Please note that the law library will have the following adjusted hours for the Presidents’ Day Holiday:
- Saturday-Sunday, February 15-16: 10:00am – 6:00pm;
- Monday, February 17: Closed.
See you then!
Author: Tim Sanzi
Researching International and Human Rights Law
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
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!
Law Library Hours: Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
Hi All!
Please note that the law library will have the following adjusted hours for the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday:
- Saturday-Sunday, January 18-19: 10:00am – 6:00pm;
- Monday, January 20: Closed.
See you then!
Welcome Back – Spring Hours
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!
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
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!
Beyond Lexis+ and Westlaw: HeinOnline
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”
The Zief Law Library Celebrates Veterans Day: Monday, November 11th, 2024
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
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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
- “History of Veterans Day and Timeline,” U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.
- Library of Congress Photography Archives.
- Presidential Actions Archives
- A Proclamation on Veterans Day,2023. Joseph R. Biden Jr. on
- Proclamation 3071—Veteran’s Day, 1954. Dwight D. Eisenhower on October 8th, 1954The American Presidency Project.
- “Veterans Day 2024: Bay Area Parades, Community Events and More Ways To Celebrate,” San Francisco Chronicle.
- The Veterans History Project, Library of Congress.
- “Veterans Day,” United States Embassy and Consulate in Brazil
Zief Law Library’s Law Career Planning Collection
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!
Get Ahead in Your Research: One-on-One Support from the Zief Librarians
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.
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
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:
- Search our catalog, Ignacio, for specific titles or subject areas.
- Browse the study aid collection on the low stacks near the Access Services Desk for a quick overview of available print materials.
- 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!
Academic Success Collection at Zief
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!
Group Study Rooms and Interview Rooms Available
Are you looking for a new place to study? Try one of our nine Group Study Rooms or our Virtual Office Hour/Interview space on your next visit to the library. Our study rooms offer a variety of features to help you and your colleagues work or study collaboratively.
The “Five-A’s” of Zief’s Group Study Rooms:
Access: Our group study rooms are available to all current USF law students, faculty, and staff. Each offers a variety of essential resources. Group Study Rooms can accommodate 2 to 8 people for up to two hours at a time and are equipped with large tables, whiteboards, power outlets, and big-screen TVs suitable for screen sharing. Our Virtual Office Hour/ Interview space offers students a private, professional environment for virtual meetings.
Continue reading “Group Study Rooms and Interview Rooms Available”
Law Library Hours: Fall Semester and Labor Day Holiday
Hi All!
The law library will have the following hours for Fall 2024 and adjusted hours for the upcoming Labor Day Holiday:
Fall 2024 Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8:00am – 11:00pm
Friday: 8:00am – 8:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am – 8:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am – 11:00pm
Adjusted Labor Day Hours:
Saturday-Sunday, August 31 and September 1: 10:00am-6:00pm
Monday, September 2: Closed
For a full calendar view of our current and upcoming hours, visit our Law Library Hours of Operations website. We look forward to seeing you this Fall!