Assistant Research Librarian

TN United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled Research professional to join their dynamic Knowledge and Research team in London. This role involves delivering high-quality business and legal research, supporting the firm’s strategic goals, and managing a range of information resources. The ideal candidate will possess a postgraduate qualification in Library/Information Studies and demonstrate strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills. In this collaborative environment, you will have the opportunity to enhance your expertise while contributing to innovative projects that drive the firm’s success.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification in Library/Information Studies or equivalent is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and strong communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality business and legal research using various resources.
• Design and deliver training on online information products and research techniques.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving skills

Strong communication skills

Time management

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Interest in Library/Information profession

Education

Postgraduate/graduate qualification in Library/Information Studies

Tools

Microsoft SharePoint

Job description

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About Herbert Smith Freehills

As one of the world’s leading law firms, we advise many of the largest and most ambitious organisations across all major regions of the globe. With over 5,000 people, including 3,100 lawyers and over 2,000 business services professionals, operating from our global network of offices across Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and North America, Herbert Smith Freehills is at the heart of the new global business landscape providing premium quality, full-service legal advice.

We recognise that the success of our business and our clients relies on the skills, knowledge and ideas of all our people. Our environment is one in which high performance is expected, in return, we will provide you with rewards and opportunities tailored to your personal and professional goals.

The Opportunity

Key Internal Relationships:

• Members of the global Knowledge and Research team
• Partners, lawyers, Business Development, Professional Support Lawyers, Procurement, Learning and Organizational Development, Business Finance

Key External Relationships:

• Key vendors and suppliers
• External information professionals

Role / Primary Responsibilities:

• The primary function of the Research department is to support the legal and business information needs of partners, lawyers and Business service professionals. This team of highly experienced information professionals is led by the Research Manager, West and currently has 11 members of staff based in London.
• The Research team manages an extensive range of online and hard copy legal and business information resources, underpinning the firm’s wide-ranging expertise and business development strategies. Besides providing research services, Research has a proactive role in the promotion of new technologies, with a particular emphasis on supporting an increasingly agile firm. Research pro-actively supports the firm's strategies.
• The standard hours for this role will be 9.30am – 5.30 pm, but some flexibility may be required.

Key Performance Indicators:

• Reference and research requests are completed on time and to the satisfaction of the user
• Positive feedback from key stakeholders and other members of the Knowledge and Research team
• Demonstrated ability to work within policies and guidelines and to contribute to the attainment of department goals as set by the Research Manager

Key Responsibilities:

Research Services

Supporting the firm to realise its strategy by delivering high quality business and legal research using a wide range of online and hardcopy resources. Supporting panel pitches process by providing research on clients.

• Use legal and business information resources to provide a current awareness service to the business
• Produce and collate newsletters on sectors, clients or key topics

Training

• Design and deliver training on online information products and research techniques
• Assist end users to develop their own research skills and strategies

Procurement and collection development

• Management of complete lifecycle of hardcopy material
• Selection, procurement and cataloguing of hardcopy resources across the global network
• Updating and amending catalogue records, processing and distributing new books
• Arranging for the disposal or withdrawal of stock
• Liaise with stakeholders to evaluate requirements
• Use infrastructure products (Library Management System, Resource Management System) to track, analyse and review database usage
• Liaise with external suppliers to resolve technical, content or access issues with resources
• Process payment of invoices
• Support in all projects as and when they arise, and perform administrative duties such as managing the research rota and organizing weekly new joiner induction

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Postgraduate/graduate qualification in Library/Information Studies (or equivalent)
• Interest in the Library/Information profession
• Attention to detail
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new challenges
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Familiarity with Microsoft SharePoint (preferred)
• Understanding of data analysis and reporting techniques
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Problem-solving skills and proactive attitude
• Excellent time management and organizational skills

Team

Knowledge and Research, London K&R Helen McQuillin Level 1