What are study aids?
Speaking broadly, study aids include narrative descriptions of the law, outlines, and practice questions.
Why use them?
In addition to course readings, class notes, CALI exercises*, and practice exams**, some students find study aids helpful in preparing for class, exams, and learning the law.
Study aids are most effectively used as a complement to your own reading, class participation, and outlining. It may also be wise to check your syllabus or ask your professor for specific recommendations for review materials.
*Ask at the Information Desk if you have forgotten how to log on to CALI.
** Drake students can add the TWEN course Academic Success, which provides access to practice exams.
What's available at Drake?
The Law Library tries to maintain one or two copies of the most widely used study aids in print and also provides electronic access to study aids published by Aspen Publishing.
Where can I find study aids in the library, and how long can I use them?
Generally, the latest editions of Law Library study aids in the most popular series are available for two-hour, in-library checkout from the Information Desk. (See search by series tab for more detail.)
Older editions and other series are available in the stacks and can be checked out for one week and renewed up to five times, as long as there are no holds on it item.
The Aspen Online Study Aids Collection can be accessed through the tab in this guide with that name.
How can I tell what is available for a specific class?
The Law Library's collection of study aids can be searched by subject, material type/series, or both in combination. Older (pre-2000) study aids have been omitted from the listings on this page.
Are there study aids available for the MPRE and Bar Exam?
Yes! See the library's separate guides to resources for Bar Exam Preparation and MPRE Preparation.
What other options do I have for getting study aids?
If you would like to recommend a title for purchase or have materials to donate, please share them with desk staff or send them to David Hanson.
| Type of Study Aid | Study Aid Series | When might I use this type of study aid? |
| Explain the Law in Depth |
Concepts & Insights, Concise Hornbooks, Essentials (no recent titles), Hornbooks, Inside, Mastering, Nutshells, Stories, Understanding CD study aids (no recent titles) |
After reading a cases or cases on a particular topic and when the law is unclear. |
| Explain the law and provide questions | Examples & Explanations, Glannon Guides | When law is unclear. Do practice questions upon the conclusion of topics as outlined in your syllabus and when preparing for finals. |
| Short Summaries of the Material | Acing, Short & Happy | When working to focus and condense an outline, for general overview of materials. |
| Outlines | Black Letter Outlines, Emanuel Law Outlines, E-Z Rules (no recent titles), Sum & Substance Quick Review | When you are thinking about the “big picture” of the material, when you are putting together an outline. These aids often contain practice questions as well. |
| Mixed volumes with summaries of material, visual organizers, and practice questions. | Blond's Law Guides (no recent titles), CrunchTime | In preparation for finals. |
| Study aids that are strictly practice question books. |
Friedman's, Q&A, Siegel's, Sum & Substance Exam Pro Flashcards: Law in a Flash |
Do practice questions upon the conclusion of topics as outlined in your syllabus and when preparing for finals. |
What are some cautions in using study aids?
Study aids can be great supplements to your learning; however, they are not substitutes for your being an active learner and doing the hard work.
(Adapted from Amy Jarmon, October 1, 2017, https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/academic_support/)