National Center for State Courts

 

Improving Justice through Leadership
and Service to the Courts

     

  

          

Current Employment Opportunities

Library Positions Main

Law Librarian

Library Assistant

(Archived Job Description Pre 2007)


Law Librarian

COURT RECORDS MANAGER AND ARCHIVIST: Summary: This employee is responsible for appraisal, identification and preservation of records in the Judiciary that have historic value and for the organization and treatment and access systems for inactive Judicial records. The employee will be responsible for the full panoply of archival functions in the Judiciary and developing and delivering training to assure Judiciary wide appropriate management, storage and access systems for archival records. The Court Records Manager and Archivist supervises preservation staff and works closely with court and records personnel in vaults and in the Judiciary Secondary Records Storage Center. This employee is responsible for automated and manual systems. Preservation initiatives from records treatment to correct access will be under the purview of this individual. The Records Manager/Archivist is responsible for developing, updating and implementing a Disaster Recovery Plan for all Judiciary records and for training appropriate team members to assure rapid, effective response in regard to court records affected by unforeseeable events. This employee will be responsible for developing a program to enhance public awareness and access to historic information available in the Judiciary. Duties: Work closely with Judicial personnel to foster an understanding of the proper way to handle and process archival records. Improve awareness of the importance of preserving and maintaining Judiciary records in the Judiciary Archives. Assure timely access of information from historic records for current matters in the courts. Work closely with scholars and researchers to improve understanding of the special requirements accompanying Judicial records and to foster appropriate access to information. Develop and update a complete Disaster Recovery Plan for the Judiciary with provision for the special circumstances in courts in and outside Port of Spain. Ensure security and preservation of historic court records by working closely with the Registrar and court records personnel. Supervise and train court records preservation personnel. Qualifications: Masters Degree in Archives or Library and Information Sciences or Masters in Business Administration, Judicial Administration or equivalent degree. A minimum of three (3) years experience in an environment that includes supervisory experience. Priority consideration will be given to applicants with experience in court or legal environments. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Ability to communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing. Ability to work with all levels of staff and public with tact and diplomacy and to establish and maintain good working relationships with all court personnel, the legal profession and the public. Strong ability to perceive and analyze problems, plan and develop alternatives and effect innovative solutions. Ability to manage diverse personnel in a variety of situations in a consistent manner. Strong knowledge of archival and records management core principals and practices. Strong IT skills and abilities especially in relation to library and archival systems. Detailed knowledge of legal records and court operations. (2006)

LAW LIBRARY DIRECTOR/ADMINISTRATOR OF SELF-HELP CENTER: Trial Courts of Arizona in Maricopa County, AZ. Summary: Oversees all aspects of the Law Library, Self-Service and Family Violence Prevention Centers administration. Duties: Procurement, facilities planning, personnel management, technology matters, problem-solving, and assisting in long-range planning. Reviews, develops and oversees the development and implementation of internal policies and procedures. Prepares and controls the Law Library budget and ongoing expenditures. Compiles data and prepares written reports. Advises Court Administration on technology issues including access to legal information, collection development, and other departmental services. Prepares evaluations and performs supervisory functions for library supervisors and Self-Service Center supervisor. Performs legal research as needed by Court Administration. Represents the Law Library and Self Service Center at departmental meetings. Qualifications: A degree in law from an ABA approved law school or a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Library Science plus five years of related experience. A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Library Science from an ALA approved university may substitute for two years of the required experience. Salary $57,012 - $81,494. (2006)

