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The University of Iowa Law Library is seeking an innovative and collaborative Reference Librarian to join their expanding team. The successful candidate will join a team of experienced, talented librarians engaged in reference and instructional services supported by one of the largest, most comprehensive academic law libraries in the country.
Responsibilities
Reporting to the Associate Director, and working closely with the reference and instructional teams, the Reference Librarian provides reference, outreach, instruction, and support services to the University’s students, faculty, and staff, as well as to a broad range of library users throughout Iowa and beyond. Key responsibilities for this position include:
- Providing exceptional reference service to students, faculty, staff, attorneys, and the public through multiple reference shifts each week.
- Assisting with research requests as part of the Law Library’s faculty service program, as needed.
- Teaching or co-teaching credit-bearing legal research courses, instruction-based programs, and/or guest lectures within the College of Law and/or other University colleges.
- Developing, updating, and maintaining instructional materials, research guides, and other online research support materials.
- Participating in collection development, including the selection of monographs and the evaluation of databases and other resources, for selection and deselection.
- Contributing to patron-focused outreach initiatives and incoming student orientation activities.
- Serving as a liaison for the College of Law’s student-run law journals, moot court program, and/or legal clinics.
- Functionally supervising and/or mentoring student research assistants and/or staff dedicated to providing reference services.
Staff members are expected to maintain effective, civil, and respectful working relationships with the University of Iowa campus community and uphold a high standard of cultural competency and respect for difference that represents our commitment to creating a welcoming and respectful work environment.
We welcome applications from both lateral candidates and entry-level candidates, including those graduating in May, August, or December 2024.
The Law Library is located in the Boyd Law Building on the University of Iowa’s campus in Iowa City, Iowa. Nestled along the Iowa River and surrounded by rolling hills, Iowa City is perennially ranked as one of America’s best places to live. Featuring a college-town atmosphere with big-city cultural richness, the Iowa City area has something for everyone including being an UNESCO City of Literature, home to the renowned Iowa Writer’s Workshop, Big 10 sports, and world-class music, theater, and dance.
To obtain the full job description including key areas of responsibility, technical competencies, and desirable qualifications, please contact [email protected]
Required Education
- Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Master’s degree in library/information science from an ALA-accredited program. (may be currently enrolled if degree will be obtained within 1 year of employment)
Required Qualifications
- Demonstrated enthusiasm for working closely with student populations.
- Demonstrated expertise in legal research.
- Ability to manage projects and balance competing priorities.
- Effective oral and written communication skills.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience providing reference service or research assistance in a library setting and/or experience teaching or training law, graduate, or undergraduate students.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Demonstrated project management skills and/or formal training in project management, workflow optimization, or continuous quality improvement.
Application Details
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. For questions, contact Josh Gulick at [email protected].
Benefits Highlights
- Regular salaried position. Located in Iowa City, Iowa.
- Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.
- For more information about Why Iowa? Click here.
Additional Information
- Classification Title: Law Librarian Specialist
- Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
- Schedule: Full-time
- Work Modality Options: On Campus
Compensation
- Pay Level: 4A
- Starting Salary Minimum: 67,500
- Starting Salary Maximum: Commensurate
Contact Information
- Organization: College of Law
- Contact Name: Josh Gulick
- Contact Email: [email protected]
