Law Library Sign-off and Summer Hours

The staff and faculty at the Zief Law Library would like to thank you for a wonderful Spring semester. We’ve enjoyed supporting your research, learning, and academic success—and we’re proud to be part of your journey. As we head into summer, please take note of our adjusted hours below.


📚 Zief Law Library – Summer 2025 Hours

Normal Summer Hours (Starting May 19):

  • Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Friday: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Saturday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

🗓️ Holiday & Special Hours

Memorial Day – Monday, May 26
🔒 Closed

Juneteenth – Thursday, June 19
🔒 Closed

Independence Day Weekend – July 4–6

  • Friday (July 4): Closed
  • Saturday (July 5): 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Sunday (July 6): 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

📘 Bar Exam Week – July 29 to August 3

  • Tuesday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Saturday – Sunday: Closed

📙 Library Prep Weeks – August 4 to August 15

  • Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Saturday – Sunday: Closed

🎓 Orientation Weekend – August 16 & 17
🔒 Closed

Law Library Hours: Graduation Week

Graduation Week Hours (May 11 – May 18)

  • Sunday, May 11: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Monday, May 12: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
  • Tuesday – Friday, May 13 – May 16: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 17: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Sunday, May 18: Closed

Normal Summer Hours (Beginning May 19)

  • Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Friday: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Saturday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

And don’t forget to check the Zief Lost and Found Cart! Please abide by the honor code and only take items that belong to you. Items will be discarded on Saturday, 5/17/2025. For high-value items such as phones, wallets, and keys, call Public Safety Non-Emergency at (415)-422-4201.

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”

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.

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

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”

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!

Time Management for Law Students

Time Management for Law Students

Aerial view of person sitting in a black hooded sweatshirt. In center of a watch face.

 

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! 

Taking Stock

  1. Write down your required commitments for this semester. 
    • This includes: your class schedule, club meetings, and work. This will work as a skeleton for your calendar. 
  2. Write down goals you want to achieve this semester.
    • Be uncomfortably specific. Do you want to get to the library earlier? Do you want to learn a new skill? Balance working out and school? Read more for pleasure?
    • Don’t make any changes just yet. Write down your goal on a slip of paper and keep it at your desk. 
  3. For one week, perform a time management audit and write down what you did.
    • At the end of each day, ignore the to-do list you made and look at how you actually spent your time. Instead of “getting ready took 2 hours” look at what you did in those two hours. Did you brush your teeth, brush your hair, and eat? Did you scroll through Instagram for 30 minutes and then get out of bed? Without judgment, write down how you spend your time for one week.

First Steps

  1. Find your system.
    • Planners
      • Test out if you prefer digital or print planners. Don’t be afraid to try something new! If you’re looking for a new system, you might discover something you didn’t know existed or find your needs now are different from before. 
      • Physical planners that offer student discounts:
        1. Happy Planner
        2. Papier
        3. More options on Student Beans
      • Digital Calendars (Beyond Apple and Google)
        1. Microsoft 
        2. Fantastical 
    • Apps
      • Apple and Android phones come with apps for notes, reminders, and calendars. Carve out 15 minutes in your day to play around with the tools you might already have at your fingertips! You might learn a function you didn’t know about. 
      • If you’re looking for something more tailored to classes and assignments, there are apps designed for saving resources, creating mind maps, and more!
      • Screen time limits on your cell phone:
        1. Look at your most-used apps on your phone. Are these helping you achieve your academic or career goals? If not, use your Settings app to limit the amount of time you spend on distracting apps. 
  2. Prioritize.
    • Priority Lists vs. To-Do Lists
      • Each day, write down tasks you need to do.
      • Review your to-do list and select a maximum of three tasks you absolutely have to accomplish day. This is your priority list. 
      • The rest of the list consists of things you need to do but that do not necessarily have to get done that day. These can carry over to the next day. This is your to-do list. 
      • If there is a big project or task, plan ahead and break it down into smaller parts that can be completed each day. 
    • Personal Due Dates
      • By planning ahead, you can schedule personal due dates to achieve your goals and allow a grace period before the actual deadline. Life happens. External or internal pressures throw plans off. Give yourself time to adapt. 
  3. Organize your workspace.
    • Make your workspace at home or in the library something you look forward to occupying. Whether it’s fun stationary, a favorite coffee mug, or simply organizing the space, studying in a space you actually enjoy will help you stay on track with your goals.
  4. For one week, write down what you did again. Compare to how you spent your time before (refer to Taking Stock). 
    • Did anything change? Where are you spending the most time? Are there other ways to accomplish these goals?
    • For example, maybe writing your briefs takes longer than you expected. Try meeting with a research librarian to find different approaches or tools. Research librarians have a J.D.; they are well-equipped to help you!

Keep it Sustainable

  1. Find the patterns that stick.
    • Don’t force yourself to commit to any system that does not work for you! It’s okay if it doesn’t work out the way you expect it to the first time. Don’t give up and try again! Ask around, especially someone either farther along in law school or a research librarian, what works for them. It could inspire something for you! 
  2. One thing at a time.
    • If you are feeling overwhelmed, try making one small change and slowly build up from there. You don’t have to make the perfect system overnight. Be patient. Rome wasn’t built in a day!
  3. Don’t forget about your health!
    • Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and sleep hygiene affect how well you are able to focus and perform in class! If you find yourself lost on how to manage self-care, explore USF CAPS resources for students. They offer therapy, recommend mental health apps, and direct you to free/affordable resources to maintain your mental and physical health.