Research

Get Ahead in Your Research: One-on-One Support from the Zief Librarians

Posted on by Tim Sanzi

Elevate Your Legal Research: One-on-One Consultations with Zief Law Librarians

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.

Credit: Scott Graham for Unsplash.com

Why Book a Research Consultation?

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:

  • Get expert guidance at any stage of your project
  • Ensure you’re on the right track with your research
  • Discover valuable resources you might have overlooked
  • Learn efficient research strategies to save time and effort

Flexible Appointment Options

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.

Beyond Consultations: Quick Research Help

Need a quick research tip but don’t require a full consultation? We’ve got you covered:

  • Regular Reference Hours: Stop by the library during our scheduled hours for immediate assistance.
  • Email Support: For less urgent inquiries, drop us an email.

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!

Study Aids in the Zief Law Library

Posted on by Tim Sanzi

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.

Study Aids Available in Print and Digital

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:

  • Aspen Learning Library: Featuring full-text search, note-taking capabilities, and audio recordings.
  • Lexis Digital Library: Offering eBooks for online and offline reading.

How to Access Study Aids

To find the study aids you need:

  1. Search our catalog, Ignacio, for specific titles or subject areas.
  2. Browse the study aid collection on the low stacks near the Access Services Desk for a quick overview of available print materials.
  3. Access our online platforms through the Law Library’s website (USF Law login required for some resources).

Maximizing Your Study Aid Experience

Remember, study aids are supplements to your coursework, not substitutes for required readings and class attendance. Use them to:

  • Clarify difficult concepts
  • Reinforce your understanding of the material
  • Practice applying legal principles with sample questions
  • Prepare for exams with comprehensive outlines

Need Help?

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!

New Books At The Zief Law Library: August 2024

Posted on by Randall Seder
This image shows a collage of ten book covers from the list of new books at the Zief Law Library, added during August 2024.
Collage of book covers from the August 2024 New Books list at Zief Law Library.

The Zief Law Library added new books to its collection in August 2024. Topics from August include: antitrust; artificial intelligence; bankruptcy; business associations; career planning; civil procedure; constitutional law; contracts; courts and judiciary; criminal law; criminal procedure; drug laws and policy; education law; employment law; environmental law; E.U. law; evidence; family law; food law; health law; human rights; immigration and emigration law; Indigenous rights; intellectual property; international law; internet law; legal education; legal research and writing; negotiations; property; religion; reproductive rights; sales; tax law; technology and privacy; torts; and water & oil law. 

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 Books At The Zief Law Library: July 2024

Posted on by Randall Seder
A collage of ten book covers from the list of new books at the Zief Law Library added during July 2024.
A collage of book covers from the new books list at the Zief Law Library.

The Zief Law Library added new books to its collection in July 2024. Topics from July include: abortion laws; administrative laws; animal rights; anti-racism; antitrust; artificial intelligence; business and corporations law; civil procedure; constitutional law; courts and judiciary; criminal law; cultural heritage; data protection and privacy; education; election law; employment; energy law; evidence; family law; gender and sexuality law; human rights; intellectual property; internet law; immigration and emigration; law enforcement; legal ethics; legal history and philosophy; legal research and writing; property; sports law; tax law; torts; video game law; and women’s rights.

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 Books At The Zief Law Library: June 2024

Posted on by Randall Seder
The image shows a collage of ten book covers from the June 2024 New Books list at Zief Law Library.
Collage of book covers from the June 2024 New Books list at Zief Law Library.

The Zief Law Library added new books to its collection in June 2024. Topics from June include business law; career planning; constitutional law; courts and judiciary; criminal law; cultural heritage; discrimination and exclusion; drug laws and policies; employment; family law; healthcare and abortion laws; housing; humanitarian law; indigenous rights; intellectual property and art; laws of war and the military; legal research; libraries and archives; maritime law; tax law; and technology.

Click the titles below or explore our monthly New Materials 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 Books At The Zief Law Library: May 2024

Posted on by Randall Seder
The image shows a collage of eight book covers from the May 2024 New Materials list at Zief Law Library.
Collage of book covers from the May 2024 New Materials list at the Zief Law Library.

