Legal Reference Librarian

State of Montana • Helena, MT

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This is professional library work. Performing professional activities related to the public services provided by the law library.

The Montana Judicial Branch offers a variety of opportunities to help you make a difference in your community, and further your career. As a service-oriented employer, we seek employees with a passion for customer service to help us fulfill our mission to provide an independent, accessible, responsive, impartial, and timely forum to resolve disputes; to preserve the rule of law; and to protect the rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitutions of the United States and Montana.

Requirements

• Working knowledge of library science, legal research, and reference practices.
• Working knowledge and ability to make appropriate use of a wide variety of library resources, including print materials and online databases.
• Familiarity with equal justice initiatives of various entities and jurisdictions.
• Strong skills in interpersonal communications; ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally, including addressing.
• Knowledge and ability to evaluate materials appropriate for inclusion in the law library’s collection.
• Initiative, resourcefulness, judgment, and tact in working with library users and staff.
• Ability to work under pressure, to meet deadlines, and to handle multiple and sometimes conflicting demands.
• Ability to develop policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated knowledge and use of library computer applications.
• Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA accredited law school required.

Nice To Haves

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in library science or relevant library experience preferred.
• Professional reference experience may be gained by practicum or internship in library school.

Responsibilities

• Providing reference services to all users of the law library. This includes, but is not limited to, conducting legal research, compiling legislative histories, compiling legal research guides, and being able to communicate research findings to a variety of patrons.
• Providing specialized instruction in legal research techniques, both print and online.
• Evaluating and authenticating information on library’s website and adding content when appropriate.
• Regularly evaluating collection and services and recommending new materials and services to the State Law Librarian.
• Regularly evaluating existing policies and procedures; recommending changes; assisting in implementation of new policies.
• Assisting the State Law Librarian in formulating and developing plans to promote improved library services.
• Maintaining statistics for measurement of reference services.
• Assisting the State Law Librarian in representing the law library in contacts with the public; talking to and teaching interested groups about legal research and use of the library’s resources.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Work/life balance
• Family friendly policies
• Dedicated and caring colleagues
• Health coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and Holidays (combination of up to 38 per year)
• Opportunities and room for professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree