This position manages and administers the extensive and evolving instructional efforts of the Law Library. The Library provides research instruction in the first-year research and writing program, in clinical programs, and in substantive law courses. Additionally, librarians teach the required Advanced Legal Research course for the Law School. The position will develop the research curriculum efforts, including specialized research courses, and will support the deepening efforts to improve courses through practice in foundational information and organization principles, rigorous assessment, and the thoughtful use of technology. It will support the instructional team by designing curriculum, developing exercises and tools, and administering the various instructional programs of the Library. Additionally, this position provides professional legal reference service to the Law School and university communities, as well as other patron groups.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: Instructional and Administrative Duties
- Initiate communication about spheres of oversight both within and outside the Library, as appropriate
- Coordinate instructional efforts for the Library. Work with other librarians on teaching objectives, assignments, and initiatives. Develop curriculum. Coordinate trainings for librarians in areas of curriculum design, assessment, and presentation
- Participate in all instructional activities, from teaching research courses to one-off trainings
- Teach at least one section of Advanced Legal Research (ALR), a required course for all Cardozo law students. Teach additional for-credit classes, based on need and interest. Participate in regular trainings for classes and clinics
- Assist Faculty and Scholarly Services Librarian with training efforts for faculty and their research assistants
Reference and Research
- Provide print and electronic reference service for Anglo-American, international, foreign and comparative law by responding to in-person, telephone and email inquiries
- Able to work some night and Sunday hours, as may be required for instruction efforts
- Assist library users with basic access issues regarding the network and applications, such as exam software or the course management system, used in the Law School
- Provide research support to faculty members, faculty assistants, and RA/TAs, often coordinated by the Faculty and Scholarly Services Librarian
Professional Development
- Keep informed of new trends in systems, technology, and the legal profession
- Serve on professional committees and attend conferences
- Act independently when supervising work and when evaluating and overseeing projects
- Work collaboratively with other librarians when managing workflows
- Take an active role in instructional activities
- Consult with other departments in the Law School about instruction needs
- Regularly meet with other librarians and the Director of the Law Library on library services and changing priorities
Perform other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS: Experience and Educational Background :
- M.L.S. or M.L.I.S. is required; J.D. is required
- A minimum of three years of experience in academic legal information instruction is also required
- Outstanding administrative, interpersonal, and organizational skills are required
- Demonstrated expertise in curriculum design and ability to lead peers through projects are desired
Skills and Competencies:
- Strong communication skills in the formal classroom environment
- Superior organizational, planning and administrative skills including the ability to work effectively on the broad picture as well as on the detail level
- Ability to:
- work and lead in an atmosphere of collaboration and team work
- be flexible with work assignments and work hours
- multi-task and maintain professionalism and collegiality while addressing many people-problems daily
- Strong technical skills. Active interest in technology. Ability to understand what technology can be used for to improve services and instruction efforts
- Strong problem solving skills
- Strong service orientation
- Effective interpersonal oral and written communication skills
