Loyola University Chicago

Job Title School of Law Library, Reference Librarian, Non-Tenure Track

Position Title School of Law Library, Reference Librarian, Non-Tenure Track

Position Number 

Job Category University Faculty

Job Type Full-Time

FLSA Status Exempt

Campus Chicago-Water Tower Campus

Location Code LAW LIBRARY (02710A)

Department Name LAW LIBRARY

Is this split and/or fully grant funded? No

Duties and Responsibilities 

The Loyola University School of Law Library seeks a collegial, intellectually curious, and service-oriented professional to join our team as a Reference Librarian.

The Reference Librarian will join a highly skilled team of law librarians in providing sophisticated research support for faculty, students, and staff; research instruction to students; and reference assistance to members of the bar. Our Law Library team shares responsibility for creating a learning and working environment that supports diversity, equity, and belonging for all students, staff, faculty, and members of the bar.

Loyola University Chicago School of Law Library is a student and faculty oriented research center committed to broad access to legal information. The Law Library serves as the primary source of legal information for the entire University community. The Law Library supports the curriculum, research and service interests of the law faculty and students, and helps prepare future members of the legal profession to lead extraordinary lives in service of faith and justice.

Reporting to the Director of the Law Library, the Reference Librarian will have the following responsibilities:

Essential Functions:

• Provide high-quality reference services, research support, and instructional services to the Loyola University Chicago Law School community and to other Law Library users.
• Teach in the Law Library’s Basic Legal Research program, a required first-year course which is a separate component of the first-year Legal Writing course.
• Support faculty members engaged in scholarly research as part of the Law Library’s faculty liaison program.
• Create and maintain asynchronous learning tools, including research guides and online tutorials.
• Stay abreast of new developments in library reference, research, and instructional services.
• Serve on Law School, University Libraries, and other relevant committees.
• Possibility of teaching an Advanced Legal Research course as an Adjunct.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

The following skills are critical to success in this position:

• Strong customer service ethic, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to work well with diverse patrons and colleagues.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, including presentation skills in both one-on-one and group settings.
• Legal research proficiency, including knowledge of key legal research sources and how best to use them in a variety of formats, or the demonstrated potential for rapid growth into such skills.
• A commitment to innovation, including comfort with technology and proficiency with a variety of library-related technologies and applications.
• Strong analytical/problem solving skills and the ability to exercise independent judgment.
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for law librarianship and the librarian profession, including knowledge of professional librarianship concepts, principles, and practices and a commitment to staying abreast of new developments.
• Flexibility, resilience, and the ability to adapt to a rapidly changing environment.
• A commitment to an inclusive learning environment.

QualificationsRequired Education and Qualifications:

• J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• MLS (or equivalent) from an ALA-accredited institution. Students who are making satisfactory progress in a qualified MLS degree program will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least three years of prior experience working in research and reference services in a law library.
• Demonstrated successful experience teaching law students and partnering with law faculty on research projects.
• Experience with faculty scholarship platforms such as SSRN and BePress Digital Commons preferred.

Physical Demands None

Working Conditions None

Minimum Education and/or Work ExperienceRequired Education and Qualifications:

• J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school. 
• MLS (or equivalent) from an ALA-accredited institution. Students who are making satisfactory progress in a qualified MLS degree program will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least three years of prior experience working in research and reference services in a law library.
• Demonstrated successful experience teaching law students and partnering with law faculty on research projects.
• Experience with faculty scholarship platforms such as SSRN and BePress Digital Commons preferred.

Open Date 07/17/2023

Close Date 

Special Instructions to Applicants 

Applicants should submit a cover letter and current resume to https://www.careers.luc.edu/. In their letters, candidates should include their demonstrated engagement with diversity, equity, and inclusion. They also should provide the names and email addresses of three individuals prepared to speak to their professional qualifications for this position. References will not be contacted immediately but may be at subsequent points in the review process, with the candidate’s permission.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Please direct inquiries to the chair of the search committee:

Joseph Mitzenmacher

Reference and Electronic Services Librarian and Adjunct Professor of Law

Philip H. Corboy Law Center

Loyola Law Library

25 E. Pearson St.

Chicago, IL 60611

(312) 915-6844

jmitze1@luc.edu

Loyola University Chicago is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer with a strong commitment to hiring for our mission and diversifying our faculty. The University seeks to increase the diversity of its faculty, staff, and student populations because broad diversity is critical to achieving the University’s mission of excellence in education, research, educational access, and services in an increasingly diverse society. Therefore, in holistically assessing the qualifications of each applicant, we will factor favorably an individual’s record of conduct that includes experience with an array of diverse perspectives, as well as a wide variety of different educational, research, or other work activities.

As a Jesuit Catholic institution of higher education, we seek candidates who will contribute to our strategic plan to deliver a transformative education in the Jesuit tradition. To learn more about LUC’s mission, candidates should consult our website at https://www.luc.edu/mission/. For information about the university’s focus on transformative education, they should consult our website at https://www.luc.edu/catholicstudies/aboutus/transformativeeducation/.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

As one of the nation’s largest Jesuit, Catholic universities, Loyola University Chicago fosters a transformative cultural experience that honors diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to not only recruiting, but also retaining a diverse, mission driven workforce and enabling a culture of inclusiveness in an environment that values service excellence, stewardship, personal well-being, and professional development for all of our employees. Loyola University Chicago supports its staff and faculty with a wide array of affordable, comprehensive and competitive benefits centered on health and wellness, financial security, equity, and work-life balance. We actively seek those who wish to join our faculty, staff, and students in a community of diverse opinions, perspectives, and backgrounds supporting our Jesuit mission and striving toward the same goal of being persons for and with others.

Quick Link for Posting https://www.careers.luc.edu/postings/25507

Job Number 8100500

Organizational Location PROVOST

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date 10/01/2023

Position End Date 

Open Until Filled Yes

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