Opening: Reference Librarian, Univ. of Pennsylvania Law Library

Biddle Law Library is searching for a talented Reference Librarian to join its Public Services team in providing outstanding reference, research, and teaching support at a law school that prides itself on cross-disciplinary studies.  This is a new position reflecting the growth in the Library’s services to faculty and the school.

Requirements:

• ABA-accredited JD and ALA-accredited MLS degrees.
• A thorough knowledge of basic legal sources and skill in using print and electronic materials.
• A strong service orientation toward all library patrons with special attention to law faculty and students.
• Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with initiative and flexibility in order to respond effectively to changing information needs.
• Ability to work with grace under pressure while performing several tasks and helping demanding patrons.
• Collegiality which fosters team building among librarians and staff so as to constantly improve service.
• Active participation in the intellectual and administrative life of the Law School.

Preferred: Additional degrees or training in non-legal fields; instructional experience; facility with webpage development software (Dreamweaver, for example) and web 2.0 technologies (blogs, wikis, social tagging).    

Responsibilities: Under the general direction of the Head of Reference Services, the Reference Librarian will be expected to do the following:

• Participate in Reference Desk rotation, helping patrons in a wide variety of ways such as: identifying possible research sources in all formats, suggesting research strategies, giving “over the shoulder” guidance in the use of online databases, assisting in the use of library equipment, exercising discretion and tact in representing the library in the best possible light to the walk-in or call-in patron.
• Participate in Biddle’s Faculty Liaison Program by meeting regularly with assigned faculty about their research interests, attending their “working paper” presentations, developing faculty course portal materials, making recommendations on their behalf to the Collection Development Committee, bringing new acquisitions to their attention with their research interests in mind, doing everything possible to make faculty feel that librarians  support them proactively.
• Teach legal research in formal and informal settings, including but not limited to, first year legal research instruction, upper-level law students in classes and tutorials, LLM classes in an intensive August program, "one-on-one" consultations with students writing research papers and with non-law university patrons.
• Enhance the library’s contribution to the mission of the Law School by producing bibliographies for the Faculty Appointments Committee, supplying specialized information for administrators, giving webpage assistance to units such as Career Planning and Placement.
• Write library guides, handouts, bibliographies, etc., and contribute to webpage projects.
• Participate in library collection development in light of faculty research interests, changing technology, space considerations and preservation.
• Be the library’s contact person with Lexis and Westlaw, making sure that commercial representatives provide the highest level of service to the Law School.
• Contribute to the Library’s teams and strategic initiatives, including identifying innovative outreach efforts and applying new technologies to Reference and the Library’s work.
• Serve on various university teams dedicated to improving information technology and library service.
• Foster contacts with other professionals and libraries by participating in the activities of professional organizations.

Salary and Benefits: Highly competitive and dependant upon qualifications and experience. Benefits include TIAA/CREF retirement program, medical insurance, disability benefits, life insurance, tuition remission, among others. 

To Apply: Please send by email or regular mail an introductory letter, resume, and names with contact information of three references to:

Paul M. George
Director
Biddle Law Library
University of Pennsylvania Law School
3460 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-3406
pmgeorge@law.upenn.edu

The University values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.  It is committed to non-discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, marital status, status as a Vietnam Era Veteran, or any other trait or status protected by applicable law.