Spotlights

Tiêu đề tương tự

Legal Information Specialist, Legal Research Librarian, Law Library Manager, Reference Librarian (with a focus on law), Legal Resources Coordinator, Legal Reference Specialist, Legal Collection Manager
Law Library Services Coordinator, Legal Knowledge Manager, Legal Information Services Librarian

Mô tả công việc

Our legal system is extraordinarily complex. It’s so complicated we usually need attorneys to help us when we have legal matters to deal with. But even attorneys don’t know everything. They must frequently conduct research to find answers and inform their strategies.

There are decades of legal materials to consider, such as statutes, codes, casebooks, court opinions, rules, records, regulations, journals, handbooks, databases, dictionaries, and more!

The amount of available information is so vast that attorneys rely on Law Librarians to help them find what they’re looking for. In many cases, lawyers don’t even know what they’re looking for — but the librarians point them in the right direction.

As legal experts themselves, Law Librarians manage and curate legal resources in various formats, assist patrons in locating relevant information, and provide training on research methods. They may work in law schools, private law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, or law libraries that are open to the general public! 

Các khía cạnh bổ ích của sự nghiệp
  • Helping others navigate complex legal information and materials
  • Ensuring access to accurate and comprehensive legal resources
  • Working in a dynamic, intellectually stimulating environment
  • Contributing to education and justice within the legal system 
2024 Employment
10,000
2034 Projected Employment
10,300
Tin sốt dẻo bên trong
Trách nhiệm công việc

Lịch làm việc

  • Law Librarians typically work full-time office hours. Some private company jobs may require longer hours and some positions require evening or weekend work, particularly in academic settings.

Nhiệm vụ tiêu biểu

  • Maintain an organized library database and system of reference
  • Help patrons find materials and resources
  • Check materials out to patrons. Upon their return, check materials back into the system, assess for damage, and put items back
  • Review legal catalogs and order legal resources inventory from vendors
  • Plan and manage budgets. Order computers and other IT resources
  • Curate a variety of legal materials relevant to employer and patron needs, including print and digital legal resources
  • Utilize interlibrary loan opportunities
  • Add incoming legal materials to the library database
  • Apply call number labels to legal books and resources

Trách nhiệm bổ sung

  • Create and enforce library policies
  • Train and supervise assistants, staff, and volunteers
  • Ensure accessibility and compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act standards
  • Stay current with developments in legal information, research techniques, and technology
Các kỹ năng cần thiết trong công việc

Kỹ năng mềm

  • Phân tích
  • Chú ý đến chi tiết
  • Hợp tác
  • Kỹ năng giao tiếp
  • Phối hợp
  • Dịch vụ khách hàng
  • Quyết định
  • Kỹ năng giao tiếp giữa các cá nhân
  • Kỹ năng tổ chức
  • Nhận thức
  • Giải quyết vấn đề
  • Phán đoán đúng đắn
  • Quản lý thời gian

Kỹ năng kỹ thuật

Law Librarians should have technical skills related to:

  • Basic IT troubleshooting
  • Legal citation and referencing styles
  • Budgeting
  • Maintaining digital libraries
  • Cataloging systems and metadata standards
  • Library software
  • Legal research databases (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis)
Các loại hình tổ chức khác nhau
  • Corporate legal departments
  • Cơ quan chính phủ
  • Công ty luật
  • Law schools
  • Public law libraries
Kỳ vọng và hy sinh

Law Librarians are vital members of the legal profession! They play a crucial role in assisting lawyers by providing valuable support in various aspects of legal research. Because their help is so important, they must stay current with legal developments and emerging technologies, which requires continuous learning. They sometimes work under tight deadlines while juggling multiple tasks at once. Due to the nature of their work, they have to maintain strict confidentiality and ethical standards. 

Xu hướng hiện tại

Law Librarians increasingly use technology to enhance legal research and library services in general. This includes the use of artificial intelligence for predictive analytics since AI can analyze past case outcomes to predict future case results.

In addition, AI-driven tools help lawyers understand complex legal texts, making research more efficient​. AI can also automate the review of legal documents, contracts, and discovery materials, reducing the time spent on these tasks​.

Another growing trend is the development of digital libraries which can store vast amounts of resources, accessible 24/7! 

Những người trong sự nghiệp này thích làm những điều gì khi họ còn trẻ...

Law Librarians likely enjoyed reading and doing research. They may have been highly organized growing up, with a keen interest in helping others. Many participated in debate clubs, library clubs, or similar activities.