LAW LIBRARIAN: Howard County, Maryland. Summary: We are seeking an individual who is extremely well-versed in online research/resources. While our physical volumes are quite limited, we are expanding our online capabilities and looking for the correct person to lead these projects. We are also interested in greater outreach to our public, including self-represented litigants and students. The Court has a small, innovative staff and values participation in projects that cross strict subject lines. We are looking for an individual who is interested in participating in a variety of initiatives while serving as the law librarian. The law librarian reports to the court administrator. Priorities, including budget and space, will be established through collaboration with the County Administrative Judge and the court administrator. Duties: In addition to the traditional law librarian responsibilities, this position will serve as the first line information officer and duties will include addressing general information questions, via phone and email, addressed to the Court. Since our web presence is just under development, the librarian will be very much involved in helping structure the information available on the website. Due to the importance of computer skills to this position, the incumbent will also serve as the onsite technical specialist for the Court. Furthermore, the incumbent will work with the court administrator on issues of privacy and security of court records and court information. The following qualifications are desired: (1) Experience in administering all aspects of a small law library, including acquisitions, reference, security of materials, chambers collections, procurement and basic budgeting responsibilities; (2) Experience and expertise in online information gathering and legal research. Experience with both LexisNexis and Westlaw is preferred; (3) Understanding of information system technology and the ability to perform basic trouble-shooting for library hardware and software; (4) Knowledge of the most important references needed for a meaningful legal collection; (5) Dedication to service. Qualifications: MLS required, but significant legal research or library experience may be substituted. Salary: Range of $43,000 to $57,000 depending upon education and relevant experience. (2006)

ELECTRONIC SERVICES LIBRARIAN: Wyoming State Law Library. Duties: Assist in administering and maintaining electronic resources and systems in the library, act as liaison to other agencies, maintain staff and public PC software and hardware, and maintain the web page and Internet-based resources. Also participate in traditional reference service. Qualifications: ALA-accredited MLS and two years professional experience, or equivalent of education and job-related experience required. Strong research, computer skills, service and communication skills preferred. Salary: $38,000-49,000. (2005)

ACCESS SERVICES LIBRARIAN: Los Angeles County Law Library. Summary: Under general direction of the Assistant Director for Public Services, the Access Services Librarian is responsible for supervising and managing daily operations of circulation, media, stack maintenance, interlibrary loan, and document delivery units. Some Saturday and rotating holiday work required. Qualifications: ALA accredited MLS.  Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in public services as a professional librarian, including working knowledge of library automation systems, especially circulation modules. Demonstrated managerial ability. Strong public services orientation and commitment. Salary:$4,600- $6,002/month. Excellent benefits. (2005)

DIRECTOR, LAW LIBRARY: LA County, Los Angeles CA. Summary:  The Library Director is a dynamic and visionary leader who envisages and responds to the evolving needs of the County Law Library system and who builds consensus among the legal, library, and business communities; is a charismatic leader who manages and inspires staff and colleagues, successfully adapts to change, and is highly competent in budgeting, finance, human resources, labor issues, and state and local politics. The successful candidate will demonstrate and uphold a strong commitment to access to justice and to public availability of quality legal information.  Duties: Direct all Library operations, supervise staff, manage workflow, address concerns, counsel, hire/terminate, evaluate, promote, approve leaves and raises, coordinate workflow, schedule, and recommend changes, ensure departmental compliance with all applicable laws, policies and procedures, and safety regulations; take initiative to correct any deviations, attend Board meetings and act as Secretary of the Board, prepare presentations to Board and inform Board of Library Operations, consult with Board members and other officials to review Department operations and activities, formulate goals, recommend policies and resolve problems, develop and plan Library programs, prepare annual budget, pending Board's approval, administer budget and adjust expenditures as necessary, negotiate contracts and major expenditures, submitting them to Board for approval, create and implement policies and procedures to enhance Library services, subject to Board's approval, oversee maintenance of facilities and educate Law Library employees about facility maintenance and safety concerns, negotiate contracts for maintenance services, oversee inventory of Library materials, equipment, and supplies, ensuring availability of adequate materials for patrons and negotiating contracts of items selected for purchase, respond diplomatically to complaints regarding Library operations and initiate problem resolution, serve as official Library representative in communications with all entities, attend regular meetings and serve on committees as needed, making speeches and presentations, advocate legislative changes before State Legislature, develop Library collection, maintain current knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, literature, technology, practices and trends in the industry, maintain professional affiliations and participate in continuing education courses; attend conferences, training sessions, and workshops, provide technical expertise and assist staff with problems. Qualifications:  A Master's degree in Library Science from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited graduate library school, seven years of increasingly responsible experience as a professional librarian, performing duties in a large law library, two years of library management and staff supervisory responsibilities; or, an equivalent combination of education or experience.  Additional education is highly desirable but not required for this position. Juris Doctor desired.  Master of Business Administration desired. Master of Public Administration desired.  Develop and renew a thorough knowledge of current trends in the library industry, including technology, patron usage, administration, financial planning and economic development, with a strong vision for the continued growth and development of the Library. Salary Range: $99,144.00 - $129,360.00. (2005)

