Need to take a call in the library? Zief Sidebar is now open!

Posted on by Mike Muehe

Zief Law Library is happy to announce a new space in the library – the Zief Sidebar!

We recognize that you may need to take a phone or Zoom call while using the library. Since these are not permitted in open areas, we have created this space just for you. Located on the Main Floor in Z105, Zief Sidebar is a semi-private space for phone and online calls that you can use on a first-come, first-served basis – no booking required!

Cartoon image of a judge and two attorneys at the court bench

Rules for Zief Sidebar:

Keep in mind that this is a semi-private, shared professional workspace rather than a traditional quiet library area, so we do not recommend this space for private matters, such as client calls. By using this space, you agree to the following:

Continue reading “Need to take a call in the library? Zief Sidebar is now open!” →

Law Library Hours: Orientation Week 2025

Posted on by Jayda Fair

Welcome back!

Please note that the law library will have the following adjusted hours for Orientation Week 2025:

Saturday – Sunday, August 16th – August 17th: 10:00am – 6:00pm

Monday – Thursday, August 18th – August 21st: 8:00am – 7:00pm

Friday, August 22nd: 8:00am – 5:00pm

Saturday – Sunday, August 23rd – August 24th: 10:00am – 6:00pm

See you then!

Law Library Sign-off and Summer Hours

Posted on by Tim Sanzi

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

New Books At The Zief Law Library: April 2025

Posted on by Randall Seder
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. 

Law Library Hours: Graduation Week

Posted on by Tim Sanzi

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

Posted on by Tim Sanzi

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

Posted on by Tim Sanzi

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

Posted on by Tim Sanzi

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

Posted on by Randall Seder
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. 

March 31: International Trans Day of Visibility

Posted on by Tim Sanzi

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.

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Cracking the Case on What is Law Librarianship?

Posted on by Tim Sanzi

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 Books At The Zief Law Library: February 2025

Posted on by Randall Seder
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 AI Research Tools Now Available: Lexis Protege & Westlaw CoCounsel

Posted on by Tim Sanzi

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” →