Job Opening: Law Librarian, Circuit Court for Howard County, Maryland

Law Librarian
Circuit Court for Howard County, Maryland

The Circuit Court for Howard County is seeking a legal information specialist to serve as its law librarian.  The Court has five judges and three masters and is located in a fast-growing suburban county in central Maryland.  The Court is presently addressing the need for programmatic and physical growth and sees information services and additional automation as key components of improved service delivery.  The Circuit Court is currently reconfiguring its physical library space and will be relying to a great degree upon online research and information gathering.  The law library serves both the Court and the community.

We are seeking an individual who is extremely well-versed in online research/resources.  While our physical volumes are quite limited, we are expanding our online capabilities and looking for the correct person to lead these projects.  We are also interested in greater outreach to our public, including self-represented litigants and students.

The Court has a small, innovative staff and values participation in projects that cross strict subject lines.  We are looking for an individual who is interested in participating in a variety of initiatives while serving as the law librarian.  The law librarian reports to the court administrator.  Priorities, including budget and space, will be established through collaboration with the County Administrative Judge and the court administrator.   

In addition to the traditional law librarian responsibilities,  this position will serve as the first line information officer and duties will include addressing general information questions, via phone and email, addressed to the Court.  Since our web presence is just under development, the librarian will be very much involved in helping structure the information available on the website.  Due to the importance of computer skills to this position, the incumbent will also serve as the onsite technical specialist for the Court.  Furthermore, the incumbent will work with the court administrator on issues of privacy and security of court records and court information.

The following qualifications are desired:  (1) Experience in administering all aspects of a small law library, including acquisitions, reference, security of materials, chambers collections, procurement and basic budgeting responsibilities; (2)Experience and expertise in online information gathering and legal research.  Experience with both LexisNexis and Westlaw is preferred; (3) Understanding of information system technology and the ability to perform basic trouble-shooting for library hardware and software; (4) Knowledge of the most important references needed for a meaningful legal collection; (5)Dedication to service.

Education:   MLS  required, but significant legal research or library experience may be substituted.   
Salary:  Range of $43,000 to $57,000 depending upon education and relevant experience.   

Send resume, references and salary history to Suzanne.James@courts.state.md.us by 1/31/06