CATALOG LIBRARIAN: Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago-Kent College of Law & Stuart Graduate School of Business, Chicago, IL. Summary: Under the general direction of the Director of Bibliographic Services, the Catalog Librarian is responsible for cataloging library materials, including continuing resources in both print and electronic formats. The Catalog Librarian also co-supervises two library specialists with the Government Documents Librarian. Duties:  Providing full (or other appropriate level) original cataloging and authority control in a variety of print, non-print and digital formats in a variety of subject areas; supervising all serials-related projects; contributing to planning, policy and procedure development of department; performing other duties to enhance the collection and services of the library such as (but not limited to): assisting in the development, implementation, and evaluation of cataloging and bibliographic service policies, procedures, and publications based on current information and developments in the field/literature; responding to telephone, mail and e-mail inquiries from patrons seeking information; individual and group training; and other duties as required. This position will also have some responsibility for managing electronic resources (e-journals and databases). Qualifications: M.L.S. from an A.L.A.-accredited graduate program, a working knowledge of cataloging principles and procedures including AACR2R, LC Subject Headings and Classification, and MARC 21 formats is essential, as is a working knowledge of standard bibliographic and other reference tools, familiarity with a range of automated processing activities, some supervisory experience and a demonstrated commitment to customer service, excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills are critical, including experience in procedure development and writing documentation, very customer service oriented, has a friendly and helpful manner, can work effectively with faculty and all levels of staff, possesses an aptitude for complex, analytical and detailed work, and can manage diverse assignments in a rapidly-changing and demanding environment. Preferred: Substantial experience cataloging serials; previous library experience cataloging specialized business and/or legal materials; experience with Voyager, the library's integrated library system; one year of cataloging experience; experience with OCLC and/or RLIN; demonstrated interest in the issues and standards related to metadata; experience with SFX and e-resource management tools; teaching or training experience or teaching aptitude; and experience with course management software (e.g., Blackboard, TWEN).  Salary is negotiable and competitive, commensurate with experience. (2005) 

TEACHING LIBRARIAN: The Florida Coastal School of Law Library. Summary: The Teaching Librarian reports to the Head of Public and Instructional Services. The Teaching Librarian leads the development and maintenance of the library’s legal research instruction program and is primarily responsible for its implementation. The Teaching Librarian is part of the Reference staff and works with the other reference librarians in providing service and support to the student body. Duties: Work with the legal research and writing instructors to develop the legal research module of that program, work with faculty in support of scholarly research and class instruction.  This includes developing and providing class research modules, and creating documentation (handouts, bibliographies, pathfinders, etc.), develop and present formal and informal library instruction for full range of available resources, participate in rotation at the Library’s Reference Desk, including some evenings and weekends, assist patrons in the evaluation and use of print, electronic, microform, and other resources, participate in collection development, keep current on developments in information technology that could be used to improve library reference and instructional services, perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications: MLS and JD, 5 years of experience in formal legal research instruction, strong service orientation and ability to work well with others in a team atmosphere, enthusiasm, flexibility, and a positive attitude, excellent oral and written communication skills, detailed knowledge of print and electronic legal research tools, experience in the training and instruction of groups is preferred. Salary commensurate with experience. (2005)

LA COUNTY LAW LIBRARY DIRECTOR: Los Angeles, CA. Summary: The Los Angeles County Law Library is offering a challenging career opportunity for an exceptionally well qualified and motivated individual to fill the position of Library Director. The Library Director will report to the Board of Trustees. This position faces a number of opportunities and challenges, most notably regarding fluctuating revenues, the changing mix of print and electronic resources, and a shifting patron base that includes an increasing number of pro se litigants and members of the public. The Library Director is a dynamic and visionary leader who envisages and responds to the evolving needs of the County Law Library system and who builds consensus among the legal, library, and business communities. The Director is a charismatic leader who manages and inspires staff and colleagues, successfully adapts to change, and is highly competent in budgeting, finance, human resources, labor issues, and state and local politics. The successful candidate will demonstrate and uphold a strong commitment to access to justice and to public availability of quality legal information. Duties: Direct all Library operations. Supervise staff:  Manage workflow, address concerns, counsel, hire/terminate, evaluate, promote, approve leaves and raises, coordinate workflow, schedule, and recommend changes. Ensure departmental compliance with all applicable laws, policies and procedures, and safety regulations; take initiative to correct any deviations. Attend Board meetings and act as Secretary of the Board. Prepare presentations to Board and inform Board of Library Operations. Consult with Board members and other officials to review Department operations and activities. Formulate goals, recommend policies and resolve problems. Develop and plan Library programs. Prepare annual budget. Pending Board's approval, administer budget and adjust expenditures as necessary. Negotiate contracts and major expenditures, submitting them to Board for approval. Create and implement policies and procedures to enhance Library services, subject to Board's approval. Oversee maintenance of facilities and educate Law Library employees about facility maintenance and safety concerns.  Negotiate contracts for maintenance services. Oversee inventory of Library materials, equipment, and supplies, ensuring availability of adequate materials for patrons and negotiating contracts of items selected for purchase. Respond diplomatically to complaints regarding Library operations and initiate problem resolution. Serve as official Library representative in communications with all entities: Board members, government agencies and officials, professional peers and organizations, patrons and the public, contractors and suppliers. Attend regular meetings and serve on committees as needed, making speeches and presentations. Advocate legislative changes before State Legislature. Develop Library collection. Maintain current knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, literature, technology, practices and trends in the industry. Maintain professional affiliations and participate in continuing education courses; attend conferences, training sessions, and workshops. Provide technical expertise and assist staff with problems. Qualifications: A Master's degree in Library Science from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited graduate library school. Seven years of increasingly responsible experience as a professional librarian, performing duties in a large law library. Two years of library management and staff supervisory responsibilities; or, an equivalent combination of education or experience. Salary: $99,144.00-$129,360.00. (2005)

LAW LIBRARIAN: Santa Cruz Law Library, Santa Cruz, CA. Summary: The Santa Cruz County Law Library is an autonomous government agency funded primarily by civil filing fees. Employees are Santa Cruz County Board of Law Library Trustees’ (SCCBLLT) employees, not employees of the County of Santa Cruz.  Salaries and benefits are set and provided for by the SCCBLLT. The Law Library is located at 701 Ocean Street Room 70, Santa Cruz, CA. The Law Library is a public law library providing legal information for the residents of Santa Cruz County, attorneys, judges and government officials. The law librarian reports directly to and serves under the direction of a seven-member board comprising one county resident, two judges, and four attorneys. The law librarian is Secretary to the Board and is responsible for the administration of the law library. Duties: As Secretary to the board, gives notice, prepares agenda and minutes, and attends all Board meetings. Prepares annual budget, reports and financial statements in consultation with the Board. Provides monthly financial statements at Board meetings. Recommends needed policies for Board action. Enforces library policy as adopted by the Board, and keeps the Board informed of needed changes. Seeks funding to support library services. Promotes library products and services to meet the needs of the community. Oversees collection maintenance, including selection and ordering of all books and library materials in conformity with board policies. Provides interlibrary loan services. Keeps informed of developments and technologies in computer systems and online services, which may affect the law library. Oversees all technical services programs. Administers short and long-range planning processes for the library’s IT networks. Serves as hiring and firing authority for all employees. Provides for training and development of staff. Qualifications: M.L.S/M.I.S/M.L.I.S or equivalent experience. Five years experience as a legal reference librarian.  Five years supervisory or equivalent experience. Knowledge of basic accounting procedures. Demonstrated proficiency in electronic databases, specifically Lexis and Westlaw. Knowledge and experience with Windows operating systems. Ability to work effectively with a diverse population. Commitment to strong public service orientation. Effective oral and written communication skills. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with county and other government officials. Ability to speak Spanish. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. (2004)

LAW LIBRARIAN: Lake County Law Library, Waukegan, IL.  Summary: Under the general direction of the Chief Judge and Deputy Court Administrator, the incumbent will perform work of considerable difficulty in daily and long-range planning, and directing the operations of the County Law Library.  Duties: Specifically, provide specialized legal and general reference service to judges, court staff, attorneys, and the public; catalog and classify library materials; maintain public catalog; oversee all technical processing and library maintenance functions including acquisitions, collection control and conservation, interlibrary loan; maintain and update library procedure manuals; maintain library statistics; conduct customer surveys; develop and oversee Pro Se and Judicial Administration library sections; develop and implement policies and procedures; preparing, submitting and administering library operational budget; space planning; assist in the planning, development, and administration of the law library’s automated research section; provide training to judges, court staff, attorneys and public on automated legal research technology.  Qualifications: include graduation from a four-year college and possession of an M.L.S. or equivalent degree from an ALA-accredited library school and 2 years of professional law library experience, as well as knowledge of professional law library practices, terminology, and technology.  Strong public service orientation, effective organizational and interpersonal skills, and excellent verbal and written communication skills, proficiency in manual and electronic legal and non-legal research tools.  Annual salary range:  $29,884 - $41,973 (Grade 19) with excellent benefits.  Closing date:  open until filled.  For further information contact James E. Brix, Deputy Court Administrator, at (847) 360-6480.  To apply, submit resume and writing sample to:  Department of Human Resources, 18 North County - 7th Floor, Waukegan, IL    60085.  (1997)

LAW LIBRARIAN: Mohave County Superior Court, Kingman, Arizona.  Duties:  upon direction of Court Administrator, incumbent supervises and maintains the court system law library.  Qualifications:  master’s degree in library science or related field or certification from an accredited ALA Program and 3 or more years of administrative, professional or technical experience in a library, court, or justice-related organization.  Law library and legal research experience is preferred.  Annual salary range:  $22,090 - $29,702, depending on qualifications. (1996)

LAW LIBRARIAN (Part-time): Mohave County Superior Court, Arizona.  Duties: upon direction of the court administrator, supervise and maintain the court system law library.  Qualifications: a bachelor's degree in library science or related field from an accredited college or university and two or more years or progressively responsible administrative, professional, or technical experience in a court, library, or justice-related organization.  Qualifications: (desired):  law library and legal  research experience and excellent organizational, analytical, human relations, and communications skills.  Salary: $11.61 - $15.60 an hour DOQ, 30 hours per week.  (1994)

JUDICIAL LAW LIBRARIAN: Circuit Court, Howard County, Maryland.  Summary: The incumbent is responsible for the overall operation of the library, including budget and acquisitions.  Qualifications: include any combination of education and experience equivalent to completion of a bachelor’s degree program in library science from an ALA-accredited school.  Salary is $26,527 annually. (1991)

JUDICIAL LAW LIBRARIAN: Circuit Court, Howard County, Maryland.  Summary: The incumbent is responsible for the overall operation of the library, including budget and acquisitions.  Qualifications: include any combination of education and experience equivalent to completion of a bachelor’s degree program in library science from an ALA-accredited school.  Salary is $26,527 annually.(1991)

Top

Library Assistant

LIBRARY ASSISTANT: (General Description) Summary: Under supervision of the State Law Librarian, performs routine clerical and customer service duties in support of the Law Library operation. Duties: Files loose leaf services; inserts supplements, pocket parts and updates; maintains records CCH, BNA and other supplements. Performs minor repairs to copying machines; adds paper, toner, and performs other functions related to copy machine maintenance; contacts repair service for major repairs. Handles requests for copies of legal documents and faxes from out of town patrons and inmates. Checks circulation files against shelves regularly; retrieves books when needed by patrons and when overdue; discards old circulation files for items already returned. Qualifications: Two years post high school education and one year employment in a law library or similar setting. (2001)

ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST 2: Superior Court of New Jersey, Ocean Vicinage. Duties: Under the general direction of the Court Executive 2b (Operations Division Manager), assists customers in the law library and directs to appropriate resources; coordinates use/maintenance of vicinage vehicle fleet; duplicates copies of court proceedings for litigants and judges; coordinates storage and retrieval of court records; assists in maintaining law library; coordinates session calendar; generates reports of statistical nature and coordinates complimentary dispute resolution program. Does related work as required. Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree. One year of experience in the coordination of calendars and scheduling of events. A minimum of two years experience in the area of customer services and administration of policies and procedures. Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute paraprofessional and professional experience for education on a year-for-year basis. Salary: $36,025.61 - $59,021.95. (2006)

ON-CALL LAW LIBRARIAN ASSISTANT: Lee County Justice Center, AOC Law Library, Ft. Myers, FL. Duties: This is a professional Law Librarian Assistant position responsible for assisting with the operations of the law library to include circulation, reference, or serve as a reference, document, or catalog librarian. Work is performed with considerable independence under the general direction of the Law Library Board of Trustees, Law Librarian, and the Chief Deputy Court Administrator who review work through conferences, personal observation of performance, inspection of work and feedback from various departments and the public. The core responsibilities are: (1) Administration (2) Procedural (3) Train. Qualifications: Knowledge of Westlaw; principles, practices, procedures and techniques of library science; sources and procedures used in reference and the legal field. A Bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited college or university. Two years of experience in law library work involving the application of specialized library science techniques preferred. Related experience may substitute for the education on a year for year basis. Salary: $14.42 per hour. (2006)

COURT SELF HELP CENTER CLERK: Lancaster County Law Library, Lancaster, PA. Summary: This is a specialized clerical position overseeing the daily operation of the Court Self Help Center. Duties: Answer questions and educate potential self -represented litigants about materials and resources available in the center; distribute appropriate brochures and information packets; collect money for sale of packets. Handle daily correspondence by mail and e-mail; prepare information and referrals as appropriate. Provide information about Lawyer Referral Service and other available legal services, mediation services and appropriate community resources and services. Document use of Center, including keeping statistics on number of packets sold and number of referrals made. Maintain stock of printed materials. Reconcile cash register after each shift; deposit cash and checks daily. Lock office and turn off equipment after each shift. Perform related duties as required. Qualifications: Education equivalent to completion of high school; one year of clerical experience in an administrative, governmental, judicial or law related setting, OR any combination of acceptable education and experience which has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities cited above. Ability to communicate effectively with different types of people. Ability to handle and manage money accurately. Ability to work independently. Ability to answer phone, make recommendations, and follow up with information as necessary. Ability to effectively use a computer. Core Competencies: Communication: Personal responsibility to give and receive information and feedback in order to provide a more complete result. Interpersonal: The ability to demonstrate respect for and awareness of others, good judgment in responding to conflict, and flexibility to adapt to changes in one’s work environment. Accountability: The ability to contribute one’s very best to the County with a focus on continuous improvement and excellence. Customer Focus: The ability to understand and anticipate customer wants and resolve customer needs. (2006)

 

Top

Back to Library Positions