Zief Law Library Research Librarian & Assistant Professor

Job Summary:

Under the direct supervision of the Law Library Director, the Research Librarian participates in the library's extensive teaching programs. Teaching duties include instruction in assigned first-year Legal Research, Writing & Analysis sections, guest lectures in upper-division courses, and full-semester courses such as Advanced Legal Research or California Advanced Legal Research.

The Research Librarian also provides informal legal research instruction and materials; participates in research and reference services through in-person consultations, phone, chat, and email, including during assigned research service shifts. They serve as faculty liaisons, providing research support to assigned faculty, including training and supporting faculty research assistants.

The Research Librarian will join a dedicated team consisting of other research librarians, a Head of Technical Services Librarian, an Access Services Lead, full-time Library Assistants, and a rotating team of student workers in access services.

The institution seeks faculty whose work focuses on underrepresented communities, including but not limited to Black and Latinx populations, antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. The role includes opportunities for mentoring and community engagement and access to professional development resources, such as membership in the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity.

Applicants must include a Diversity Statement reflecting on ADEI practices with concrete and detailed examples.

Job Responsibilities:

The Research Librarian may handle some or all of the following based on their experience, interests, and library needs:

• Teaching legal research in first-year and upper-division courses.
• Supervising law student research assistants.
• Participating in research service rotation (10-15 hours per week).
• Serving as a library liaison for law faculty, providing research and instructional support.
• Collaborating on creating and maintaining legal research guides and teaching materials.
• Participating in outreach and marketing of library services.
• Serving on committees or task forces as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned by the Law Library Director.

Minimum Requirements:

• JD from an ABA-accredited law school and an MLS or equivalent from an ALA-accredited program (or equivalent experience).
• Commitment to experiential teaching and exemplary research support.
• Proficiency in legal research platforms and print materials.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively with library colleagues and across departments.
• Experience working in diverse contexts and with equity-focused practices.

Additional Skills and Abilities:

• Zero to ten-plus years of experience in academic law libraries, reference, teaching, or supervision.
• Knowledge of interdisciplinary research sources and methods preferred.
• Experience with web publishing platforms, lecture capture software, and educational technologies is a plus.