Reference & Training Librarian

Osler; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian law firm is looking for a Reference & Training Librarian to provide reference services and training in legal resources. This role requires a Master's degree and 1-3 years of experience in a legal or business environment. Responsibilities include high-quality legal research, training programs, and collaboration with teams across various locations. The firm promotes a hybrid work model, allowing flexibility in the workplace. Candidates with strong analytical skills and a focus on customer service are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

Dynamic work environment

Hybrid work arrangement

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Qualifications

• Completion of a Master of Information degree or equivalent from an ALA-accredited institution.
• Minimum of one to three years' experience in information services in a legal or business environment.
• Experience as a training facilitator focused on adult education.

Responsibilities

• Provide reference and research services to library users.
• Train users in the use of legal resources in the library.
• Maintain and coordinate delivery of library instruction programming.

Skills

Analytical skills

Verbal communication

Customer service orientation

Knowledge of legislative research

Ability to work in teams

Education

Master of Information degree from an ALA-accredited institution

Tools

Online legal research resources

Generative AI for legal research

Job description

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP is one of Canada’s leading business law firms. Advising many of Canada’s corporate leaders, as well as U.S. and international parties with extensive interest in Canada, our more than 1,000 firm members are based in offices in Toronto, Montréal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Calgary and New York.

Osler prides itself on attracting and maintaining some of the brightest talent in the legal field. Our lawyers, students, management and staff have created a unique firm culture which nurtures mentoring and the exchange of ideas. Osler is a dynamic and exciting place to begin a career or carve out a new path. We care about our staff and the working environment here proves it.

Reporting to the Manager, Library Reference Services, the Reference & Training Librarian provides library users with reference and research services, and trains in the use of legal resources available in the Firm's library. Working with the Learning & Development Department, the Librarian maintains, develops, and coordinates the delivery of all library instruction‑based programming for the Firm and promotes library services to the Firm.

Major Responsibilities and Duties

• Provides timely, high‑quality, focused, and complex legal, government, and business research services and reporting to lawyers, articling and summer students, law clerks, and staff by utilizing all available print and online resources
• Uses familiarity with legal subject areas, resources, and taxonomy to identify legal issues, recommend resources/research methodology, and to design search strategies for lawyers and law students
• Keeps up to date with developments in technology, including the use of generative AI for legal research
• Participates in the evaluation and testing of new resources
• Provides current awareness services using legal, news, and business sources. Regularly monitors case law, client related news, industry trends, and legislation to advise practice groups of relevant developments
• Works with the Manager, Library Reference Services, acting as a resource person regarding the implementation of emerging information and communication tools and technologies in support of reference services innovation
• Coordinates and participates in the design and delivery of training programs and materials on an ongoing basis for all internal audiences in a variety of contexts
• Coordinates practice specific/rotation training for all students on widely used electronic products. Handles any logistics, communications, and coordination with other departments associated with the programs
• Provides one‑on‑one training sessions on resources and legal research methodology to students and lawyers as needed
• Assists in the development of communication plans around changes to library resources and services. Adjusts training materials and programs as appropriate
• Assists the Manager, Library Reference Services in analyzing and evaluating the Firm's information needs and making recommendations regarding new acquisitions and cancellations
• Stays abreast of professional developments by reading and participating in professional development and industry networking
• Works closely with peers in all offices providing general assistance and collaboration on tasks and projects as appropriate

Position Requirements

Education and Experience This position requires the completion of a Master of Information degree or equivalent from an ALA‑accredited institution, plus a minimum of one to three years' information services experience in a legal or business environment. A law or business degree, Training Facilitation qualifications, and/or AI experience are an asset. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.

Knowledge and Skills

• Experience as a training facilitator focused on the foundations of adult education
• Analytical skills and ability to select information resources that meet the needs of the library’s clients
• Self‑starter with initiative and creativity
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a high‑functioning, positive, professional services team
• Ability to exercise judgement in the prioritization and completion of tasks
• Organizational skills and ability to multi‑task
• Verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• A strong customer service orientation
• Awareness of legal, business, government, and current affairs
• Knowledge of the legislative process and experience with legislative research
• Proficiency with online legal research resources, including expertise in generative AI for legal research
• Familiarity with business research methodologies and resources

We are currently working in a hybrid work arrangement, which includes a requirement to work primarily in the office and flexibility to work remotely up to 2 days per week.

Accessibility and Accommodation

We thank all applicants for their interest in Osler; however, only chosen applicants will be contacted. Osler is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, and we welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities and people with diverse backgrounds, identities, and cultures. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates in all phases of the selection process.

Background and Reference Checks

Please note that any offer of employment will be conditional upon background and reference checks, including a criminal record check, credit check, and employment and educational verifications.

If you have the required background with the ability to provide exceptional customer service and wish to work in one of Canada's leading law firms, please reply in confidence with a cover letter and résumé by the closing date.

#LI-Hybrid

#LI-AL1