Law Librarian Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of information accessibility, the role of law librarians has become more crucial than ever.

As legal complexities continue to evolve, the need for knowledgeable professionals adept at navigating and managing vast legal resources becomes paramount.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a law librarian?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the inner mechanisms of legal librarianship,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable law librarian job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Law Librarian Duties and Responsibilities

Law Librarians have specialized knowledge of legal research methods and resources.

They provide law-related reference services and are responsible for the acquisition, organization, and management of legal information.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Acquire, catalog, and maintain library materials, including books, digital media, and legal documents
• Conduct comprehensive legal research and reference services for lawyers, students, and other patrons
• Develop and implement library policies and procedures
• Teach legal research skills to law students and legal staff
• Provide information about new legal resources and changes in information retrieval methods to the law firm or legal department
• Collaborate with other information professionals to ensure effective service delivery
• Maintain a comprehensive and current legal knowledge database for quick reference
• Ensure all library resources meet the needs of lawyers, students, and other users
• Manage budgeting, planning, and personnel activities for the library

 

Law Librarian Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for an experienced and knowledgeable law librarian to join our team.

Law Librarian responsibilities include developing, organizing, and maintaining legal resources, conducting training sessions, and providing services to law students, faculty, and attorneys.

The ideal candidate should have a deep understanding of the legal research process, the ability to guide others, and strong communication skills.

Ultimately, the role of the law librarian is to provide accurate, up-to-date resources and information services in a law library setting.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage collections of legal resources
• Conduct training sessions on legal research techniques
• Provide specialized legal reference services
• Stay updated with developments in legal resources and technologies
• Plan and implement library policies and procedures
• Handle budgeting and resources allocation effectively
• Assist in the development and management of the library’s website and online resources
• Collaborate with law faculty in course planning and legal research

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a law librarian or similar role
• Expert knowledge of legal resources and databases
• Strong understanding of cataloging and classification
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to provide guidance and training to users
• Masters in Library Science (MLS) or equivalent
• Additional certification or degree in Law is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Law Librarian
• Work Environment: Law Library setting with occasional meetings or consultations in a private office. Some travel may be required for conferences or professional development.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of the Law Library or Library Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $55,000 minimum to $85,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Law Librarian Do?

A Law Librarian primarily works for law firms, courts, government agencies, and law schools.

They can also work in companies, nonprofit organizations, or any other institutions that need legal expertise.

Their main role is to manage and organize legal resources to ensure that lawyers, law students, judges, and other legal staff can access accurate and timely information.

They are responsible for acquiring, cataloguing, and maintaining legal documents, books, and electronic resources.

These resources range from legal cases, statutes, regulations, and legal opinions to foreign and international legal materials.

Law Librarians are often involved in legal research, assisting in preparing legal documents, and helping with the preparation of cases.

They also conduct training sessions on legal research techniques and the use of electronic resources, ensuring that staff or students are up-to-date with the latest tools and databases.

In some cases, Law Librarians may specialize in a certain area of law, allowing them to provide more focused research and resources to those working in that specific area.

Their work requires a deep understanding of legal terminology, research methods, and the legal system, as well as strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

 

Law Librarian Qualifications and Skills

Law Librarians require an amalgamation of legal knowledge, library science skills, and soft skills to manage legal information resources and services effectively.

These include:

• Deep understanding of legal resources and databases, enabling them to retrieve case law, statutes, legal articles, and other relevant legal materials.
• Strong research skills to assist in legal research requests from lawyers, law students, and other library patrons.
• Organizational skills to classify, catalog and manage a wide array of legal resources efficiently.
• Excellent communication skills to interact with patrons, explain complex legal information in an understandable manner, and provide clear instructions on using library resources.
• Proficiency in using library software systems, including cataloging systems, digital databases, and other library management tools.
• Problem-solving skills to address and resolve issues related to library resources and services.
• Knowledge of copyright laws and regulations, which is crucial for the appropriate usage and distribution of library materials.
• Continuous learning abilities to stay updated on new legal resources, technologies, and changes in law.

 

Law Librarian Experience Requirements

For entry-level Law Librarian positions, candidates typically need 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through an internship or part-time role in a legal or academic library setting.

