Author: Tim Sanzi

Law Library Sign-off and Summer Hours

Posted on by Tim Sanzi

The staff and faculty at the Zief Law Library would like to thank you for a wonderful Spring semester. We’ve enjoyed supporting your research, learning, and academic success—and we’re proud to be part of your journey. As we head into summer, please take note of our adjusted hours below.

📚 Zief Law Library – Summer 2025 Hours

Normal Summer Hours (Starting 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.

🗓️ Holiday & Special Hours

Memorial Day – Monday, May 26
🔒 Closed

Juneteenth – Thursday, June 19
🔒 Closed

Independence Day Weekend – July 4–6

  • Friday (July 4): Closed
  • Saturday (July 5): 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Sunday (July 6): 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

📘 Bar Exam Week – July 29 to August 3

  • Tuesday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Saturday – Sunday: Closed

📙 Library Prep Weeks – August 4 to August 15

  • Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Saturday – Sunday: Closed

🎓 Orientation Weekend – August 16 & 17
🔒 Closed

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.

—

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!

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 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” →

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!

 

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!