Job Description Summary : The Loyola University School of Law Library seeks a collegial, intellectually curious, and service-oriented professional to join our team as a Reference Librarian.
The Reference Librarian will join a highly skilled team of law librarians in providing sophisticated research support for faculty, students, and staff;
research instruction to students; and reference assistance to members of the bar. Our Law Library team shares responsibility for creating a learning and working environment that supports diversity, equity, and belonging for all students, staff, faculty, and members of the bar.
Loyola University Chicago School of Law Library is a student and faculty oriented research center committed to broad access to legal information.
The Law Library serves as the primary source of legal information for the entire University community. The Law Library supports the curriculum, research and service interests of the law faculty and students, and helps prepare future members of the legal profession to lead extraordinary lives in service of faith and justice.
Reporting to the Director of the Law Library, the Reference Librarian will have the following responsibilities : Essential Functions : Provide high-quality reference services, research support, and instructional services to the Loyola University Chicago Law School community and to other Law Library users.
Teach in the Law Library's Basic Legal Research program, a required first-year course which is a separate component of the first-year Legal Writing course.
Support faculty members engaged in scholarly research as part of the Law Library's faculty liaison program. Create and maintain asynchronous learning tools, including research guides and online tutorials.
Stay abreast of new developments in library reference, research, and instructional services. Serve on Law School, University Libraries, and other relevant committees.
Possibility of teaching an Advanced Legal Research course as an Adjunct. Perform other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities : The following skills are critical to success in this position : Strong customer service ethic, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to work well with diverse patrons and colleagues.
Effective oral and written communication skills, including presentation skills in both one-on-one and group settings. Legal research proficiency, including knowledge of key legal research sources and how best to use them in a variety of formats, or the demonstrated potential for rapid growth into such skills.
A commitment to innovation, including comfort with technology and proficiency with a variety of library-related technologies and applications.
Strong analytical / problem solving skills and the ability to exercise independent judgment. The ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Demonstrated enthusiasm for law librarianship and the librarian profession, including knowledge of professional librarianship concepts, principles, and practices and a commitment to staying abreast of new developments.
Flexibility, resilience, and the ability to adapt to a rapidly changing environment. A commitment to an inclusive learning environment.
Minimum Qualifications : Required Education and Qualifications : J.D. degree from an ABA -accredited law school. MLS (or equivalent) from an ALA -accredited institution.
Students who are making satisfactory progress in a qualified MLS degree program will be considered. Preferred Qualifications : At least three years of prior experience working in research and reference services in a law library.
Demonstrated successful experience teaching law students and partnering with law faculty on research projects. Foreign, Comparative, and International legal research experience preferred.
Experience supporting or connecting with grant resources preferred.