The Zief Law Library added over 200 new titles to its collection in May 2024! Topics from May include administrative law; alternative dispute resolution; animal law; antitrust law; art law; Asian law; bankruptcy; business law; charities and nonprofits; civil law; commercial law; comparative law; constitutional law; contracts; corporation law; counterterrorism; criminal law; cybersecurity law; emigration and immigration law; employment; environmental law; European law; family law; globalization; health law; human rights; insurance law; intellectual property; international law; internet law; laws of war and the military; legal education; legal ethics; legal philosophy; oil and gas law; political science; property; public law; real estate law; sexuality and the law; sports law; tax law; torts; trade law; and trial advocacy.

Click the titles below or explore our monthly New Books at The 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 items are organized by date of arrival.

New Books At The Zief Law Library: April 2024

Posted on by Randall Seder
The image shows a collage of 10 book covers from the April 2024 New Materials list at the Zief Law Library. 
Collage of book covers from the April 2024 New Materials list at the Zief Law Library

The Zief Law Library added new materials to its collection in April 2024. Topics from April include: animal rights; artificial intelligence; aviation law; blockchain; civil law; civil procedure; constitutional law; corporations; criminal law; criminal procedure; disability law; emigration and immigration law; environmental law; finance and tax law; health law; human rights; insurance law; intellectual property; art law; cultural heritage; international law; legal education; legal ethics and professional responsibility; oil and gas law; real estate law; and technology.     

Click the titles below or explore our monthly New Materials 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. Items are organized by date.

New Books at The Zief Law Library: March 2024

Posted on by Randall Seder
The image shows a collage of five book covers from the March 2024 New Materials list at Zief Law Library.
Collage of book covers from the March 2024 New Materials list at Zief Law Library.

The Zief Law Library added new titles to its collection in March 2024. Topics from March include: artificial intelligence; legal education; student wellness; intellectual property; reparations; and global politics. Click the titles below or explore our monthly New Materials at Zief Law Library webpage for the complete list of recent arrivals. 

New Books at The Zief Law Library: February 2024

Posted on by Randall Seder
The image shows a collage of two book covers from the February 2024 New Materials list at Zief Law Library.
The two new titles added to Zief Law Library’s collection in February 2024.

The Zief Law Library added new materials to its collection in February 2024. Topics from February include intellectual property and internet law. Click the titles below or explore our monthly New Materials at Zief Law Library webpage for the complete list of recent arrivals. 

Welcoming Zief’s New Research Librarian

Posted on by Mike Muehe

Zief Law Library is pleased to introduce you to its newest team member, Tim Sanzi. Tim joined us as a Research Librarian and Assistant Professor of Law. He earned his JD from Roger Williams University School of Law in Rhode Island in 2023, where he was the recipient of a Presidential Scholarship and received recognition for providing pro bono legal services. Tim demonstrated an interest in the library profession as an undergraduate and during law school, and completed an archival internship at Trinity College, University of Dublin, Ireland.

Throughout law school, Tim gained legal experience in a variety of positions, including: intern at the U.S. Air Force, Judge Advocate General’s Corps Joint Base Andrews, Maryland; Rule 9 Student Attorney for the Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General; Rhode Island Sea Grant Law Fellow with the Marine Affairs Institute; and judicial intern for the Honorable Brian P. Stern, Associate Justice of the Rhode Island Superior Court.

In his free time, Tim is an avid longboard surfer, road race runner, and hiker.

We’re excited to have Tim join our team of research librarians! Please stop by to say hello next time you’re in the library – you’ll find him in Z103.

 

 

New Books at The Zief Law Library: January 2024

Posted on by Randall Seder
The image shows a collage of eight book covers from the January 2024 New Materials list at Zief Law Library.
Collage of book covers from the January 2024 New Materials list at Zief Law Library.

The Zief Law Library added new materials to its collection in January 2024. Topics from January include: corporations; criminal law; estate planning; finance; health law; law enforcement; mental health; privacy (data privacy); and technology. Click the titles below or explore our monthly New Materials at Zief Law Library webpage for the complete list of recent arrivals. 

