Reference Librarian & Assistant Professor of Law Library

Summary

The Reference Librarian & Assistant Professor of Law Library is responsible for the legal research instruction to all Barry Law students, teaching classes in the LLM and/or JD program, providing workshops, and instructing small groups and individuals on any topic of legal research. Additionally, this position assists law faculty with educational technology, scholarship submission and promotion, and identifying research materials. This position provides both traditional and virtual reference and research instructions to all library patrons to include students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the bar.

The Reference Librarian & Assistant Professor is both an administrative and tenure track position. However, while on the tenure track, this position is not a member of the law school’s faculty.

Essential Functions

Provides reference and research assistance to library patrons

• Consults with patrons in person or via telephone, email, or video conferencing
• Conducts reference interviews to determine the exact nature of the question
• Advises patrons about useful resources to answer the question
• Teaches the patron how to use the resources, if necessary
• Responsible for specific reference shifts as assigned by the Associate Director

Provides legal research and legal information literacy education to the Barry Law community:

• Conducts guest lectures in the first year Legal Research & Writing classes and other classes as requested by faculty
• Plans and creates research lessons using lib-guides, workshops, and video
• Provides one-on-one instruction to students and faculty
• Stays abreast of changes in legal technology

Participates in Faculty Liaison Program

• Serves as point-of-contact to the library for assigned faculty members
• Assists and instructs faculty members with the use of Canvas, video conferencing, and other instructional technology
• Consults with faculty members about scholarship agenda and necessary research resources and help locating materials
• Consults with and trains faculty Research Assistants

Teaching

• Teaches one or two graduate-level for-credit courses in the LLM and/or JD program

Databases and Artificial Intelligence

• Develops instruction and programming focusing on artificial intelligence and legal technology that supports the Barry University School of Law
• Evaluates new artificial intelligence and legal technology products and services, recommends adoption of products and services, and serves as a local expert for faculty and students at the School of Law

Institutional Repository/Faculty Scholarship

• Trains each journal’s incoming editorial board on library resources and services
• Maintains the currency and accuracies of faculty scholarship uploaded to institutional repository
• Further develops new and innovative ways to promote faculty scholarship (i.e. library website, blogging, working with marketing)
• Works with faculty to assist with submitting scholarship for publication (i.e. Scholastica, SSRN, etc.)

Additional information

Other duties as assigned by the Dean of Law School, Law Library Director, Associate Director of Law Library, or Head of Technical Services.

Requirements/Qualifications

• Both a Juris Doctor and an MLS degree are required.
• One to three (1-3) years of related experience required.
• This position requires a comprehensive knowledge of legal research and resources, expert skill level with Westlaw and Lexis, and an expert ability to learn and teach other legal information technologies, such as HeinOnline and ProQuest.
• Ability to consult with patrons, analyze advanced problems, and determine most appropriate resources to solve such problems.
• Ability to complete projects independently.
• High degree of proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, power point, email, and database management.
• Ability to operate basic library equipment, such as computers, printer/copiers, and monitors.
• Ability to converse and correspond comfortably with highly educated students and faculty.
• Ability to demonstrate outstanding customer service skills when consulting with library patrons, including patience and friendliness.
• Ability to maintain calm when dealing with challenging patrons or situations.

Benefits

Barry University offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees that includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, tuition assistance, paid time off and work/life balance initiatives such as wellness programs, spirituality in the workplace, and training and development.