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!
Please note that the law library will have the following adjusted hours for the Presidents’ Day Holiday:
See you then!
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”
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.
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.
To make the most of Ignacio and other resources, book a one-on-one consultation with a librarian. We can help you:
Meet with us in person at Zief or over Zoom. To schedule, visit our Zief Research Help page or email ziefref@usfca.edu.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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:
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.
Need a quick research tip but don’t require a full consultation? We’ve got you covered:
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!
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.
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:
To find the study aids you need:
Remember, study aids are supplements to your coursework, not substitutes for required readings and class attendance. Use them to:
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!
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.
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”
On Monday, March 11th, Zief Law Library’s digital catalog, Igancio, and library software system for checkout, Sierra, will be under maintenance. Patrons will not be able to search the digital catalog but will be able to check out materials from the Circulation desk. Any materials checked out on March 11th will be recorded manually and patrons will receive handwritten due dates and times, including for course texts. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Final Exam Season is upon us and with that comes plenty of preparation, stress, and excitement. We’re in the home stretch. The Zief Law Library is here to help and support you through it all and we have a variety of study spaces to meet your needs.
We know that sometimes you really need to buckle down and focus on your work and the slightest noises really throw you off your game. We’ve designated Club ’59, a large silent study room on the upper-floor, just for you.
Just look for this sign:
If silent study isn’t your thing, please choose a different area to study so your quieter classmates can get things done. There are other areas of the library that are still quiet but where your classmates won’t be bothered by the occasional clickety-clack of your keyboard or whispered exam tips from your study buddy. These spaces can be found on the library’s upper floor.
Just look for this sign:
We understand that sometimes you want to work in groups or you just need a break from all of the quiet awesomeness that is happening in other areas of the library to catch up with your friends. These spaces can be found on both the main and lower floors of the library.
If you see this sign, you know you’re in the right place:
The bottom line is that there is a place for everyone here at Zief. We invite you to find a great study spot that fits your needs.
This summer, in collaboration with the Office of Career Services, Zief Research Librarians curated a collection of materials and resources to best help you prepare for your legal careers. From landing a job interview to navigating your first workplace conflict, the Career Services Collection can be a source of advice for your future legal professional journey.
The print materials are currently available on the first floor of Zief Law Library, near the research librarians’ offices.
Here are some of the newest titles added to the Career Services Collection:
For individual career counseling, speak to the Office of Career Services, located in Kendrick 335 and 336.
For help finding resources on a specific area of legal practice, talk to your Zief Research Librarians.
Mastering time management in law school is essential for accomplishing your goals and lowering stress levels. There are people and tools that can help you organize your academic schedule in effective and rewarding ways. Try this strategy here to maximize your time and success in law school!
Hi all! Summer is upon us, and you’re probably gearing up to tackle your summer internship placements. As an important reminder, there are certain limitations on using certain research platforms over the summer. Here, we’ll take a look at the big three – Westlaw, Lexis, and Bloomberg – and run through what you’ll be able to use them for. And don’t forget, your librarians are also here to help support you throughout the summer
Westlaw can be used over the summer for non-commercial research — you can’t use it in situations where you are billing a client. Examples of permissible use include: Continue reading “Summer Access to Lexis, Westlaw, and Bloomberg”
This post reflects a change from the original published event date of Wednesday, Oct. 12.
In celebration of Wellness Week at USF Law School, our pal Brixton is back! Stop by the Zief Law Library on Friday, October 14th from 1:00pm-2:00pm for some playful stress-relief and tail-waggin’ fun with one of our favorite golden retrievers!
Brixton is a golden retriever with several years of experience as an SPCA therapy-assistance volunteer. Brixton loves belly rubs, making new friends, dressing up in holiday-themed costumes, and smiling for the camera.
The SPCA is one of San Francisco’s leading animal welfare nonprofit organizations. The SPCA is dedicated to matching animals with loving homes, providing access to high-quality veterinary care, and promoting programs such as adoption, animal assisted therapy, and behavioral training. Explore the SPCA website for more information on upcoming events.
Hi Dons!
Need help with your research assignments? Your research librarians are just a click away! Whether you’re navigating a 1L LRWA memo, tackling an upper-division or directed research paper, or even completing an assignment for a clinic, externship, or internship, the librarians have one-on-one research consultation appointments available to you.
Having also been through law school, the research librarians know how tricky research planning can be, especially if you’re diving into an area of law that you’re unfamiliar with. Plus, there are lots of resources in our databases, our catalog, and across the internet that can be really overwhelming to navigate alone. So, you can book a research consultation with Suzanne, John, and Mike at the beginning or even throughout your project, to make sure you’re staying on target and getting to the sources you need (or didn’t know you needed). Plus, we’re available to meet in Zief or on Zoom, so you can make an appointment whether you’re on- or off-campus!
Need other research help but don’t necessarily need a full consultation? The librarians also hold regular hours for live reference assistance. You can stop by the library to see us or send us a question via instant message or email! Visit our Zief Research Help page for more information and instructions!
See you then!
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.
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 and Interview Rooms Available”
The Zief Law Library team welcomes our new 1Ls, LLMs, and returning upper-level law students to a brand new school year! We hope you’ve had a restful summer and are ready to start the semester off strong. Stop by and let us know what you were up to!
We would also like to introduce you to the new-and-improved ZiefBrief Blog! Here, we’ll be providing regular updates and articles about our hours, services, collections, research tips, and technology tricks to help you. Of course, we also have many other great resources at Zief to help you, such as: