New Books At The Zief Law Library: April 2025

A collage of ten book covers from the list of new books at the Zief Law Library, added to the collection in April 2025.
A book cover collage of ten new titles added to the library’s collection in April 2025.

The Zief Law Library added new books and eBooks to its collection in April 2025. Topics from April include: business associations; career planning; constitutional law; courts and judiciary; criminal procedure; death penalty; labor law; energy law; family law; health law; immigration law; reproductive rights; social justice; space law; sports law; 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. 

Free and Reduced Cost Legal Resources

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”

Final Exam Preparation

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!

New Books At The Zief Law Library: March 2025

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. 

New Books At The Zief Law Library: February 2025

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 Books At The Zief Law Library: January 2025

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

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!

 

New Books At The Zief Law Library: December 2024

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. 

New Books At The Zief Law Library: November 2024

A collage of ten book covers from the list of new books at the Zief Law Library, added to the collection in November 2024.
A book cover collage of ten new titles added to the library’s collection in November 2024.

The Zief Law Library added new books to its collection in November 2024. Topics from November include: animal law; appellate advocacy; business associations; civil rights and justice; constitutional law; courts and judiciary; criminal law; drug and alcohol laws; education law; election law; employment law; environmental law and climate change; health law; immigration law; Indigenous rights; international human rights law; international law; journalism and mass media; labor law; legal education; legal research and writing; mental health; military law; privacy and data protection; sexuality and the law; technology; U.S. politics and lawmaking; video game law; and women’s rights.

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. 

Beyond Lexis+ and Westlaw: HeinOnline

A computer screen showing the HeinOnline logo.
HeinOnline’s 20222 Information Video: “HeinOnline: Smarter, Better, Faster Research,” published in 2022.

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”

New Books at The Zief Law Library: October 2024

A collage of ten book covers from the list of new books at the Zief Law Library, added to the collection in October 2024.
A book cover collage of ten new titles added to the library’s collection in October 2024.

The Zief Law Library added new books to its collection in October 2024. Topics from October include: abortion laws and reproductive rights; animal law; arbitration; art law and cultural heritage; artificial intelligence; blockchain; career planning; community property; constitutional law; courts and judiciary; the death penalty; energy law; environmental law; family law; finance; food law; immigration law; Indigenous rights; intellectual property; international human rights law; legal education; legal research and writing; mental health; military law; professional responsibility; sexuality and the law; technology; U.S. politics and history; video game law; water law; 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. 

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. 

Left: A contingent from the San Jose United Veterans Council marches in the 2023 Veterans Day parade.Inner Guard and Vocalist of San Francisco Lodge #3 of the San Francisco B.P.O. Elks, Tadd Scott, participates in the 2018 Veterans Day Parade, which celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the ending of World War I.
Left: A San Jose United Veterans Council contingent marches in the 2023 Veterans Day parade. San Jose United Veterans Council/Greg Ramar. Right: Inner Guard and Vocalist of San Francisco Lodge #3 of the San Francisco B.P.O. Elks, Tadd Scott, participates in the 2018 Veterans Day Parade, which celebrates the 100th Anniversary of Armistice Day, November 11th, 2018. Jana Asenbrennerova/Special to The Chronicle. Both images courtesy of the San Francisco Chronicle.

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.

The image shows two photographs. The first is the front page of the 'San Francisco Chronicle' published on November 11th, 1918, announcing the end of World War I. It reads: "Great War Over." The second image shows returning World War I soldiers welcomed home by a parade at City Hall, 1918.
Above: ‘San Francisco Chronicle’ front page, November 11th, 1918, announcing the end of World War I. Library of Congress Photography Archives. Below: Left: Returning soldiers welcomed home at City Hall. Photo credit: McCurry Foto Co. Sacramento.

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.
Researchers working with Veterans History Project collections in the American Folklife Center Reading Room, Library of Congress.
Researchers working with VHP collections in the American Folklife Center Reading Room. Photo credit: Shawn Miller. Veterans History Project, Library of Congress.
  • 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.
  • 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

New Books At The Zief Law Library: September 2024

A collage of ten book covers from the list of books added to the library's collection during September 2024.
Collage of book covers from the September 2024 “New Books” list at Zief Law Library.

The Zief Law Library added new books to its collection in September 2024. Topics from September include arbitration; aquaculture law; banking law; business associations; career planning; comparative law; constitutional law; contracts; courts and judiciary; criminal law and justice; cultural heritage and art law; death penalty; domestic violence law; election law; energy law; entertainment law; environmental law; E.U. law evidence; immigration law; Indigenous law; intellectual property; international human rights law; international law; legal education; legal research and writing; maritime law; military law; national security; privacy and data protection; private law; property; psychology and the law; remedies; reproductive rights and health law; secured transaction; sexuality and the law; tax law; technology; transitional justice; and U.S. lawmaking.

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. 

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