Giáo dục và đào tạo cần thiết
  • There’s no specific undergraduate major required, but liberal arts bachelors are common
  • Law Librarians don’t have to be lawyers themselves, but they usually need a master’s degree in library science (MLS) from a program accredited by the American Library Association
  1. A master’s in information science (MIS) may also work
  2. Some Law Librarians earn a Juris Doctor degree as well, though it’s only required for ~20% of relevant jobs
  3. Many schools offer a joint JD/MLS degree
  • Relevant college course topics include:
  1. Quản lý cơ sở dữ liệu
  2. Information organization and management
  3. Intellectual property law
  4. Legal research methods
  5. Legal writing and citation
  • Students should complete internships in legal libraries to gain practical experience
  • Law Librarians can join the American Association of Law Libraries or other organizations to take advantage of continuing education resources, scholarships, and networking opportunities
Những điều cần tìm kiếm ở một trường đại học
  • Law Librarians often finish undergraduate degrees in legal studies, history, literature, or education. These degrees are very suitable for online and hybrid study. Graduates sign up for a Master of Library Science (or related program like Master of Information Studies or Master of Library and Information Studies). Programs should be accredited by the American Library Association.

    Check out the faculty biographies to learn about their expertise in the field.
  • Review the job placement rates for graduates.
  • Compare tuition and fees costs, noting in-state vs. out-of-state costs.
  • Review scholarship and financial aid options, including federal aid Pell Grants.
Hoạt động giải trí ở trường trung học và đại học
  • High school classes in English, history, business, and computer science are useful
  • Engage in activities that involve research, such as debate clubs or library clubs
  • Gain practical experience through part-time jobs, volunteer work, or internships in libraries
  • Keep up with industry trends related to new technologies such as AI
  • Watch YouTube videos about library science and legal research
  • Read articles and journals such as Library Journal or Legal Reference Services Quarterly
  • Visit public law libraries near you. Ask if you can set up an informational interview with one of the Law Librarians there, or contact a local law firm
  • Look for Library Science program scholarships to help take off the financial burden of school 
Law Librarian Roadmap
Law Librarian Roadmap
Làm thế nào để đạt được công việc đầu tiên của bạn
  • Apply for library-related internships to gain practical experience and make connections
  • Consider starting out as a paralegal or library assistant while working on your degrees at night
  • Sign up for alerts on popular job portals like ZipRecruiter, SimplyHired, Indeed, Monster, and Glassdoor
  • Ask people in your network for tips about library job openings
  • Move to where the jobs are! Per BLS, the states with the highest employment level for librarians are New York, Texas, California, Ohio, and Florida
  • Liên hệ với các cựu giáo sư và người giám sát để xem liệu họ có đóng vai trò là tài liệu tham khảo cá nhân hay không
  • Sử dụng trung tâm hướng nghiệp của trường bạn để được trợ giúp về sơ yếu lý lịch và phỏng vấn giả
  • Check out Librarian resume samples
  • Make sure your resume is error-free, concise, and up-to-date
  • Check out sample interview questions such as “Can you describe your experience with legal research databases such as Westlaw and LexisNexis?” or “How do you handle requests for information that may be confidential or sensitive?”
  • Learn how to make an amazing first impression!
  • Review Indeed’s How to Dress for an Interview
Làm thế nào để leo lên thang
  • Thảo luận với người giám sát của bạn về các cơ hội thăng chức hoặc tăng lương
  • Consider earning a Juris Doctorate if it’ll help qualify you for advancement
  • Train and mentor new Law Librarians and assistants
  • Provide outstanding service to patrons to ensure positive experiences
  • Stress accuracy and confidentiality at all times
  • Be an active participant in professional organizations such as the American Association of Law Libraries
  • Set goals for continual process improvement, such as incorporating new technologies
  • Manage your budget effectively
  • Always stay calm under pressure, even if you’re confronted with an upset patron
  • If needed to advance, apply for jobs with other organizations
Kế hoạch B

Law Librarians are crucial to the legal profession, but their career field is relatively small compared to others. For those who want to explore other career options, consider jobs such as:

  • Academic Librarian
  • Nhà lưu trữ
  • Attorney
  • Giáo viên trung học phổ thông
  • Information Scientist
  • Điều phối viên giảng dạy
  • Legal Assistant
  • Library Assistant
  • Museum Worker
  • Research Analyst

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