Month: September 2024

Get Ahead in Your Research: One-on-One Support from the Zief Librarians

Posted on by Tim Sanzi

Elevate Your Legal Research: One-on-One Consultations with Zief Law Librarians

Are you grappling with a challenging research assignment? Your Zief Law Library research librarians are just a click away! Whether you’re crafting your first 1L LRWA memo, delving into an upper-division paper, or working on a project for a clinic, externship, or internship, our expert librarians are ready to provide personalized research consultation appointments tailored to your needs.

Credit: Scott Graham for Unsplash.com

Why Book a Research Consultation?

Our research librarians have walked in your shoes. They understand the complexities of legal research, especially when venturing into unfamiliar legal territories. The vast array of resources available in our databases, catalog, and across the internet can be overwhelming to navigate alone. That’s where we come in! By scheduling a consultation with Suzanne, Tim, or Mike, you can:

  • Get expert guidance at any stage of your project
  • Ensure you’re on the right track with your research
  • Discover valuable resources you might have overlooked
  • Learn efficient research strategies to save time and effort

Flexible Appointment Options

We understand the demands of law school life. That’s why we offer both in-person consultations at the Zief Law Library and virtual appointments via Zoom. Whether you’re on campus or studying remotely, we’re here to support your research needs.

Beyond Consultations: Quick Research Help

Need a quick research tip but don’t require a full consultation? We’ve got you covered:

  • Regular Reference Hours: Stop by the library during our scheduled hours for immediate assistance.
  • Email Support: For less urgent inquiries, drop us an email.

For more information on all our research support services, visit our Zief Research Help page. Don’t let research challenges slow you down. Book your one-on-one consultation with a Zief Law Librarian today and unlock your full research potential!

Study Aids in the Zief Law Library

Posted on by Tim Sanzi

As the semester kicks into high gear, it’s time to supercharge your study routine with the wealth of study aids available at the Zief Law Library. Whether you’re a 1L trying to grasp the fundamentals or an upper-level student diving into complex legal concepts, we’ve got you covered.

Study Aids Available in Print and Digital

Print Resources
We offer an extensive selection of print study aids, including popular series like Nutshells, Short and Happy Guides, Examples & Explanations, Glannon Guides, and Emanuel Law Outlines. These resources provide in-depth explanations, practice questions, and summaries to reinforce your understanding of key legal concepts.

Digital Study Aids
For those who prefer digital formats, we provide access to several online platforms:

  • Aspen Learning Library: Featuring full-text search, note-taking capabilities, and audio recordings.
  • Lexis Digital Library: Offering eBooks for online and offline reading.

How to Access Study Aids

To find the study aids you need:

  1. Search our catalog, Ignacio, for specific titles or subject areas.
  2. Browse the study aid collection on the low stacks near the Access Services Desk for a quick overview of available print materials.
  3. Access our online platforms through the Law Library’s website (USF Law login required for some resources).

Maximizing Your Study Aid Experience

Remember, study aids are supplements to your coursework, not substitutes for required readings and class attendance. Use them to:

  • Clarify difficult concepts
  • Reinforce your understanding of the material
  • Practice applying legal principles with sample questions
  • Prepare for exams with comprehensive outlines

Need Help?

If you’re unsure which study aids best suit your needs or how to access them, don’t hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable law librarians. They’re here to help you navigate our resources and optimize your study strategy.For personalized assistance, visit our Ask a Librarian page to connect with a law librarian who can guide you to the most relevant study aids for your courses. Happy studying, and remember – the Zief Law Library is your partner in academic success!

National Voter Registration Day: September 17th, 2024

Posted on by Randall Seder

In celebration of National Voter Registration Day, Zief Library Assistant Randall Seder shares the holiday’s history, current voter registration information, and legal research resources at Zief. 

Promotional materials from the ACLU North Carolina Voting Information Center, 2024.
Promotional materials from the ACLU North Carolina Voting Information Center, 2024.

NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION DAY:

OVERVIEW AND HISTORY

Join the University of San Francisco Zief Law Library in celebrating National Voter Registration Day on September 17th, 2024. This nonpartisan civic holiday is celebrated each September to create awareness about voter registration opportunities and celebrate democracy. Continue reading “National Voter Registration Day: September 17th, 2024” →

New Books At The Zief Law Library: August 2024

Posted on by Randall Seder
This image shows a collage of ten book covers from the list of new books at the Zief Law Library, added during August 2024.
Collage of book covers from the August 2024 New Books list at Zief Law Library.

The Zief Law Library added new books to its collection in August 2024. Topics from August include: antitrust; artificial intelligence; bankruptcy; business associations; career planning; civil procedure; constitutional law; contracts; courts and judiciary; criminal law; criminal procedure; drug laws and policy; education law; employment law; environmental law; E.U. law; evidence; family law; food law; health law; human rights; immigration and emigration law; Indigenous rights; intellectual property; international law; internet law; legal education; legal research and writing; negotiations; property; religion; reproductive rights; sales; tax law; technology and privacy; torts; and water & oil law. 

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. 

Academic Success Collection at Zief

Posted on by Tim Sanzi

Academic Success Collection at the Zief Law Library

At the Dorraine Zief Law Library, we’re committed to providing our law students with the resources they need to excel in their academic careers. Our Academic Success Collection is specially curated to support your studies and help you navigate the challenges of law school.

Key Features of Our Collection

Comprehensive Study Aids: Our collection includes over 180 eBook study aids from the Aspen Learning Library, featuring popular series like Examples & Explanations, Glannon Guides, and Emanuel Outlines. These resources offer highlighting, note-taking, and printing options to enhance your study experience.

LexisNexis Digital Library: Our students have access to more than 100 eBook study aids and casebooks covering over 50 law school subjects, including all first-year and California Bar exam topics. This collection also features audiobooks for those who prefer auditory learning.

Subjects Covered

Our Academic Success Collection spans a wide range of legal topics, ensuring comprehensive coverage of your 1L and upper division curriculum. Some key areas include:

  • Constitutional Law
  • Contracts
  • Torts
  • Criminal Law and Procedure
  • Civil Procedure
  • Property Law
  • Legal Writing and Research

How to Access the Collection

As a USF law student, you can easily access these resources either in print or through our A-Z Database List located on the Zief Law Library homepage. Simply log in with your USF credentials to start exploring the wealth of materials available to support your studies. If you are having trouble accessing any database, please contact a research librarian.

Beyond the Collection

Remember, the Academic Success Collection is just one part of our commitment to your success. Our research librarians are always available to provide expert research assistance and training to help you make the most of these resources. We encourage all USF Law students to take advantage of this valuable collection. Whether you’re preparing for exams, working on a paper, or simply looking to deepen your understanding of a legal concept, the titles in our academic success collection are here to support your academic journey. Visit the Zief Law Library today and discover how our Academic Success Collection can enhance your law school experience!