Circuit Law Librarian – Worcester, Middlesex & Norfolk Trial Courts of Massachusetts – Boston, MA

This circuit position entails working in multiple locations. The position will support the Law Library Services in Worcester,Middlesex, Norfolk Counties and will require travel.

This position is designated as a union position and is covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement with O.P.E.I.U., Local 6.

MISSION STATEMENT OF THE MASSACHUSETTS TRIAL COURT:
The Trial Court is committed to:

  • fair and impartial administration of justice;
  • protection of constitutional and statutory rights and liberties;
  • equal access to justice for all in a safe and dignified environment with policies and practices that strengthen and support diversity, equity, and inclusion;
  • efficient, effective, and accountable resolution of disputes;
  • prompt and courteous service to the public by committed and dedicated professionals utilizing best practices in a manner that inspires public trust and confidence

DEPARTMENTAL MISSION STATEMENT:
MISSION STATEMENT OF THE SUPPORT SERVICES DEPARTMENT:
The mission of the Support Services Department is to provide support for the administration of justice and public access to court services through the operation of the Judicial Response System, the Trial Court Law Libraries, the Court Service Centers, the Record Management operation, the Office of Court Interpreters Services, and the Office of Transcription Services.

MISSION STATEMENT OF THE MASSACHUSETTS TRIAL COURT LAW LIBRARIES:

As the public law libraries of the Commonwealth, the Trial Court Law Libraries provide legal information to the Trial Court, legal community, and the general public. This library network strives to develop collections and services to address the legal reference, research, educational, and community information needs of library patrons. The staff are committed to facilitating timely, efficient access to their collections and services in an impartial and respectful manner.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/trial-court-law-libraries

POSITION SUMMARY:
Working within the Trial Court Law Libraries of the Department of Support Services, the Circuit Law Librarian Performs professional library duties over a defined geographic area in the following areas: legal research and reference, cataloging, interlibrary loan, bibliographic services and acquisitions; assists Head Law Librarians in library operation; and may perform specific functions for the Trial Court Law Library system such invoice processing, collection development and maintaining a federal depository collection; performs related work as required. Employees are appointed at the entry level and are eligible for reclassification to the higher grade within this series consistent with the requirements in the job description. The position title reverts to the entry level of this series when there is a vacancy.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Work is performed primarily under the direction of the Director of Support Services and Manager of Law Libraries, or their designee, and is evaluated for professional soundness and conformity to policy.

ORGANIZATIONAL LEVELS:
Circuit Law Librarian I – This is the entry level position title within this series. Employees at this level are expected to perform standard professional library duties in the following areas: reference, cataloging, inter library loan, bibliographic services and acquisitions.

Circuit Law Librarian II – This is the second level position title within this series. Employees at this level are expected to work more independently and perform more complex law library functions, original cataloging, inter-library loan or collection development, or maintaining a federal depository collection.

MAJOR DUTIES:
Circuit Law Librarian I

Provides reference and information services to the clientele by responding to questions either in person or by telephone, locating and retrieving materials and assisting in legal research, by developing a comprehensive knowledge of legal bibliography and general reference sources.

Utilizes full knowledge of electronic databases and interlibrary sources, both legal and non-legal, to assist clientele in retrieving information needed.

Instructs library users in the use of library materials and equipment.

Adapts professional principles of cataloging, classification and indexing to the various components of the library’s collection. Manages and maintains automated cataloging and classification through a national database.

Works with other librarians on system-wide projects.

Performs necessary tasks for assuring security, proper protection, care and presentation of library’ materials, and

presentation of library’ materials, and

Performs related duties as required.

Circuit Law Librarian II

Employees at this level are expected to work more independently and perform more complex law library functions, original cataloging, inter-library loan or collection development, or maintaining a federal depository collection.

Maintains proficiency in the current state of professional library theory, legal research and practice, by attending and participating in meetings, conferences, seminars and training sessions in areas of professional library management and legal reference skills.

Develops methods of bringing the library’s resources and services to the attention of library patrons and other potential users.

Informs and makes recommendations to the Head Law Librarian on the development of the library and collection.

May train staff in aspects of library operation.

Implements directives of the Office of Court Management, and

In the absence of the Head Law Librarian, maintains the day-to-day library operations.

JOB COMPETENCIES:
All applicants must be able, through the interview process, to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following areas:

Ethics and Values

Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Trial Court and Trial Court Law Libraries as demonstrated in the American Association of Law Libraries.

Mission

Understands, upholds, and communicates the missions of the Trial Court and the Trial Court Law Libraries.

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.

Customer Service

Conducts oneself in a courteous and professional manner towards both Trial Court employees and the public whether in person, on the telephone or in an electronic environment.

Collaboration

Works with others cooperatively, including the courts, library and legal organizations and other agencies, demonstrating a willingness to be a team player, contributing to a work environment that focuses on shared departmental goals and maintaining effective working relationships.

Commitment to Diversity

Promotes an environment of diversity through understanding, respect, and positive communication with persons of varied racial, ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds. Conducts oneself in a courteous and professional manner towards everyone using the services of the Trial Court Law Libraries.

Continuous Learning

Demonstrates a commitment to continuously improving himself or herself through professional development and actively pursues continuing education.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
These are the minimum requirements necessary to apply for a position of Circuit Law Librarian I:

Master’s Degree in Library Science from an accredited library school and 1 full year of full time experience in a professional capacity in a law library;

Knowledge of theory, principles and practices of library science and law library administration, including current methods and procedures in such areas as collection development, cataloging and legal research and reference;

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to deal effectively and respectfully with people;

Ability to work with judges, attorneys, court personnel;

Ability to use computer applications such as MS Office spreadsheets, text editing and publisher programs;

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both oral and written form;

Ability to reach with hands and arms, bend, crouch, lift materials weighing up to 30 pounds, and climb stairs;

Ability to travel within the Commonwealth and work at other Trial Court Law Library locations when necessary.

Circuit Law Librarian II requirements

Four years of experience as a Circuit Law Librarian I;

Performs all of the duties of the lower level position title within this series;

Comprehensive knowledge of AALL Competencies of Law Librarianship;

Comprehensive knowledge of legal bibliography and terminology and the use of complex legal resources and indexes;

Ability to analyze and solve complex problems relating to library practices and procedures;

Ability to gather, analyze and effectively report and present data and convey information;

Ability to use an integrated library system, other online systems and the ability to learn and implement new technologies as they emerge;

Ability to train and educate users on the use of library systems and legal resources in print and online;

OTHER:
PLEASE NOTE:
Employment is contingent upon passage of a criminal record check.

HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants must apply by completing a Trial Court online application by clicking “Apply for this job online” button at the top of this page.

If you are not viewing this online, go to the Judicial Branch Jobs page at https://careers-trialcourtsofmass.icims.com/jobs and search for this job.

PLEASE NOTE: Paper, faxed or emailed applications or resumes are not accepted for any Trial Court position.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER