A pioneer in interdisciplinary legal scholarship, particularly at the intersection of law and social science, the University of Denver Sturm College of Law (Denver Law) features a highly productive research-oriented faculty ranked in the top third of U.S. law schools in term of visibility. The services of the Westminster Law Library – a 440,000 title, state-of-the-art facility overlooking the Rocky Mountains – contribute vitally to the faculty’s scholarly success. Chief among these services is the Faculty Research Service, which provides subject-specific research support to faculty members across a range of scholarly areas of inquiry, ranging from document delivery requests, to literature searches, to support for more sophisticated research projects.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Assistant Director of the Westminster Law Library, and occupying a faculty position within the Professorial Series in University Libraries, the Faculty Services Librarian has the principal responsibility for leading Denver Law’s Faculty Research Service. The successful candidate will collaborate with other colleagues to advance legal research instruction at Denver Law more generally, including teaching responsibilities in the law library’s Certificate in Legal Research program, among other teaching-related responsibilities.
Essential Functions
Lead the Westminster Law Library’s Faculty Research Service, which supports faculty scholarship through high-quality research.
Stay abreast of new developments in library research and reference services, including innovative ways to improve relevant workflows by leveraging new technologies.
Teach in the law library’s Certificate in Legal Research Program, an optional legal research training program reflected on student transcripts that currently supports three different legal research certificates (basic, specialized, and international).
Teach a law school course, preferably in the area of advanced or specialized legal research.
Provide high-quality service at a combined circulation and reference desk.
Participate on the law library’s collection development team, which aids in selection, cancellation, and retention decisions regarding the law library collection as well as regular evaluation of the law library’s collection priorities.
Serve on law school, University Libraries, and other relevant committees.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The following skills are critical to success in this position:
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.
Effective oral and written communication skills, including strong presentation skills in both one-on-one and group settings.
A strong customer service orientation, including a demonstrated ability to work flexibly with faculty, students, staff, and a diverse research community.
Knowledge of professional librarianship concepts, principles, and practices and a commitment to staying abreast of new developments.
A strong commitment to innovation, including comfort with technology and proficiency with a variety of library-related technologies, such as next-generation library systems, legal research platforms, and other relevant technologies.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
The ability to exercise independent judgment and to work independently.
The ability to work as a team member.
The ability to establish and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships both inside and outside the law library.
Flexibility, resilience, and the ability to adapt to a rapidly changing environment.
Excellent time management skills.
The ability to work evenings and/or weekends, as necessary.
Application Deadline
For best consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) on Monday, January 21, 2019.
Special Instructions
Candidates must apply online through www.du.edu/jobs to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted. Once within the job description online, please scroll to the bottom of the page to apply.
Please include the following documents with your application:
Resume
Cover Letter
3 Professional References
The University of Denver is committed to enhancing the diversity of its faculty and staff and encourages applications from women, minorities, members of the LGBTQ community, people with disabilities, and veterans. The University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
All offers of employment are based upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.
Required Education and Qualifications
MLS (or equivalent) from an ALA-accredited institution.
JD (or equivalent) from an ABA-accredited law school.
Preferred Education and Qualifications
Prior experience working in a law or academic library, or relevant equivalent experience.
Teaching experience with demonstrated success in the classroom.
Internal Number: 005610
