Law Library Hours: Graduation Week

Posted on by Tim Sanzi

Graduation Week Hours (May 11 – May 18)

  • Sunday, May 11: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Monday, May 12: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
  • Tuesday – Friday, May 13 – May 16: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 17: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Sunday, May 18: Closed

Normal Summer Hours (Beginning May 19)

  • Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Friday: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Saturday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

And don’t forget to check the Zief Lost and Found Cart! Please abide by the honor code and only take items that belong to you. Items will be discarded on Saturday, 5/17/2025. For high-value items such as phones, wallets, and keys, call Public Safety Non-Emergency at (415)-422-4201.

Free and Reduced Cost Legal Resources

Posted on by Tim Sanzi

Whether you’re working on a summer internship, building research skills for practice, or simply looking to save on database fees in your future practice, there are lots of quality legal research tools beyond Lexis and Westlaw. Below is a curated list of free and reduced-cost legal resources, along with guides to help you navigate them.

Continue reading “Free and Reduced Cost Legal Resources” →

Denim Day – April 30, 2025

Posted on by Tim Sanzi

On April 30, 2025, we wear denim with purpose. On Denim Day, we stand in solidarity with survivors of sexual violence and join a global movement to raise awareness, challenge harmful myths, and demand accountability.

Why denim? In 1998, the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction, stating that the victim’s jeans were “too tight” — implying consent. The next day, women in the Italian Parliament wore jeans in protest. That act of resistance sparked an international campaign.

🧠 Educate.
💬 Speak out.
👖 Wear denim.

Together, we can raise awareness and we can help end sexual violence.

Final Exam Preparation

Posted on by Tim Sanzi

As finals approach, the Zief Law Library is here to support you through the crunch. Whether you’re outlining, drilling practice questions, or just trying to stay afloat, we’ve gathered resources and study strategies to help you finish strong.

Study Aids: Your Finals MVPs

Don’t forget we offer access to a wide range of digital and print study aids:

  • CALI Lessons: Short, interactive tutorials covering 1L and upper-level subjects. Sign up here using our USF access code. See a Research Librarian for more information.
  • Lexis Digital Library: Browse digital versions of the Understanding series, Skills & Values, and other treatises to help you dive deeper into your course topics. Access it here with your USF login.
  • Aspen Learning Library: Features Examples & Explanations, Glannon Guides, and more. Click here to start.
  • Print Study Aids: Stop by the Research Desk and ask about our high-demand titles in Open Reserve.

Practice Makes (Almost) Perfect

Work through practice questions to test your knowledge and build exam confidence. Many study aids listed above include sample questions with detailed explanations. Don’t underestimate the value of active recall and issue-spotting under time pressure!

Quiet Study Spaces

Need a focused place to work? Zief has you covered with quiet zones, reservable study rooms, and spaces for both solo and group study.

Research Help

Outlines and study guides are great, but sometimes you need a little extra clarification. Our research librarians can help you track down explanations in treatises, clarify legal concepts, or navigate that tricky essay question.

Take Care of Yourself

Remember to rest, hydrate, and take breaks.

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Got questions? Stop by the research desk, get in touch with us online, or schedule an appointment with a librarian. Good luck—we’re cheering you on!

New Books At The Zief Law Library: March 2025

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 March 2025.
A book cover collage of ten new titles added to the library’s collection in March 2025.

The Zief Law Library added new books to its collection in March 2025. Topics from March include: agricultural law; animal law; blockchain; business associations; constitutional law; courts and judiciary; criminal law; election law; evidence; immigration law; Indigenous rights; insurance law; international human rights law; legal education; political science; social justice; 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’s print and digital collections. Navigate the site by using the tabs to the left. New books are organized by date of arrival. 

March 31: International Trans Day of Visibility

Posted on by Tim Sanzi

Recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility at Zief Law Library

As March 31, 2025, approaches, we at the Zief Law Library recognize and celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV). This annual event, established in 2009, is dedicated to celebrating the lives and achievements of transgender people while raising awareness of the discrimination and challenges they continue to face. TDOV serves as a reminder of the importance of visibility, advocacy, and action in supporting the transgender community.

Continue reading “March 31: International Trans Day of Visibility” →

Cracking the Case on What is Law Librarianship?

Posted on by Tim Sanzi

Trick question! Saying the word, “librarian,” is a bit like saying the word, “lawyer.” The word by itself doesn’t tell you what that person does until you add a marker in front of it, such as, “environmental lawyer.” Even then, there is a lot of nuance and diversity within each role! Let’s get started on breaking down what law librarianship looks like in 2025 and how you can learn more about the field.

Introduction

The research librarians you know and love here at Zief are academic research librarians, but there are other kinds of research librarians that you’ll meet in your legal career. Librarianship is part of a field called information science, and are generally referred to as information professionals. Generally, a career in law librarianship will include, “researching, analyzing, and evaluating the quality, accuracy, and validity of sources; teaching and training; writing; managing; and procuring and classifying library materials” (American Association of Law Libraries). Continue reading to explore current trends and career resources!

Continue reading “Cracking the Case on What is Law Librarianship?” →

New Books At The Zief Law Library: February 2025

Posted on by Randall Seder
A collage of ten book covers added to the Zief Law Library’s collection in February 2025.

The Zief Law Library added new books and ebooks to its collection in February 2025. Topics from February include: alternative dispute resolution; animal law; art law; blockchain; business associations; career planning; civil rights; courts and judiciary; criminal law; election law; environmental law; family law; health law; human rights law; immigration law; Indigenous rights; intellectual property; international law; legal education; legal research and writing; mental health; privacy and data protection; technology; urban planning; wills and trusts; women’s 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. 

New AI Research Tools Now Available: Lexis Protege & Westlaw CoCounsel

Posted on by Tim Sanzi

Legal research just got a powerful upgrade! USF Law students and faculty now have access to Lexis Protege and Westlaw CoCounsel, two advanced AI-powered legal research assistants designed to streamline complex legal tasks, enhance research accuracy, and improve productivity.

These tools represent a significant leap in legal technology, integrating generative AI to assist with drafting, document analysis, legal research, and much more. Whether you’re working on a memo, reviewing contracts, or preparing for moot court, these AI tools can save time and improve the quality of your work.

Continue reading “New AI Research Tools Now Available: Lexis Protege & Westlaw CoCounsel” →

New Books At The Zief Law Library: January 2025

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 January 2025.
A book cover collage of ten new titles added to the library’s collection in January 2025.

The Zief Law Library added over a hundred new books and ebooks to its collection in January 2025! Topics from January include: animal law; antitrust; art law; blockchain; business associations; career planning; civil rights; criminal law; constitutional law; contracts; courts and judiciary; economics; environmental law; family law; health law; human rights; immigration law; intellectual property; international law; labor law; legal education; legal research and writing; privacy and data protection; property; tax law; technology; 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. 

Researching International and Human Rights Law

Posted on by Tim Sanzi

Researching International Law & Human Rights Cases

International law and human rights cases can be complex to research due to the variety of sources, jurisdictions, and tribunals involved. Unlike domestic law, where cases and statutes are typically found in a centralized system, international legal research requires navigating treaties, customary international law, and decisions from multiple international courts. Here’s a short guide to help you get started.

Continue reading “Researching International and Human Rights Law” →

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.