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 on Digital Platforms

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. Many of these titles are available in our Open Reserve collection, meaning you can just get them off the stacks and use within the library for an unlimited amount of time. Please be sure to return titles to the circulation desk or to the book carts beside the Open Reserve stacks.

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. This is the Open Reserve section.
3. Access our online platforms through the Law Library’s website (USF Law login required for some resources).

Exam Preparation: Focused Resources for Testing Your Knowledge

With midterms approaching, many students are seeking materials specifically designed for exam preparation. Here are our top recommendations for testing your knowledge and building exam confidence:

For Core 1L Courses (Torts, Contracts, Civil Procedure):

• Examples & Explanations and Glannon Guides: Perfect for step-by-step learning with narrative explanations followed by short multiple-choice questions throughout. Available in print in our collection and fully accessible through the Aspen Learning Library.
• Questions and Answers series: Ideal for intensive practice with short multiple-choice questions on course topics, cumulative finals, and detailed answer explanations. Some titles are available behind the circulation desk, with the complete collection accessible through Lexis Digital Library.
• Perfect Practice Exams: Features essay questions with realistic time allotments to simulate actual exam conditions. The first edition is available in Open Reserves, while the updated second edition can be found on Lexis Digital Library.

Additional Resources for Breaking Down Areas of Law:

• Nutshells: Provide high-level overviews of legal areas and sub-areas, perfect for quick review and concept reinforcement. Available in Open Reserves.
• Comprehensive Collection in the Stacks: Search Ignacio.usfca.edu to discover additional topics and resource types beyond what’s in Open Reserves.
• Library Research Guides: Topic-centered guides covering specific legal areas with curated links to resources, current news, and practice materials.
• Career Planning Section: Explore resources focused on professional identity development and various practice types to help contextualize your studies.

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
• Build confidence through timed practice sessions

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!