Legal Reference Librarian

We are looking for a full-time Legal Reference Librarian to join our team. Do you want to use your legal or library background to empower others with access to legal information? Would you like to work with an energetic bunch of Law Librarians in a dynamic Downtown setting? The San Diego Law Library is open to the public and is dedicated to providing access to justice for all. We are the only publicly available resource for legal materials in the County. Join our team of dedicated professionals that believe providing access to legal information is essential to our justice system.

To apply, send a COVER LETTER and RESUME to jobs@sdlawlibrary.org with the subject line Full-Time Position.

Job Summary: Provides excellent reference and circulation services to library patrons. Promotes the library, its activities, and resources using a variety of tools and techniques. Instructs library staff and patrons about library resources and services. Drives change throughout the library by leading and participating in special project teams. Will provide services at our Downtown and partnership locations, as needed.

Essential Functions / Principal Duties & Responsibilities:

REFERENCE: As part of the iDesk Team, provides excellent customer service and legal reference to patrons in person, via phone, chat, video calls, and email. Demonstrates substantive and specialized knowledge of legal research materials in assisting patrons and in the creation and instruction of information content. Uses knowledge of collection (print & electronic), community resources, internet resources, catalog, and other tools to provide reference services to patrons. Uses specialized knowledge to participate and contribute to the collection development process. Responsible for acquiring new skills, learning new resources, and communicating knowledge formally and informally with staff and patrons.

INFORMATION DESK: All librarians are expected to perform circulation functions, open borrower accounts, perform money transactions, and assist patrons with copier and computer usage while performing iDesk duties. Demonstrates mastery in all iDesk procedures and processes. Create and maintain accurate records in KOHA and guard patron privacy. Educates patrons on our Rules of Conduct and enforces the rules when necessary. Assists the public with basic computer usage, especially Web navigation, Microsoft Word formatting, saving, and printing. Assists patrons with printers, copiers, scanners, and point of sale system. Assists in training and mentoring other staff.

OUTREACH ACTIVITIES: Proactively create programs and content to meet user needs and promote the library in the community. Provide instruction in the form of in-person or online classes. In conjunction with the Assistant Director User Experience and other Librarians, partner and collaborate with other non-profit organizations to provide innovative programs to different demographic groups. Staff in-person, off-site, and virtual events, classes, and clinics. Market and promote law library programs, special events and classes to the general public and the legal community. Use eNewsletter platform, social media sites, the library website, LibGuides, and emerging technologies to market law library events, resources and services. Use emerging technologies to further our reach in the community and allow more access to legal information.

ASSESSMENT: Uses assessment tools, metrics, and analyzes data relating to reference assistance, database and print usage, website content, social media accounts, and educational programming. Assessment includes implementing surveys, capturing testimonials from participants, retrieving reports from various sources. Based on evaluation of assessment tools, develops actionable items to further the Library’s Strategic Plan and Mission, and show value to the community.

Job Qualifications & Requirements:

Education:

• Masters in Library and/or Information Science from an ALA accredited school, Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited Law School, or Bachelor’s degree with demonstrated experience and skills.

Experience:

• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of legal research and bibliography experience in print and electronic formats.
• Previous customer service experience or extended experience in dealing with the public.
• Highly skilled in communicating with people from diverse educational and social backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to instruct the general public on legal research tools and concepts.
• Experience with Microsoft Office products.
• Demonstrated ability with Web 2.0 and social media technologies.
• Use of Web based programs, software, and technology to create learning materials and help people remotely.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently within a framework of assigned responsibilities, as well as the ability to collaborate effectively with others.
• Ability to multi-task, set priorities and be self-sufficient.
• Ability to take large amounts of information, including complex concepts, and summarize in a clear and concise manner.
• High degree of creativity, interactive engagement, and problem-solving ability.

Preferences:

• Three to five years prior legal experience or law library experience.
• Fully bilingual in Spanish and English, both verbal and written.
• Knowledge of California Civil Procedure.
• Experience with MS Teams, SharePoint.
• Experience working with an integrated library system, preferably Koha.
• Experience creating and editing webpages with WordPress.
• Experience using graphic design and video editing software.
• Experience with Springshare’s LibGuides, LibCal, and LibAnswers.

Other Information:

• Must have reliable transportation and be able to travel to various locations throughout San Diego County to staff partnership locations or outreach events. Some of these locations may be remote and not serviced by a regularly scheduled train or bus.
• May be required to work outside of normal library hours at special events, classes, workshops, networking and outreach opportunities, etc.
• Additional responsibilities, duties, and projects as assigned.

Salary & Benefits:

The beginning salary range for this Reference Librarian position is $74,000 to $85,000 and is commensurate with experience.

Benefits include CalPERS retirement system, 457(b) deferred compensation plan, choice of several medical, dental, and vision plans, Flexible Spending Account, public transportation/parking allowance, opportunity to attend professional continuing education training/conferences, and paid holidays. For full-time employees working a 40-hour work week and employed less than 5 years, vacation is accrued at 4.62 hours per pay period (15 days annually) and sick leave is accrued at 4.00 hours per pay period (13 days annually).

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $74,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• library: 3 years (Preferred)
• legal research: 1 year (Required)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• San Diego, CA 92101: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person