Research and Reference Librarian

University of Memphis; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Memphis, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, Memphis, TN, seeks a librarian to provide research and reference services for students, faculty, and staff. The role includes teaching basic legal research, coordinating training on databases, and contributing to library publications.

The ideal candidate holds an MLS from an ALA-accredited school and a JD from an ABA-accredited law school, with at least three years in a law library and strong teaching and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Requires a Master’s degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited school and a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Minimum three years working as a librarian in a law library.
• Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter and three references to be considered; applications due by August 14th, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Provides research and reference services to Law School students, faculty, staff, and the wider university community.
• Participates in the Law Library faculty services program.
• Provides instruction to first-year law students in basic legal research materials and methods.
• Teaches as part of the Legal Methods program and for-credit specialized research courses.
• Works one-on-one with students, faculty, and staff for training and research consultation.
• Coordinates and provides training on databases, legal and library technologies, and other topics.
• Produces library guides, tutorials, and publications.

Skills

Legal research

Teaching

Reference services

Public speaking

Education

Master’s degree in library and information science (ALA)

J.D. from ABA-accredited law school

Tools

LexisNexis

Westlaw

Law databases

Job description

Description

Provides research and reference services to students, faculty, and staff of the Law School, members of the University community, attorneys, and the general public.

Responsibilities

Reference and Instruction

• Provides research and reference services to students, faculty, and staff of the Law School, members of the University community, attorneys, and the general public.
• Participates in the Law Library faculty services program.
• Provides instruction to first year law students in basic legal research materials and methods.
• Participates in Law Library instructional programs and teaching services, including teaching as part of the Legal Methods program and teaching for credit specialized and advanced research and other courses.
• Works one-on-one with individual students, faculty, and staff to provide training and research consultation.
• Coordinates and provides training on databases, legal and library technology, legal research, and other needed topics.
• Produces library and research guides, tutorials, and other library publications in appropriate formats.

Collection Development

• Maintains awareness of current and emerging uses of electronic resources and technology in the field of law by, among other things, consulting with law librarians in various types of law libraries, attending conferences and webinars, monitoring sources of information such as organization websites, and using current awareness tools.
• Identifies and selects materials (paper or electronic) for the Law Library collection that best support the research and curricular needs of the Law School community.

Supervision and Leadership

• In the absence of the Assistant Director, Public Services, supervises and manages operations of the Public Services department of the Law Library.
• Supervises student workers and coordinates with other library staff to allocate student worker time effectively.
• Constructs a schedule for coverage of the circulation desk and participates in reference/circulation desk staffing.
• Represents the Law Library and Law School by providing leadership and service in local, state, regional, and national professional organizations.

Other Responsibilities

• Coordinates library events and other special occurrences, such as receptions or matters relating to exams and commencement.
• Assists in approving public patrons for access to the library facilities, in accordance with the security policy and procedures.
• Other duties as directed.

About Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law

Memphis Law offers an outstanding educational program within an R1 research university. Our affordable tuition attracts a dedicated and hard-working student body. Our downtown home, in the beautifully restored U.S. Customs House, Courthouse, and Post Office overlooking the Mississippi River, perennially ranks as the best law school facility in the nation. The city of Memphis is an attractive location in Tennessee, and is world-renowned for its music, food, and hospitality.

Qualifications

Requirements

• Master’s degree in library and information science from an ALA accredited school and a J.D. from an ABA accredited law school.
• Minimum three years working as a librarian in a law library.
• Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter and three references to be considered for the position.
• Applications must be received no later than August 14th, 2026 at 11:59pm.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Worker Characteristics

• Knowledge of and experience with current technologies and trends in libraries, preferably academic libraries.
• Knowledge of and experience with current and emerging electronic resources and technologies, particularly in the field of law.
• Advanced knowledge of and familiarity with legal resources in all formats, particularly Anglo-American law library collections and government documents.
• Knowledge of legal research strategies.
• Knowledge of and skill in using LexisNexis, Westlaw, the Internet and other electronic resources for legal and non-legal research.
• Strong professional presentation skills for teaching and training in a classroom environment or for small groups.
• Demonstrated ability, knowledge, and skill to teach legal research. Excellent advanced written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and exercise considerable independent judgment.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to function effectively in a team environment and to work effectively with a wide variety of people.
• Project management skills.
• Supervisory, organizational, and leadership abilities.