Study Aids available at the David C. Shapiro Memorial Law Library

1. David C. Shapiro Memorial Law
Library
Study Aids

2. The library is an
excellent resource for
study aids.
Did you know?

3. Study Aids Provide:
• Commentary and Analysis on a Particular Subject.
• Specific review subject matter in doctrinal courses.
*Study aids come in a variety of sizes, series and
formats, and the Library subscribes to a wide
assortment.
What is a Study Aid?

4. • Define your need.
• Browse the reserve collection and take a look at the different
styles for each series. The library staff are happy to help you.
• Ask a reference librarian his or her opinion.
• Search our online catalog, using your subject as the keyword.
*Sometimes it takes a bit of trial and error before settling down
with a series you are comfortable with.
Which One Should I Use?

5. Hornbooks
• A hornbook is a one-volume statement
of the law on a particular subject. It can
be a great place to find a clear
explanation of a point of law.
• The library keeps hornbooks on most
subjects.
• Check with your professors or the law
librarians for recommended authors.
* Hornbooks are useful for general
principles of law, but they are only
published every few years and do not
cover recent changes in the law.

6. Treatises
• A treatise is a comprehensive,
multi-volume treatment of a
particular area of law.
• They are typically updated
several times per year.
• The library keeps treatises on
most subjects.
• Check with your professors or
the law librarians for
recommended authors.

7. CALI
• The Center for Computer Assisted Legal
Instruction (CALI) produces multiple-
choice lessons in almost every subject
area with answers and explanations.
• The lessons are available online.
• Students may get an authorization code
from a reference librarian.
• Access to all of the CALI exercises is
available at the law library’s website or
http://www.cali.org.

8. Nutshell Series
• Nutshells are short
narratives about a specific
area of law.
• They typically cover the
material emphasized in a
semester-length course.
• The library keeps nutshells
on most subjects.
• Check out the Nutshell
Nook for all the titles.

9. Understanding Series
• The Understanding Series provide
explanations from subject matter
experts on many legal topics.
• The most recent editions of these
titles are on Browseable Reserve.
• Titles are also available
electronically from the Lexis Nexis
Digital Library on the Library’s
website.
• Check with the law librarians for
recommended titles.

10. Examples & Explanations
• Examples and Explanations
provide overviews of several
areas of law. Each title
contains hypotheticals with
answers and explanations.
• The most recent editions of
these titles are available on
the Browseable Reserve
shelves.

11. Exam Archives
• Some old law school exams
are available.
• You can obtain print versions
at the Circulation Desk.
• You can obtain PDF versions
from the Library Website.
• Click on “Exam Archive” at
the bottom of the homepage.

12. Stop by the reference
desk.
We are happy to
help!
Questions?