This holiday season, celebrate with the Zief Law Library! Connect with your colleagues over shared meals and love for pets while you prepare for Winter Break. Check out these two activities you can do to get in the holiday spirit.
Special Events
Collection Spotlight October 2025: Capital Punishment
For the month of October, the Zief Law Library will be showcasing a collection of books and materials focused on capital punishment in the United States. This display comes after citywide programming inspired by the memoir Dead Man Walking and anticipates the 23rd World Day Against the Death Penalty on October 10th. Capital punishment is a fiercely contested issue with advocates both for and against its continuance. Common arguments center around the question of crime deterrence, racial and socioeconomic disparity, the wrongly convicted, morality, and the very definition of justice. We invite you to stop by the Collection Spotlight Display on the first floor at the research desk, across from the circulation desk, to learn more about this often overlooked aspect of the criminal justice system.
Continue reading “Collection Spotlight October 2025: Capital Punishment”
Celebrating Banned Books Week 2025
This year’s Banned Books Week takes place October 5-11, 2025, with the theme “Censorship Is So 1984. Read for Your Rights.” As law librarians, we understand that access to information isn’t just a convenience, it’s a fundamental right that underpins a democratic society and our legal system.
Whether you’re a faculty member, law student, or USF community member, Banned Books Week offers an opportunity to stand up for the freedom to read. For more information, visit bannedbooksweek.org.
Why This Matters in a Legal Context
Book challenges and bans represent more than disputes over which books are included in a library’s collection. They touch on constitutional principles including First Amendment protections, the right to receive information, and the role of public institutions in serving local communities. For legal professionals and researchers, access to information (including controversial or challenging materials) is essential to understanding the legal system and advocating for reforms.
Efforts to ban books and information in schools, libraries, and archives have intensified in recent years. The American Library Association compiles comprehensive data on these challenges, and their resources on censorship by the numbers and book résumés provide helpful context on both the scope of the problem and the educational value of frequently contested books.
Denim Day – April 30, 2025
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.
The Librarianship Book Display, April 2025
Celebrate National Library Week with the Zief Law Library! Whether you’re considering a career in law librarianship or simply love libraries, we invite you to stop by and explore the Librarianship Book Display at the Research Desk.
Continue reading “The Librarianship Book Display, April 2025”
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 Celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Legal History, Events, and Resources
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY 2024: OCTOBER 14TH
In celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Zief Library Assistant Randall Seder takes a look at the social and legal history of the day, highlights Zief research resources, and presents some Bay Area events of interest.
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY HISTORY
Join the Zief Law Library in celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday, October 14th, 2024. Indigenous Peoples Day is an official city and state holiday in various jurisdictions within the United States. The holiday acknowledges Indigenous resilience, sovereignty, and diverse cultural heritage, as well as commemorates their immeasurable contributions to United States history, culture, and the law. Continue reading “Zief Law Library Celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Legal History, Events, and Resources”
National Voter Registration Day: September 17th, 2024
In celebration of National Voter Registration Day, Zief Library Assistant Randall Seder shares the holiday’s history, current voter registration information, and legal research resources at Zief.
NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION DAY:
OVERVIEW AND HISTORY
Join the University of San Francisco Zief Law Library in celebrating National Voter Registration Day on September 17th, 2024. This nonpartisan civic holiday is celebrated each September to create awareness about voter registration opportunities and celebrate democracy. Continue reading “National Voter Registration Day: September 17th, 2024”
Welcome, Students – Write A Letter to Your Future Graduating Self!
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!
As always, the law library has a wealth of resources you can use, including:
- Legal research help and instruction from your amazing librarians, in-person, online, or by phone;
- Access to Lexis+, WestLaw Precision, Bloomberg Law and HeinOnline;
- Study aids (in print books, eBooks, and audiobooks) to help supplement your courses and bar studying;
- Digital resources you can access anywhere, anytime;
- Course textbooks;
- Ignacio, the library catalog of Zief and Gleeson Libraries;
- Study Room Reservations and three floors of study space;
- Printers, copiers, and scanners (and the free LexisNexis printer);
- Charging station for phones, tablets, and computers;
- Puzzles, coloring supplies, and study-break materials;
- And much more
Additionally, stop by the library to write your future self a letter, that you’ll get back at graduation!
What is the 1L Letter to Future Self Project?
