Law Research/Instruction Librarian

Job Description Summary The Research / Instruction Librarian provides reference and research services to law library users, teaches in the library’s instructional program, and participates in collection development to fulfill the Law Library’s role in supporting the research and educational needs of the Law School community.

The Research / Instruction Librarian assists library users at the Research Help Desk, conducts and delivers in-depth research on requested topics, teaches legal research in a variety of settings, and works to develop and expand library services.

This position requires a strong commitment to teaching legal research skills essential to the practice of law, a deep understanding of the Law School’s curriculum, faculty research interests, library operations, legal information resources, and research methodologies in all formats.

Responsibilities Provide high level reference assistance to library users.

• Participate in research help desk coverage.
• Respond to emails, phone calls, and appointment requests from library users.
• Actively assist library users in identifying and using print and online resources.
• Collaborate with other librarians to create and maintain research and bibliographic tools in a variety of media.
• Attend library outreach events as assigned.

Provide in-depth research assistance for faculty.

• Conduct detailed, thorough research on requested topics requiring substantive legal analysis.
• Produce written documentation of research findings for faculty.

Provide research instruction to the Law School community.

• Teach legal research in a variety of settings, including the first year Legal Research & Writing curriculum and Advanced Legal Research courses.
• Teach specialized research topics to groups and individuals.
• Develop instructional content and materials.
• Train Assistant Research Librarians with legal research methodologies.

Participate in collection development activities.

• Collaborate with other librarians in collection analysis, evaluation, and selection of materials to support the curriculum and faculty research interests.
• Assist with collection development projects.

Required Qualifications

• MLS from an ALA accredited institution or an equivalent relevant advanced degree.
• JD from an ABA accredited institution or an advanced degree in a related field.
• Experience in an academic law library providing research and other library services for law faculty and students.
• Knowledge of best practices for developing instructional materials and delivering legal research instruction.
• Knowledge of current best practices in legal research methodologies and legal information resources in all formats.
• Ability to conceptualize, implement, and coordinate library programs, both independently and as part of a team in a dynamic, changing environment.
• Commitment to expanding, improving, and promoting library services.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work with diverse groups at all organizational levels, both inside and outside the University.
• Excellent writing skills and strong attention to detail; ability to produce clear, concise, accurate documentation.
• Ability to independently prioritize tasks when faced with interruptions and fluctuating workload.
• Ability to learn and interpret university policies and procedures.
• Technical skills to learn and use enterprise systems and departmental tools.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality as necessary and to demonstrate professionalism, tact, diplomacy, and excellent judgment in a variety of situations.

Desired Qualifications