Such roles could include Library Assistant, Research Assistant, or Information Specialist.

Candidates should also have a Master’s degree in Library Science or Library and Information Studies.

Some roles may also require a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.

These educational programs provide candidates with a foundation in legal research, information management, and library administration.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have developed their skills in legal research, library administration, and information technology in positions such as Law Library Associate or Legal Information Specialist.

They may have experience with a variety of law databases and legal research tools.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in a law library may have some managerial experience and could be eligible for senior roles or leadership positions.

They might have experience in strategic planning, budget management, and staff supervision.

Furthermore, Law Librarians with several years of experience often have strong knowledge of legal resources and excellent research skills, along with experience in delivering training and workshops to law students and legal professionals.

They may also have experience collaborating with legal faculty on research projects or publications.

 

Law Librarian Education and Training Requirements

Law Librarians typically hold a master’s degree in library science (MLS) or library and information science (MLIS).

Many law librarians also possess a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, which provides them with an understanding of legal terminology, legal research methods, and the legal system.

This is particularly valuable in larger law libraries or in positions that require specialized legal knowledge.

Certain universities offer dual degree programs that allow students to pursue both the JD and MLS simultaneously.

In addition to formal education, law librarians need strong research skills and the ability to use databases and other digital tools effectively.

They should also have knowledge of legal materials, such as case law, statutes, regulations, and legal journals.

Certification is not typically required, but professional organizations like the American Association of Law Libraries offer certification programs that can demonstrate expertise and commitment to the field.

Continuing education is important in this field to stay abreast of the latest technology and resources available for legal research.

This can be achieved through workshops, seminars, webinars, and professional conferences.

Finally, practical experience in a legal or library setting can be beneficial.

This experience can be gained through internships, part-time jobs, or even volunteer work.

 

Law Librarian Salary Expectations

A Law Librarian earns an average salary of $58,650 (USD) per year.

The salary can vary greatly based on factors such as years of experience, the complexity of the job, the employing organization, and geographical location.

 

Law Librarian Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Law Librarian need?

Law Librarians should have strong research and analytical skills as they would often be tasked to find and provide legal resources for lawyers, students, or researchers.

They should also possess excellent communication and organizational skills, be detail-oriented, and have a deep understanding of legal terminologies and procedures.

Technological literacy is also important, as they will be using online databases and legal research software.

 

Do Law Librarians need a degree?

Yes, Law Librarians typically need a Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS).

Some law firms or institutions might also require a Juris Doctor (JD) degree or a strong background in law.

They should also be familiar with the latest library technologies and legal research databases.

 

What should you look for in a Law Librarian resume?

Firstly, ensure that the candidate has a Master’s in Library Science or Information Studies.

If the position requires, check if they also have a law degree or significant legal research experience.

Look for evidence of strong research, organizational, and technological skills.

Experience in managing a library, especially a law library, would be a big plus.

 

What qualities make a good Law Librarian?

A good Law Librarian should be well-organized, meticulous, and patient, as they often need to handle vast amounts of information and assist with complex research.

They should have excellent communication skills to effectively interact with lawyers, students, or researchers and clarify their research needs.

A good Law Librarian should also be comfortable using technology, be it databases, library management systems, or digital archives.

 

What are the daily duties of a Law Librarian?

A Law Librarian’s daily duties may include managing and cataloging legal resources, assisting lawyers or students in their research, maintaining the library’s database systems, and staying up-to-date with the latest legal publications and changes in law.

They may also provide training sessions on how to use the library’s resources effectively.

Depending on the setting, they may need to manage other library staff or handle administrative tasks.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the world of the law librarian.

Surprised?

It’s not just about shelving books.

It’s about navigating the vast sea of legal knowledge, one statute at a time.

With our comprehensive law librarian job description template and actual examples, you’re ready to make your move.

But why halt here?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your springboard to finely-crafted job listings and honing your resume to perfection.

Always remember:

Every statute, case law, and legal precedent is part of a grand tapestry.

Let’s weave that future. Together.

How to Become a Law Librarian (Complete Guide)

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