Navigating the Library Catalog

Posted on by Steffi Ando

library card cataloglibrary card catalog

As research and writing assignment deadlines inch closer, you may be interested in exploring the print and digital materials the library offers. This week, learn to locate and request resources from the Zief Law Library collection or request an InterLibrary Loan (ILL) to borrow materials from other libraries! This post is meant to help you get familiar with the catalog. This is not a supplement to research advice from Zief librarians.

Getting Started

First, sign into the Ignacio catalog using your USF student ID and password. Access to the catalog is available on the Zief Law Library’ and the Gleeson Library homepages.

 

Ignacio Catalog homepage

If you’re not quite sure what you are looking for but have a general sense of the topic you’re interested in, a keyword search can get you started. Select “Keyword” in the left drop-down menu and type in the keywords that describe your topic. For example, searching “Criminal Procedure” will result in a list of digital and print materials related to criminal procedure. Scroll through the results and take note of the materials that catch your attention. You can also search by title, author, subject, or call number by making the appropriate selection in the drop-down menu.

Note: If you see a work you would like to borrow listed under “Gleeson Stacks,” don’t panic! As a student at the University of San Francisco School of Law, you are allowed to access to Gleeson Library’s collection.

Advanced Search

If you aren’t finding what you are looking for or have a specific book in mind, try Advanced Search! Select “Advanced Search” underneath the search bar.

Use the left-hand drop-down menus to search specific fields, such as keyword, author, title, etc. Then, review the “Search Tips” link underneath the search bars. This page will explain how to format your search for more precise results.

List of search tips from the site

Search and Sort

Choose to sort your results by relevance, date, or title.

Location

You can narrow your search by selecting their location within the library, including, “Law Open Reserve,” “Law Course Reserve,” etc.

Material type

Choose ANY if you do not have a preference, or choose from the list provided, including, E-book, Streaming Video, E-journal, Printed Material, Videos, Archival & MS, etc.

Looking for a digital course text or study guide?

You can find study aids and some required texts on Aspen Learning Library and Lexis Digital Library, located under “Featured Databases” on Zief’s A to Z list of databases. Sign in with your USF ID and password to begin searching!

Language

The drop-down menu offers English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Latin, Russian, or Hebrew. If you don’t see material in a language you need, contact a librarian!

Publisher and Publishing Date

If you know the publisher or publishing date you are looking for, enter the text in the appropriate search bars at the bottom of the page.

Completing Your Search

In the age of information overload in the digital landscape, it’s unclear if “completing” a search is even possible. Remind yourself what you set out to initially accomplish with your search and start by reviewing one resource. If you’re unsure or feeling stuck, please reach out to a research librarian or your professor. They are here to help you!

 

 

New Books at The Zief Law Library: December 2023

Posted on by Randall Seder
The image shows a collage of eight book covers from the December 2023 New Materials list at Zief Law Library.
Collage of book covers from the December 2023 New Materials list at Zief Law Library.

Happy New Year, law school community! Don’t miss out on the new materials added to the Zief Law Library collection in December 2023. Topics from December include: constitutional law, emigration and immigration law, health law, and law study guidance. Click the titles below or explore our monthly New Materials at Zief Law Library webpage for the complete list of recent arrivals. 

New Books at The Zief Law Library: November 2023

Posted on by Randall Seder
The image shows a collage of eight book covers from the November 2023 New Materials list at Zief Law Library.
Collage of book covers from the November 2023 New Materials list at Zief Law Library.

The Zief Law Library added new materials to its collection in November 2023. Topics from November include: administrative law, animal law, capital punishment, criminal law, data protection and privacy, immigration law, evidence, and legal accounting. Click the titles below or explore our monthly New Materials at Zief Law Library webpage for the complete list of recent arrivals. 

New Books at The Zief Law Library: October 2023

Posted on by Randall Seder
The newest addition to the Zief Law Library collection, Paul T Jaeger’s “Foundations of Information Law” (2023).

The Zief Law Library added one new title to its collection in October 2023. Click the title below or explore our monthly New Materials at Zief Law Library webpage for the complete list of recent arrivals.