Circuit Law Librarian - Central (Dedham)

Position Summary:

Provides legal information and guidance in accessing information to library visitors including judges, court staff, lawyers, and the general public, using various research sources, including electronic and print. Assists visitors in navigating the court system and court procedures. Assesses quickly and efficiently what a visitor actually needs.

Supervision Received: Works under the direction of the Head Law Librarian at the law library location to which they may be assigned.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Provides legal information and reference assistance in person, by telephone, email, and chat.
• Assists walk-in clients and replies to calls and emails to answer questions about services of the Law Library.
• Acquaints visitors with the collection organization, material, and offered services.
• Facilitates patrons’ use of library resources, electronic and print.
• Responds to multiple court or law-related reference questions.
• Travels to various court locations as assigned to provide law library services.
• Assesses needs of the local legal community and develops weak areas of the collection, making recommendations to the Head Law Librarian.
• Removes outdated materials and retains materials that have historical significance under direction of Head Law Librarian.
• Provides coverage of library in the absence of Head Law Librarian.
• Trains and supervises Law Library Assistants under direction of Head Law Librarian.
• Contributes to law library website.
• Produces handouts about the law for patron consumers.
• Performs other duties as required.

Job Competencies:

• Ethics and Values: Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Trial Court.
• Mission Driven: Employees are fully committed to fulfilling the Trial Court and associated Departmental missions.
• Professional Development: Employees are committed to participating in ongoing Trial Court training and educational offerings to advance their professional development. Managers are equally committed to affording those opportunities to those they supervise as scheduling permits.
• Customer Service: Conducts oneself in a courteous and professional manner towards both Trial Court employees and the public.
• Applied Knowledge: Demonstrates the core competencies and specialized competencies in the areas of library management; reference, research, and client services; information technology; collection development, cataloging, and teaching as outlined in the AALL Competencies of Law Librarianship.
• Commitment to Diversity: Promotes an environment of diversity through understanding, respect, and positive communication with persons of varied racial, ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds.
• Collaboration: Works with others cooperatively, demonstrating a willingness to be a team player, and contributing to a work environment that focuses on shared departmental goals.
• Ethics and Values: Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Trial Court.

Minimum Requirements: Education and Experience:

• Graduate Degree in Library Science or an equivalent education from an accredited college or university
• Four (4) years of professional law library work experience
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered for meeting minimum qualifications.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Massachusetts Rules of Court and Trial Court system
• Library of Congress classification system
• Library procedures
• Complex legal resources
• Databases and applications
• Various computer programs
• Legal bibliography
• Inventory, acquisition, and disposal procedures

Skill in:

• Verbal and written communication
• Customer service
• Detail oriented
• Critical thinking
• Needs assessment
• Problem solving

Ability to:

• Helping patrons find and apply information
• Direct people to appropriate legal resources
• Explain laws and regulations
• Direct callers to appropriate courts, agencies, government offices, and organizations
• Travel to assigned court offices as needed

Supervisory Responsibility:

This position serves as a lead worker to others.

Working Conditions:

Work is frequently performed in office or similar indoor environments and travels to other law library locations within their region often.

Physical Demands:

This position requires sedentary light work:

• Lifting and/or exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.
• Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.