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Study Aids: Getting Started

Getting Started

How can I find Study Aids in the Library?

  • Use the Table of Contents or the tabs at the top of this page to select an area of law.

  • Many of the materials listed in this guide are available for current Fordham Law students electronically from West Academic.

  • Many of the materials listed in this guide are on Reserve (located at the Circulation Desk) and must be used in the library for up to two (2) hours. 


Where can I find a copy/print/scan machine?

  • Multifunction copy/print/scan machines are available on the 5th floor at 5-38 and on the 6th floor in the printing alcove across from Room 6-16. See Library Maps for details.
    • Fordham Law students may use their Fordham ID to pay for copying using their printing allowance.
    • Guests may also print by creating an account at http://remoteprint.fordham.edu. 

Online Access - West Study Aids

West Study Aids are available electronically from West Academic. Study aids include electronic versions of Hornbooks, Concepts & Insights books, Nutshells, as well as other series. 

To access the study aids, visit https://subscription-westacademic-com.fls.idm.oclc.org. Authenticate using your Access IT ID credentials (your usual LawNet login). You will always need to access this through the library website, but then you can create an individual account allowing you to make and save notes and annotations.

You can also access the study aids electronically via the Maloney Library catalog by searching “West Academic Study Aids” or the title of the series you are interested in.

 

Types of Study Aids

Popular Series

  • Examples & Explanations Series (Aspen/Wolters Kluwer):
    • Offer hypothetical questions in the subject area, with detailed explanations and analysis.
    • Help you understand your class lectures and your casebook.
     
  • Nutshells (West):
    • Provide a concise narrative explanation of the major doctrines in each substantive area of law.
    • Offer a good introduction to key concepts and legal terminology and jargon.
     
  • Understanding Series (LexisNexis):
    • Concisely explain the basic contours of a particular area of law.
    • Tend to be more extensive than the Nutshells, including references to more cases.
     
  • Mastering Series (CAP):
    • Provide an overview of various areas of the law, with key concepts and terms emphasized.
    • Designed to help students gain a better understanding of the material covered in law school courses.

Hornbooks

  • Explanatory texts that address the major questions in the areas of law that are taught in law school.
  • Often provide answers and explanations to some of the conundrums presented by your casebooks.
  • Not suitable for cover to cover reading. Use the table of contents, index, or table of cases to focus on your particular questions.