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.
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From Study Groups to Job Interviews: Zief Has the Space You Need
Need a Great Study Space? Check Out Zief’s Group Study Rooms and Interview Spaces
Looking for somewhere to collaborate with classmates or conduct virtual meetings? The Zief Law Library has nine Group Study Rooms and two Virtual Interview Rooms available exclusively for USF law students, faculty, and staff.
Planning ahead is easier when you can reserve your preferred space up to one week in advance through our online booking system. These rooms offer a focused environment away from the distractions of busier public areas!
What Our Spaces Offer:
Our Group Study Rooms accommodate 2-8 people for up to two hours at a time. Each room includes large tables, whiteboards, power outlets, and big-screen TVs for presentations and screen sharing.
Our two Virtual Interview Rooms provide quiet, professional environments perfect for individual virtual meetings, office hours, job interviews, or online conferences.
How to Book Your Space:
Important: Before making a reservation, use the drop-down menu to select either “Group Study Rooms” or “Virtual Interview Spaces.”
Booking Instructions:
- Visit the USF Zief Law Library website and click “Book A Study Room.” Select either “Group Study Rooms” or “Virtual Interview Spaces” from the drop-down menu.
- View room details and features by clicking the “Info” button, then select your date and time.
- Check your USFCA email for confirmation.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Only USF law students, law faculty, and law staff may reserve these spaces. Other USF students, faculty, and staff should use Gleeson Library’s group study rooms.
- Reservations must be made online with a valid USF email.
- Group Study Rooms are for groups of two or more people only.
- Virtual Interview Rooms are for individuals only.
- Reservations can be made up to one week in advance.
- Each reservation is limited to two hours within a calendar day.
- Please arrive within 15 minutes of your reservation time or library staff may allow others to use the room.
- Cancel your reservation if you no longer need it so others can use the space.
Reserve your space today and make this semester more productive!
Law Library Hours: Fall Semester and Labor Day Holiday
The law library will have the following hours for Fall 2025 and adjusted hours for the upcoming Labor Day Holiday:
Fall 2025 Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8:00am – 11:00pm
Friday: 8:00am – 8:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am – 8:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am – 11:00pm
Adjusted Labor Day Hours:
Saturday-Sunday, August 30 and 31: 10:00am-6:00pm
Monday, September 1: Closed
For a full calendar view of our current and upcoming hours, visit our Law Library Hours of Operations website. We look forward to seeing you this Fall!
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.
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.
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.
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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
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?
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
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”
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!
Welcome Back – Spring Hours
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!
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
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!
Beyond Lexis+ and Westlaw: HeinOnline
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”
Zief Law Library’s Law Career Planning Collection
Research Your Legal Career Path with Zief’s Career Planning Collection
Are you a law student looking to explore your career options? Look no further than the Zief Law Library’s Career Planning Collection! Located conveniently on the first floor, this valuable resource is designed to help you navigate the diverse landscape of legal professions.
Explore the Collection
Our Career Collection offers a wealth of information on various legal career paths, from traditional law firm roles to alternative legal careers. Whether you’re interested in corporate law, public interest, or judicial clerkships, you’ll find resources to guide your journey.
Research with Expert Assistance
The Zief Law Librarians are here to support your career exploration. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help in navigating the collection or conducting in-depth research on specific legal careers. Our knowledgeable staff can assist you in finding the most relevant and up-to-date information for your interests
Access Through Ignacio
Browsing our Career Collection is easy through Ignacio, our comprehensive library catalog. Simply log in with your USF single sign on and start exploring the wealth of career-related materials at your fingertips.
Suggested Catalog Searches
To get you started, here are some search terms you can try in Ignacio:
- “Legal careers”
- “Alternative legal careers”
- “Law firm practice”
- “Public interest law”
- “Corporate legal departments”
- “Judicial clerkships”
- “Legal technology careers”
- “Environmental law careers”
- “International law careers”
- “Legal writing careers”
These searches will help you discover books, guides, and other resources specific to various legal career paths.
Take Action Today
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore your potential legal career paths. Visit the Career Collection on the first floor of the Zief Law Library, search Ignacio for relevant titles, and connect with our librarians for personalized assistance.Your future in law starts here – let the Zief Law Library’s Career Collection be your guide to a fulfilling legal career!