As you navigate your first year in law school, take a moment to capture on your personal, professional, and academic aspirations by writing a letter to your future self. The library staff invites you to document your current ambitions, challenges, and dreams for your legal education and goals. In a few years, as you celebrate graduating from the University of San Francisco School of Law, read the letter you wrote to your future self and reflect on why you embarked on this challenging yet rewarding path. How to Participate?
Visit the letter-writing station across from the Circulation desk on the first floor of the library for materials. At the station, you’ll find pens, University of San Francisco School of Law letterhead, and envelopes. Once you finish your letter, seal the envelope and write your name and projected graduation year. At the end of your final year of law school, you can pick up your letter at the Circulation desk. For example, if you are beginning your 1L year today and predict your graduation date to be 2027, please stop by the Circulation desk in May of 2027.
If you prefer to email your letter, please email Access Services Lead, Steffi Ando, at sando@usfca.edu. She will print and seal your letter. Submit your letter by Friday, October 4, 2024 at 5 p.m. PDT.
The Zief Law Library Celebrates Law Day: Legal History, Events, and Resources
Are there issues with this text? Email the author: Randall Seder, rseder@usfca.edu.
LEGAL HISTORY
The Zief Law Library joins the University of San Francisco School of Law community in celebrating “Law Day.” This national holiday recognizes the significant role that the law, legal processes, and legal education play in the United States. These topics contribute to the country’s ongoing efforts to provide justice and extend civil liberties to all Americans. Law Day is celebrated annually on May 1st, but many events and programs are held the week(s) before or after. Continue reading “The Zief Law Library Celebrates Law Day: Legal History, Events, and Resources”
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Pick Up a Supreme Court-Themed Valentine on the First Floor of Zief Law Library Today!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Love, Zief Law Library
Voting Form: Zief Pets Winter-Themed Costume Contest
USF School of Law, many thanks to those who submitted to the Zief Pets Winter-Themed Costume Contest! It’s now time to determine first, second, and third-place costumes…
STEP 1: Visit the Zief Pets wall located on the first floor of the Zief Law Library to view this year’s talented pet contestants.
STEP 2: Fill out the Zief Pets Winter-Themed Costume Contest VOTING SURVEY.
Winners will be announced on Monday, December 11th, 2023. For community members still hoping to win, it’s not too late to fill out the Zief Pets Winter Costume Contest Submission Form! Visit the original ZiefBrief blog post, “Zief Pets Presents Winter-Themed Costume Contest!” for more information on the contest.
Zief Pets Presents: Winter-Themed Costume Contest!
Calling all pets! Celebrate the Winter season with Zief Law Library’s Zief Pets Winter-Themed Costume Contest! Submit pictures of your pets in their Winter-themed costumes or festive attire for your chance to win a special prize. Law school community members will vote on their favorite pets and prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third place. Outfits can include themes such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, Boxing Day, Lunar New Year, winter season, and more!
All submissions will be featured on the Zief Pets Wall in the Zief Law Library. To participate, please fill out the Google Form by Sunday, December 3rd, 2023, using the QR code on the image below or visit https://bit.ly/3SrYE30. Winners will be announced on Monday, December 11th, 2023.
Zief Pets Presents: Halloween Costume Gallery!
Celebrate the spooky season with Zief Law Library as we introduce Zief Pets Presents: Halloween Costume Gallery! Whether a dog, cat, iguana, or even a pet rock, Zief Pets wants to see your pets’ best Halloween looks!
Submit pictures of your pets in their Halloween costumes or festive attire, and we will display them on the Zief Pets wall in Zief Law Library from Monday, October 30th to Monday, November 6th. To participate, please fill out the Google Form by October 30th, using the QR code on the image below or visit bit.ly/ZiefPetsHalloween23.
Zief Law Library Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month: Legal History, Events, and Resources
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH 2023,
SEPTEMBER 15TH-OCTOBER 15TH
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Zief Library Assistant Randall Seder takes a look at the social and legal history of the commemorative month, highlights Zief research resources, and presents some Bay Area events of interest.
Zief Law Library joins the University of San Francisco community in celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th to October 15th. This commemorative month acknowledges the immeasurable contributions and influence of Hispanic/Latino/a/x/e Americans to United States history. Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates a rich collection of cultural and ethnic identities, including those identifying as Latino/a/x/e, from Latin America (Mexico, South and Central America) and the Caribbean, as well as those identifying as Hispanic, from one of the 20 countries worldwide who’s primary language is Spanish (Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay, Ecuador, Paraguay, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Panama, Peru, Equatorial Guinea, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Venezuela). Continue reading “Zief Law Library Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month: Legal History, Events, and Resources”