JOB TITLE: Research Librarian
DEPARTMENT: Library
REPORTS TO: Director of Library & Research Services
FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
JOB SUMMARY
The Research Librarian at the law firm provides essential reference and research assistance in support of the firm’s various legal and administrative departments. The role involves organizing library materials and contributing to the ongoing education regarding library resources. The Research Librarian operates under the direction of the Director of Library & Research Services and works collaboratively to ensure that library services meet the firm’s needs.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provides timely and effective research and reference assistance to attorneys across all practice areas using a variety of print and digital resources. Bills time to client matters as applicable.
- Supports various administrative departments within the firm, including Client Development, New Business/Conflicts, secretarial, paralegal, and the Managing Attorney Office, by offering research and reference assistance.
- Regularly monitors news, dockets, legislative and regulatory changes, and other relevant subject areas. Assists in preparing updates, newsletters, and other communications related to these areas.
- Collaborates with the Director to maintain the intranet research collections by performing regular link checks and data collection/input to integrate subject-specific resources into the larger firm portal.
- Provides library orientation and training in print and electronic resources to library patrons.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Participates in the evaluation of resources, including pilots of new services and resource comparisons.
- Maintains a working knowledge of the library’s print collections, digital resources, interlibrary loan availability, document delivery, and other resources. Demonstrates proficiency in primary database usage, search strategy and syntax, and licensing restrictions.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
- Broad knowledge of library tools, systems, and resources in special libraries.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
- Experience with research platforms such as PACER, Courthouse News, Lexis, Westlaw, BloombergLaw, S&P Capital IQ, and Pitchbook.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Excellent oral, written, listening, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines with effective communication and attention to detail.
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- MLS or MLIS Degree from an ALA-accredited institution preferred. A combination of education in a research-intensive field with relevant work experience may be considered.
Experience:
- 1-3 years of law library experience is preferred.
- Previous experience in a law firm is preferred.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The Research Librarian role involves a variety of working conditions, with the expectation to accommodate different physical activities and tasks. The following indicates the degree of working conditions expected:
- Travel: Occasionally
- Sitting: Constantly
- Standing: Occasionally
- Walking: Frequently
- Reading: Constantly
- Typing: Frequently
- Concentration: Frequently
- Oral and Written Communication: Frequently
- Horizontal Reaching: Occasionally
- Vertical Reaching: Occasionally
- Twisting: Occasionally
- Repetitive Arm/Hand/Finger Movements: Frequently
- Weight: Occasionally, up to 25 lbs.
ABOUT THE LAW FIRM
The law firm is recognized internationally in core industries where business and the law intersect. With a team of over 600 lawyers and policy professionals, the firm serves a diverse international roster of corporations, governments, private individuals, and trade associations. The law firm is committed to equal employment opportunity and diversity, basing all employment decisions on merit and maintaining a policy of considering all qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics. The firm will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable laws.
*Note: A job description provides a general outline of the function and major duties of a job. It is not intended to specify all duties, tasks, and assignments associated with the role or limit the right of management to direct, assign, and control the work of employees. Job descriptions are subject to periodic review.
