Reference Librarian

American University; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 78,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

American University Washington College of Law is seeking a Temporary Reference Librarian for the 2025-2026 academic year. This role requires a J.D. and an M.L.S., involving teaching, reference services, and research support to faculty and students in a dynamic academic environment.

Benefits

Competitive benefits package

200% matching retirement plan

Tuition benefits for staff and families

Leadership development certificates

Qualifications

• 1 to 3 years of library experience using automated systems.
• Ability to work independently and analyze problems.
• Participation in teaching and providing guest lectures.

Responsibilities

• Provides in-person and virtual legal and non-legal reference services.
• Creates and updates asynchronous research guides.
• Participates in library committee meetings and statistical functions.

Skills

Knowledge of library practice and procedure

In-depth knowledge of Lexis

In-depth knowledge of Westlaw

In-depth knowledge of Bloomberg Law

Accuracy and attention to detail

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Education

J.D. from an accredited U.S. law school

Masters in Library Science or equivalent

Tools

Automated library systems

Word processing software

Spreadsheet software

Job description

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

Department

Washington College of Law

Time Type

Full time

FLSA Status

Exempt

Job Description

American University Washington College of Law (AUWCL) seeks applications for the 2025-2026 academic year for a temporary reference librarian. Candidates must hold a J.D. and an M.L.S. We seek candidates who are committed to advancing the academic success, and the scholarly, research, and curricular needs of our students and faculty.

Applications, including a curriculum vitae and cover letter, should be submitted on Workday. If you have general questions regarding the application process, please contact Erica Devine, Faculty Affairs Manager, at [e-mail]. Please contact Adeen Postar, Library Director, [e-mail] with any other questions. Although there is no formal deadline, we will begin interviewing candidates as early as June 2025, so interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The salary range is $78,000 - $90,00 (disclosure pursuant to D.C. law).

Pence Law Library

Temporary Librarian Position

2025-2026

Reference and Research Duties

Duties

Reference and research services are available 56 hours a week during the regular and summer semesters and at other times as needed. The Temporary Librarian’s duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provides in-person and virtual legal and non-legal reference and research services to the Law School's faculty, staff, students, and alumni.
• Participates in the Library’s virtual reference rotation.
• Participates in the Library’s Faculty liaison program.
• Assists with reference and research requests from faculty, staff, and students.
• Creates and updates asynchronous research guides that are posted on the library’s website.
• Participates in teaching in the 1L Legal Rhetoric Research modules.
• Provides guest lectures to WCL classes on request.
• Participates in law library statistical and assessment functions.
• Researches emerging trends in publishing and library services.
• Attends regular meetings for assigned groups, including in the WRLC (Consortium), the AU WCL Pence Law Library, and other law school and law library committees and meetings as appropriate
• Assists with the administration and maintenance of Digital Commons
• Other duties as assigned
  
  

Requirements Of The Position

A J.D. from an accredited U.S. law school, and a Masters in Library Science or its equivalent.

1 to 3 years of library experience using automated library systems

• Knowledge of library practice and procedure, particularly in an academic law library.
• In-depth knowledge of Lexis, Westlaw, and Bloomberg Law.
• Practical experience with computer systems, word processing, and spreadsheet software
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to analyze a problem and formulate a logical solution
• Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential, as this position will be interacting regularly with other staff, students, faculty, and external contacts.
• This position may qualify for hybrid working hours.
  
  

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
• American University is an E-Verify employer.
  
  

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email [e-mail].

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.