The Catholic University of America

The Law Library supports the teaching and research mission of the law school by ensuring access to a broad range of legal and other information sources, and through research, legal research instruction and curriculum development support. The Public Services department consists of the Reference and Access Services Departments, which provide library services directly to faculty, students and other library users. As part of the Research Department, the Reference & User Services Librarian employs knowledge of online technologies to support user services within the Law Library. Plays a lead role in maintaining and improving public-facing library systems, including the Law Library's discovery system (online catalog), LibGuides, Institutional repository, study room reservations, and library calendar. Advises the Assistant Director for Research Services on new services and improvements to existing services, whether vendor-provided or developed in house. 

This position plays a lead role in creating and updating guidance on using library resources, including online databases. Assists users with library technology, including accessing online resources, and university services such as networks and printing. The Reference & User Services Librarian is often the first point of contact for troubleshooting technology problems, resolving issues independently when possible, or referring problems to other library, law school, or university technology staff. The Reference & User Services Librarian provides substantive and complex legal, non-legal, and public policy research support and analysis on a wide variety of legal and non-legal subjects to support their teaching and research interests and the Catholic mission of the law school. Provides reference and research services to a law school community of day and evening law students, as well as other members of the university community, alumni, and the general public. Please submit both a cover letter and resume to your application profile to be considered for this position.

The projected salary or hourly pay range for this position which represents the full range of anticipated compensation is: $67,000 to $72,000

• The Reference & User Services Librarian assists users with library technology, including accessing online resources, and university services such as networks and printing. The Reference & User Services Librarian is often the first point of contact for troubleshooting technology problems, resolving issues independently when possible, or referring problems to other library, law school, or university technology staff.
• Works closely with the Systems and Electronic Resources Librarian to develop protocols for troubleshooting user access to online resources (databases). Serves as the initial point of contact for staff and user questions about access to online resources. Refers unresolved users access issues to the Systems and Electronic Resources Librarian for resolution.
• Takes the lead with developing or improving web-based services, including, but not limited to, the library’s discovery system (Primo), SpringShare products (LibGuides and LibCal), and the institutional repository (Digital Commons). Informs library staff of available system enhancements and capabilities. Seeks assistance from the Systems & Electronic Resources Librarian as needed.
• With library staff, creates, updates and troubleshoots the library’s website. Serves as a resource for library staff regarding web design principles and techniques, including online accessibility standards. With library staff, updates and troubleshoots the library’s discovery catalog (Primo), and institutional repository (Digital Commons). Maintains and supports SpringShare products (LibGuides and LibCal) and a number of subject specific LibGuides. Plays a lead role in creating and updating guidance on using library resources, including online databases. Informs library staff of known issues with web-based services.
• Provides reference and research assistance to all law school library patrons. Assists library patrons in all aspects of using the library’s collection, equipment, and electronic resources. Assists students, faculty, and visitors with the sources and techniques of legal research in a variety of instructional settings including, but not limited to, one-to-one in-person and virtual consultations, small group presentations, formal classes and workshops, telephone and email help.
• Provide substantial, individualized research assistance to the law school faculty to support the faculty member’s teaching needs, individual research interests and the Catholic mission of the law school. Prepare bibliographies, monitor current awareness services, vet proposed speakers, and search legal and non-legal databases to support faculty teaching and research.
• Opportunity to provide instruction in legal research resources and techniques in law school courses. Provide basic and advanced instruction on using Lexis, Westlaw, as well as other subscription and non-subscription electronic legal resources in both individual and small group settings. Assist patrons with database (Lexis and Westlaw) issues and accounts.

Master’s of Library Science (M.L.S.) degree from an A.L.A. approved library school. required. ABA accredited Juris Doctor degree preferred. Two years experience as a professional librarian, preferably in an academic law library. Expertise in computerized databases, presentation software and computer hardware. 

Excellent legal research and general library research skills. Strong service orientation and collegial work style.
Ability and commitment to implementing information technology.
Demonstrated knowledge of HTML, XML, CSS, current WCAG accessibility standards, and principles of web design.
Understanding of foreign and international legal research.
Proven background in providing sophisticated reference services incorporating both print and electronic sources employed in a major research library.
Proven background in providing library outreach through working with a diverse clientele, including faculty, law students, and unskilled library users.