Reference & Access Services Librarian at St. John's University School of Law

METRO | 599; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Rittenberg Law Library at St. John’s University seeks a Reference & Access Services Librarian who will join a collaborative team. This full-time role includes supervising library staff, managing access services, and providing extensive research support to faculty and students. A J.D. or M.L.S. degree is required, with preference for candidates with additional experience in academic law libraries.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in a law library setting.
• Experience in instructional roles, either informal or formal.

Responsibilities

• Supervise training for Access & Collection Services staff.
• Oversee resource sharing and document delivery services.
• Provide reference services and curate research guides.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Leadership skills

Technical skills

Education

J.D. from an ABA-approved law school

M.L.S. from an ALA-accredited library school

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Interlibrary loan software

Job description

The Rittenberg Law Library at St. John’s University School of Law is seeking a collaborative and service-focused person to join our law library team.

The Reference & Access Services Librarian will join a service-centered team that is an integral part of the life of a strong, inclusive, and vibrant law school community. They will provide comprehensive access services for the space and resources of the Library and serve as a member of the Reference team, whose members collaborate to provide reference services and legal research instruction.

The position is full-time, Monday-Thursday, 8 hours per day with flexible start times; Friday, 6 hours per day with flexible start times; 1 remote day per week, subject to business needs.

Essential Functions:

• Supervise and coordinate training for the Library’s Access & Collection Services staff and student employees to provide comprehensive access and collection services to the law school community.
• Oversee resource sharing and document delivery services.
• Supervise circulation services, physical collection maintenance, and course reserves.
• Coordinate student services outreach and initiatives.
• Identify and manage departmental projects to enhance access to and use of the physical collection.
• Provide extensive reference and research services to law faculty and students.
• Participate in the preparation and delivery of research workshops and curate subject-specific research guides.
• If the successful candidate has a J.D., then they will also participate in the preparation and delivery of credit-bearing research instruction, including the required research course in the second-year curriculum. This work is compensated separately.
• Participate as a team member in initiatives led by other Librarians and the Associate Dean for Library Services.
• Foster strong working relationships with colleagues both at St. John’s and in other libraries.
• Knowledge of legal materials and current research methods, along with strong analytical skills.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively, both independently and collaboratively, within a collegial environment.
• Effective leadership skills.
• Commitment to engaging in professional development.
• A strong work ethic and commitment to excellent service.
• Adept in the use of the Microsoft Office Suite and other standard business and academic applications.
• Ability to combine the pursuit of excellence with a spirit of kindness and collaboration.
• A commitment to being part of an inclusive and anti-racist law school.

Required Education and Experience:

• Either a J.D. from an ABA-approved law school or an M.L.S. from an ALA-accredited library school.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience working in a law library setting.
• Instructional experience, including informal or formal instruction.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Both a J.D. from an ABA-approved law school and an M.L.S. from an ALA-accredited library school.
• Three or more years of experience in an academic law library, including legal research, reference, and/or access services.
• Experience coordinating and managing interlibrary loan and document delivery services, including familiarity with interlibrary loan software.
• Experience working with new and emerging technologies in libraries.