sanzi

In celebration of Veterans Day, Zief Law Librarian Tim Sanzi explores the holiday’s history, highlights relevant legal research resources, and shares some upcoming Bay Area events of interest. 

Left: A contingent from the San Jose United Veterans Council marches in the 2023 Veterans Day parade.Inner Guard and Vocalist of San Francisco Lodge #3 of the San Francisco B.P.O. Elks, Tadd Scott, participates in the 2018 Veterans Day Parade, which celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the ending of World War I.
Left: A San Jose United Veterans Council contingent marches in the 2023 Veterans Day parade. San Jose United Veterans Council/Greg Ramar. Right: Inner Guard and Vocalist of San Francisco Lodge #3 of the San Francisco B.P.O. Elks, Tadd Scott, participates in the 2018 Veterans Day Parade, which celebrates the 100th Anniversary of Armistice Day, November 11th, 2018. Jana Asenbrennerova/Special to The Chronicle. Both images courtesy of the San Francisco Chronicle.

History of Veterans Day

Veterans Day is a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. – US Embassy and Consulate in Brazil.

The image shows two photographs. The first is the front page of the 'San Francisco Chronicle' published on November 11th, 1918, announcing the end of World War I. It reads: "Great War Over." The second image shows returning World War I soldiers welcomed home by a parade at City Hall, 1918.
Above: ‘San Francisco Chronicle’ front page, November 11th, 1918, announcing the end of World War I. Library of Congress Photography Archives. Below: Left: Returning soldiers welcomed home at City Hall. Photo credit: McCurry Foto Co. Sacramento.

As Veterans Day approaches, the Zief Law Library wishes to recognize and honor the veterans among our students, faculty, and staff at the University of San Francisco School of Law. This day also serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served with dedication and valor. 

Veterans Day is observed every year on November 11th and has a rich history that dates back to the end of World War I. Originally called Armistice Day, it commemorated the official end of the First World War, which occurred at 11 AM on November 11th, 1918  (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month), and the peace negotiations that followed. In 1954, the holiday was renamed “Veterans Day” after long-term petitioning of major United States veteran organizations. The first Veterans Day Presidential Proclamation was issued by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954. President Eisenhower’s speech publicly declared the holiday’s name change to Veterans Day. His speech encouraged Americans to “remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly…to preserve our heritage of freedom, and… promot[e] an enduring peace.”

Since 1954, Veterans Day has been recognized annually by presidential proclamations. In his 2023 Veterans Day Proclamation, President Joseph Biden highlighted ongoing challenges that U.S. veterans face, such as access to housing, employment, mental health resources, and legal representation. President Biden ended his speech by detailing national efforts to help support veterans and encouraged Americans to recognize the holiday each November by participating in appropriate patriotic ceremonies or community activities. To learn more about the history and social significance of Veterans Day, visit the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs website.

Commemorating Veterans Day: Research Resources

For those interested in learning more about Veterans Day and its significance, we recommend exploring the following resources:

  • The Veterans History Project: The Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress collects, preserves and makes accessible the firsthand recollections of U.S. military veterans who served from World War I through more recent conflicts and peacekeeping missions, so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand what they saw, did and felt during their service.
Researchers working with Veterans History Project collections in the American Folklife Center Reading Room, Library of Congress.
Researchers working with VHP collections in the American Folklife Center Reading Room. Photo credit: Shawn Miller. Veterans History Project, Library of Congress.
  • Historical documents related to Veterans Day, including the Presidential Actions Archives, an archive of past Executive Orders, Memorandum, Proclamations, and more.
  • Print and eBooks from the Zief Law Library Collection: To explore books from the Zief Law Library collection written by veteran authors and/or discussing military service experiences regarding the law, please explore the Zief catalog. Relevant topics include: military law; international law; international human rights law and advocacy; U.S. politics; health law, mental health, and medical benefits; disability law, compensations, and pensions; employment law; national security; and family law. 

Bay Area Events

  • San Francisco Veterans Day Parade, 2024: San Francisco’s free Veterans Day Parade will take place on Sunday, November 10th, from 11:00 AM- 12:00 PM in Fisherman’s Warf. 
  • San Jose’s 106th Annual Veterans Day Parade & Ceremony, 2024: San Jose’s Veteran’s Day Parade will take place on November 11, 2024, at 11:00 AM in Downtown, San Jose. Each year, since 1918, the United Veterans Council of Santa Clara County has produced a Veterans Day Parade with support from the City of San Jose, Santa Clara County, and contributions from many individuals and organizations. This parade is the largest Veterans Day Parade in Northern California.

