Research & Student Services Librarian – 501976

SUMMARY: 

The Research and Student Services Librarian is integral to the law library’s research and instructional program, including teaching a required first-year course on Legal Research, and developing specialized legal research training for law students. Collaborating closely with others in the law school, the librarian enhances student services by curating top-notch electronic and print resources for legal scholarship and skill development. Additionally, the librarian produces high-value materials such as research guides, library news, and tutorials to support students' academic progress. This role is pivotal in ensuring law students have the knowledge and tools for success, both academically and professionally.

Professional librarians hold faculty status. Faculty status allows both voice and vote in University faculty meetings, eligibility to serve on faculty committees, to serve as a student advisor, and to participate in the Program for Enhancing Teaching Effectiveness (PETE); and it acknowledges that those individuals play an active role in the intellectual activities of the University. Faculty status does not carry with it eligibility for tenure or sabbatical, nor does it automatically carry with it faculty rank (Professor, Associate, Assistant Professor, or Instructor), since faculty rank is in a specific academic department, nor does it carry eligibility for other benefits normally assigned to full-time teaching faculty.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Legal Research Instruction 

• Teach assigned sections of Legal Research.


• Teach upper-level legal research classes as assigned


• Train students in legal research sources and techniques for doctrinal courses through lectures and research guides


• Prepare students for practice by teaching in the Library’s annual legal research instruction tailored to prepare students for summer practice work


• Develop and present legal research training for Law School faculty, students, and staff

Research and Reference Services 

• Provide synchronous and scheduled reference assistance, including assistance with library materials, databases, and scholarly research agendas


• Provide reference and research assistance to faculty as part of the library’s liaison program


• Develop written and recorded legal research instructional guides and tutorials


• Create and adapt research resources tailored for seminar papers and other research-intensive curricular offerings


• Provide library information and instructional tours

Student Services Development and Delivery 

• Promote student-focused services and programming through written and oral communication projects.


• Develop topical library programming tailored for student engagement


• Develop programs and foster dialogue with students to support sustainable research techniques and skills


• Develop activities to orient students to library services and sources


• Conduct outreach to student groups to respond to organizational needs and opportunities


• Partner with clinical faculty and experiential instructors to deliver student resources


• In partnership with the Associate Dean for Library and Information Services, develop a student advisory board, hosting meetings and fostering group communication


• Serve as a member of the Law School Student Services Committee, either as a full member or ex officio

Collection Development 

• Evaluate library print and electronic resources to advise the Collection Development committee

University Service 

• Serve as a member of Law Library, Law School, and University committees, as appointed and assigned


• Serve as a faculty advisor to students, as assigned


• Assume an active role in the law school community by participating in faculty workshops, colloquies and related events


• Recommend reference and public service policies and procedures to the Director of Public and Instructional Services and the Associate Dean for Library & Information Services

Professional Service 

• Participate actively in local, state, and national law library and library organizations and associations by attending professional meetings and activities


• Write articles and/or presentations for various law and library related publications and associations.

Other Duties as Assigned 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of legal resources, print and electronic, and computer-assisted legal research systems


• Excellent written and oral communication skills


• Ability to interact positively with students, faculty, and other users


• Strong teaching skills and demonstrated effectiveness in conveying legal information in classroom and other instructional settings

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• J.D. from ABA-accredited law school


• Master’s degree or actively pursing a master's degree in Library and/or Information Science from ALA-accredited institution


• Reference or public services library experience required


• Law library experience preferred

WORK HOURS:

• Full-time, exempt position


• Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; 7.75 hrs./day; 38.75 hrs./week; schedule may include occasional weekends and evenings

SALARY STRUCTURE:
Pay Grade 7 (Hiring Range $54,413.00 to $75,000.00 annually)

ABOUT UR:

At the University of Richmond, we’re creative, inclusive, and determined. We’re Spiders, and our mission is to create positive change in the UR community and beyond. Located minutes from downtown Richmond, Virginia, the University of Richmond (www.richmond.edu) blends the intimacy of a small college with exceptional academic, research, and cultural opportunities usually found only at large institutions. There’s only one place like Richmond.

UR is committed to developing a diverse faculty, staff and student body, and to modeling an inclusive campus community which values the expression of differences in ways that promote excellence in teaching, learning, personal development and institutional success. In keeping with this commitment, our academic community welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds and candidates who support diversity. EOE