Reference Librarian

Description

Essential Job Functions:  

The successful applicant will join an enthusiastic and innovative team of library professionals dedicated to providing access to justice for all citizens. The State Law Library will be moving, along with the appellate courts, to a new Supreme Court of Maryland courthouse in the next few years. Thus, the new staff member will be joining the team during an exciting time of preparations for a move to the new facility and a new State Law Library. 

The Reference Librarian provides professional, skilled, and customized reference services to a diverse community of patrons including the Maryland Judiciary, state officials, legal community, and general public on five evening shifts per week and during other hours as arranged. 

Assists with projects related to collection maintenance and development, preservation, technical services and cataloging, training and presentations, and development of educational and promotional materials. May serve as the senior staff member on duty during selected evening hours.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Provides direct reference and research assistance to all segments of the Library’s user population, in person and by telephone, e-mail, and standard mail. 

Assists with projects related to collection maintenance and development, preservation, technical services and cataloging, training and presentations, and development of educational and promotional materials.

May serve as the senior staff member on duty during selected evening hours. Ensures that Library policies, as well as opening and closing procedures, are followed. Works closely with other Library staff, Library administration, and security staff to address patron issues. Maintains and troubleshoots Library equipment (computers, printers, copiers, and microform readers). Monitors the well-being of the library facility and reports issues. 

Requirements

Education: Master’s Degree in Library Science from an accredited university or college.

Experience:  Two (2) years professional experience in a library setting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

Library services, the legal system, and Maryland and federal government entities.

Professional competencies for user services and law librarianship as described by the RUSA Task Force on Professional Competencies and the American Association of Law Libraries. 

Library and law-related catalogs, databases, and electronic information resources. 

Ability to:

Communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally.

Write, edit, and proofread content. 

Analyze complex legal research queries using a variety of resources, both print and digital. 

Assist a highly diverse population with their legal information needs by telephone, e-mail, or other written correspondence, and in person dialog. 

Work independently. 

Follow and enforce policies and procedures. 

Identify issues with Library equipment and fix them or initiate service requests. 

Physical Requirements:

Light work. Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

Equipment, Machinery and Tools:

Personal computer with printer and accessories – general use

Multi-line telephone – general use

Photocopier with scanning capabilities – general use

Microform reader / printer to assist Library users with legislative history research and retrieval of court documents

Audio-visual equipment (i.e. projector) – to conduct trainings and presentations

Credit card machine – to accept payments from patrons for copies, computer prints, or USB drives

Software and Computer Skills:

Online research databases (i.e., Lexis, Westlaw, HeinOnline, Gale Legal Forms) – to provide relevant research materials

Library OPAC (online public access catalog) – to provide relevant research materials

Reference management system (i.e., RefTracker) – to efficiently organize and respond to research requests from patrons

MDEC – to assist attorneys and the public in accessing electronically-filed documents

Microsoft software – general use

SharePoint – to access staff materials

ShareFile – to share large files with external users

PDF editing software – to combine and edit documents

Selection Process:

Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and ranking for this position. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all related education, experience, dates, and hours of work. If you have held more than one (1) position at the same employer, you must list each position that you held, the length of time that you held each position, and the corresponding duties. Description of duties that state, "see resume" will negatively impact consideration for this position. Applicants will not be contacted for additional information. Only applicants considered for this position will be contacted.

Complete applications must be submitted by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be added. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

For further information please contact Talent Acquisition at [email protected].

The Maryland Judiciary is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a workplace culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, military or veteran status, physical or mental disability, familial status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by State or federal law. Applicants who need an ADA Accommodation during the application and/or interview process should send their request via email to [email protected] or call 410-260-1732. The Maryland Judiciary is a drug-free workplace. Applicants must be United States citizens or eligible to work in the United States.