Research Librarian and Lecturer in Law

Working at Lewis & Clark College

The campus is located on 137 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds in Portland’s southwest hills. Our strong commitment to sustainability is reinforced through recycling programs, energy conservation, alternative transportation options, and farm to fork initiatives.

For benefit-eligible positions, we offer a competitivebenefits package that includes options for health, dental, vision, tuition, life insurance, retirement and more.

Lewis & Clark College is committed to achieving a diverse workforce. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status, such as race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or age.

PRIMARY PURPOSE

The Research Librarian and Lecturer in Law within the Law Library reports directly to the Assistant Director of Research & Instruction.

This role is primarily responsible for providing legal reference and research services to the Lewis & Clark legal community, team teaching the semester-long Legal Research 1 course for first-year students, and creating and updating research guides and resources.

To be successful in this position, the individual must excel at working collaboratively in a team-oriented environment, delivering exemplary customer service, and demonstrating a commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse instructional and scholarly environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Legal Reference and Research Support

Provide legal reference and research assistance to law school students, faculty, staff, alumni, and public patrons.

Deliver reference services at the reference desk and through individual consultations, phone, email, and online chat.

Collaborate with faculty on research projects.

Instruction and Teaching

Team teach the Legal Research 1 course, focusing on beginning legal research concepts for first-year law students.

Create and conduct legal research workshops and training sessions to enhance students' research skills.

Provide specialty research classes tailored to specific needs of the law school community.

Resource Development and Management

Develop and maintain research guides, finding aids, and documentation to facilitate legal research.

Evaluate and select information resources to ensure the library's offerings meet user needs.

Program Administration

Oversee the certification in legal research program, ensuring its alignment with academic standards and student success.

Professional Development

Engage in professional development activities to stay current in legal research and library services.

Contribute to team projects and assist with various tasks assigned to the Research and Instruction team.

Other Duties as Assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & BEHAVIORS

Proficient in legal research techniques, sources, and formats, with a strong understanding of online platforms essential for conducting legal research.

Excellent teaching skills or a sincere desire to develop effective legal research teaching methods.

Proficient in developing asynchronous tutorials or familiar with the tools used to create them, with the knowledge or a willingness to learn necessary skills as a substitute for direct experience.

Superior organizational and analytical skills, demonstrating self-motivation and attention to detail in all tasks.

Extremely effective in delivering exemplary customer service and working collaboratively within a team-oriented environment.

Commitment to promoting inclusion and equity in the workplace, fostering a diverse and supportive instructional and scholarly environment.

Strong public service orientation, with the ability to engage positively with a diverse population and varied user groups.

REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

Master’s in Library Science (MLS) or equivalent.

Juris Doctor (JD) or foreign equivalent.

PREFERRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

Additional certifications related to legal research or instruction.

Experience in teaching legal research or related subjects at the higher education level.

One year of relevant work experience in a library or legal research environment.

Experience in practicing law.

WORK SCHEDULE

Full Time, 12 months

37.5 hours / week

Benefits Eligible : Yes

Travel : 0%

May work from home one day per week as the schedule allows.

PAY RATE

FLSA Status : Exempt

$70,000 per year with consideration for experience

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

General office environment

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, working on a computer

Communicate effectively via phone, email, online meetings, and in person

Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times