Job Description: Law Librarian
Position: Law Librarian
Department: Library and Information Science
Reports to: Library Director
Job Summary:
The Law Librarian is responsible for managing and providing comprehensive legal research and information services to support the needs of the organization's legal professionals and stakeholders. This role requires expertise in legal resources, research methodologies, and information management, along with excellent communication and organizational skills.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Provide exceptional reference and research services to legal professionals, students, and library patrons.
2. Conduct legal research using a variety of relevant databases, print materials, and online resources to support legal inquiries.
3. Assist users in locating and navigating legal materials, including statutes, regulations, case law, legal periodicals, and other legal reference materials.
4. Develop and maintain effective strategies for organizing, classifying, and cataloging legal resources, ensuring easy access and retrieval for library users.
5. Collaborate with library staff to develop and implement innovative programs and services to meet the legal information needs of the organization.
6. Stay updated on legal trends, new resources, and emerging technologies in the field of law librarianship, ensuring the library remains current and relevant.
7. Provide training and instruction to library users on legal research techniques, tools, and resources.
8. Collaborate with external entities, such as legal professionals, law schools, and other libraries, to develop partnerships and enhance access to legal resources.
9. Participate in collection development activities, including assessing information needs, acquiring materials, and conducting periodic evaluations of the legal collection.
10. Assist in the management and maintenance of the library's integrated library system (ILS) and other library technology tools.
Qualifications and Skills:
1. Master's degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited institution.
2. Specialization or coursework in law librarianship or related legal fields is highly desirable.
3. Strong knowledge of legal research methodologies, legal reference tools, and legal information sources.
4. Proficient in using legal research databases and online resources such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, Bloomberg Law, and HeinOnline.
5. Familiarity with library management systems and other library technologies.
6. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively assist and instruct library users.
7. Detail-oriented with exceptional organizational and time management skills.
8. Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
9. Strong customer service skills with a demonstrated commitment to providing exceptional user experiences.
10. Knowledge of copyright laws, intellectual property, and information privacy principles as they pertain to legal information resources.
Note: This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the Law Librarian role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, responsibilities, or skills required for the position.