Reference Librarian - Open Rank Professor

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Nebraska; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Nebraska–Lincoln invites applications for a Reference Librarian (Open Rank Professor) at the Schmid Law Library in Lincoln, NE. This 12-month, tenure-track faculty position supports student learning and faculty scholarship while contributing to the College of Law’s mission.

The role includes expert research assistance, teaching in the first-year program, and leadership in library initiatives, with opportunities for scholarly activity and faculty governance.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program by start of employment.
• Alternative: current enrollment in MLS or equivalent with completion within 18 months of hire.
• Alternative: MLS plus substantial professional experience as a law librarian.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert research assistance and reference services to a diverse community, including faculty, law students, graduate and undergraduate students, and the public.
• Teach in the first-year legal research program.
• Lead and participate in instructional and outreach initiatives.
• Develop and implement law library resources such as LibGuides and bibliographies.
• Contribute to research, scholarship, and other significant creative activity.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, inclusive, and innovative work environment.

Job description

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

Reference Librarian - Open Rank Professor

For questions about the application process, please contact Rich Leiter, Direcor of the Schmid Law Library, University of Nebraska College of Law, Lincoln, NE 68583-0902 at [e-mail] .

Position Information

Position Information

EEO Statement

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See: Notice of Nondiscrimination

Working Title

Working Title Reference Librarian - Open Rank Professor

Department

Department College of Law-0899

Requisition Number

Requisition Number F_260110

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 10/07/2026

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) 10/23/2026

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Description of Work

The University of Nebraska College of Law invites applications for the position of Reference Librarian (Open Rank Professor) at the Schmid Law Library. This 12-month, tenure-track law library faculty position offers an opportunity to support student learning and faculty scholarship while contributing to the mission and values of the College of Law.

As a valued member of the law library faculty, the Reference Librarian/Law Library Professor will:

• Provide expert research assistance and reference services to a diverse community, including faculty, law students, graduate and undergraduate students, and the public.
• Teach in the first-year legal research program.
• Lead and participate in instructional and outreach initiatives.
• Demonstrate initiative in developing and implementing law library resources, such as creating Libguides and bibliographies that enhance research and learning.
• Take on evolving responsibilities within a modern law library, based on institutional priorities and an individual’s expertise and interests.
• Conduct or contribute to research, scholarship, and other significant creative activity.
• Promote a positive, collaborative, inclusive, and innovative work environment within the law library and the College of Law.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute meaningfully to legal education, research, and law library services in a dynamic academic setting. Members of the law library faculty participate in faculty governance at the College of Law and may apply for faculty development fellowships (sabbatical). Initial appointment and rank will be commensurate with experience.

• A Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school and a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science or equivalent degree from an ALA-accredited master’s program by the start of employment.

OR

• A Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school and current enrollment in a Master’s degree program in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution, or an equivalent graduate degree in library or information science, with completion required within 18 months of hire; or current enrollment in a joint degree program, with completion of both the J.D. and the Master’s degree within six months of hire.

OR

• A Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science or equivalent degree from an ALA-accredited master’s program AND substantial professional experience as a law librarian demonstrating qualifications comparable to those described above.

The title of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor will be based on the successful candidate’s qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications

Work Location (City, State)

Work Location (City, State) Lincoln, NE

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required

Criminal History Background Check Required

Criminal History Background Check Required No

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact

Job Category

Job Category (old)

Job Category (old) Faculty Tenure/Tenure Leading

Job Type

Job Type Full-Time

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding? No

If Temporary, indicate end date

Planned Hire Date

Appointment End Date

Organizational Location

Organizational Location Default Location

Supplemental Questions

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