  • Legion of Honor Centennial Weekend Celebration for Veterans Day: On November 11th, 2024, join The Legion of Honor for special Veterans Day programs as part of their Centennial Weekend Celebration. Events include live organ concerts on the museum’s rare Spreckels Organ, docent tours, and a special lecture, The Thinker’s Place, in conjunction with the newly opened exhibition Celebrating 100 Years at the Legion of Honor. Museum admission is free for all active duty military personnel and veterans during Veterans Day Weekend 2024. 

    For more information on Veterans Day events in your area, visit the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, VA News, or the City and County of San Francisco government website!

References

Zief Law Library’s Law Career Planning Collection

Posted on by Tim Sanzi

Research Your Legal Career Path with Zief’s Career Planning Collection

Are you a law student looking to explore your career options? Look no further than the Zief Law Library’s Career Planning Collection! Located conveniently on the first floor, this valuable resource is designed to help you navigate the diverse landscape of legal professions.

Explore the Collection

Our Career Collection offers a wealth of information on various legal career paths, from traditional law firm roles to alternative legal careers. Whether you’re interested in corporate law, public interest, or judicial clerkships, you’ll find resources to guide your journey.

Research with Expert Assistance
The Zief Law Librarians are here to support your career exploration. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help in navigating the collection or conducting in-depth research on specific legal careers. Our knowledgeable staff can assist you in finding the most relevant and up-to-date information for your interests

Access Through Ignacio

Browsing our Career Collection is easy through Ignacio, our comprehensive library catalog. Simply log in with your USF single sign on and start exploring the wealth of career-related materials at your fingertips.

Suggested Catalog Searches

To get you started, here are some search terms you can try in Ignacio:

  • “Legal careers”
  • “Alternative legal careers”
  • “Law firm practice”
  • “Public interest law”
  • “Corporate legal departments”
  • “Judicial clerkships”
  • “Legal technology careers”
  • “Environmental law careers”
  • “International law careers”
  • “Legal writing careers”

These searches will help you discover books, guides, and other resources specific to various legal career paths.

Take Action Today

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore your potential legal career paths. Visit the Career Collection on the first floor of the Zief Law Library, search Ignacio for relevant titles, and connect with our librarians for personalized assistance.Your future in law starts here – let the Zief Law Library’s Career Collection be your guide to a fulfilling legal career!

Zief Law Library Celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Legal History, Events, and Resources

Posted on by Randall Seder

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY 2024: OCTOBER 14TH

In celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Zief Library Assistant Randall Seder takes a look at the social and legal history of the day, highlights Zief research resources, and presents some Bay Area events of interest.

Image of a Navajo woman wearing a shirt that says, "Natives Vote: Every Vote Counts." The image is from Patty Ferguson-Bohnee's 2020 article, "How the Native American Vote Continues to be Suppressed,” from the American Bar Association website.
“I will never forget the Navajo grandmother who spoke only Navajo and could not vote after Arizona passed its voter ID law in 2004…The system failed to consider her reality as a Navajo woman and failed to value her as a voter. Fortunately, she was persistent in exercising her right to vote, but not all voters are, nor should they have to be…” “How the Native American Vote Continues to be Suppressed,” Patty Ferguson-Bohnee, 2020, American Bar Association website.

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY HISTORY

Join the Zief Law Library in celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday, October 14th, 2024. Indigenous Peoples Day is an official city and state holiday in various jurisdictions within the United States. The holiday acknowledges Indigenous resilience, sovereignty, and diverse cultural heritage, as well as commemorates their immeasurable contributions to United States history, culture, and the law. Continue reading “Zief Law Library Celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Legal History, Events, and Resources” →

New Books At The Zief Law Library: September 2024

Posted on by Randall Seder
A collage of ten book covers from the list of books added to the library's collection during September 2024.
Collage of book covers from the September 2024 “New Books” list at Zief Law Library.

The Zief Law Library added new books to its collection in September 2024. Topics from September include arbitration; aquaculture law; banking law; business associations; career planning; comparative law; constitutional law; contracts; courts and judiciary; criminal law and justice; cultural heritage and art law; death penalty; domestic violence law; election law; energy law; entertainment law; environmental law; E.U. law evidence; immigration law; Indigenous law; intellectual property; international human rights law; international law; legal education; legal research and writing; maritime law; military law; national security; privacy and data protection; private law; property; psychology and the law; remedies; reproductive rights and health law; secured transaction; sexuality and the law; tax law; technology; transitional justice; and U.S. lawmaking.

Click the titles below or explore our monthly New Books at Zief Law Library webpage for the complete list of recent arrivals. On this site, you will find new additions to the Zief Library print and digital collections. Navigate the site by using the tabs to the left. New books are organized by date of arrival. 

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