POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive
DEPARTMENT: Law Library
HOURS: Part-time, 24 hours per week with the possibility to increase to 30 hours per week
HIRING RANGE: $23.92 – $26.91 per hour
FULL SALARY RANGE: $23.92 – $37.38 per hour, 106 grade level
LOCATION: Apple Valley with travel to other locations as needed
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 pm on 7/28/2022
Come join us at Dakota County and “Be more”! The work County government does is unique. You will not be just another employee; you’ll be a valued employee making a difference in the lives of Dakota County residents every single day. We employ nearly 2000 skilled individuals whose talents and contributions makes Dakota County a premier place to live and work. Will you be the next person to join us at Dakota County?
The Law Library has a .60 FTE (24 hours per week) Assistant Research Librarian job opening available. The position will be based primarily in Apple Valley-Galaxie but may require travel between law library locations at the Hastings-Judicial Center or West Saint Paul-Northern Service Center.
This position is part-time, 24 hours per week with the possibility to increase to 30 hours per week. This position is special limited term, to last for 1 year with the possibility of extension for up to an additional year, and is benefits-eligible.
The Assistant Research Librarian will primarily assist patrons with reference and research inquiries as well as assist law library staff in their duties; The ideal candidate for this position will be an individual working towards the completion of a JD or Master’s in Library Science or Paralegal degree and has a strong interest working in the legal or library field. This position requires strong organization skills and an ability to have great attention to detail.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree
AND
- Minimum of two (2) years professional experience in research and/or reference.
OR
- An equivalent combination of education and work experience, including library experience.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working in a law library.
- Experience working in a public library.
- Working towards the completion of a J.D. or Master’s in Library Science or Paralegal degree
- Strong math/accounting skills.
Duties & Responsibilities
These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position’s management approved work schedule is required for all positions.
Physical Access
1. Ensures physical access to the Law Library materials and resources; processes materials for the collections.
1.1 Prioritizes task work to ensure that the most critical work is completed first.
1.2 Demonstrates knowledge of cataloging to determine how and where materials should be located at the Hastings and Apple Valley law libraries.
1.3 Documents materials and resources in the catalog worksheets in an accurate and timely manner for entry into the Dewey catalog system for the Apple Valley law library.
1.4 Documents materials and resources in catalog worksheets in an accurate and timely manner for entry into the OCLC catalog system for the Hastings law library.
1.5 Routinely reviews materials for correct labeling, organization and shelf placement to facilitate order and access.
1.6 Develops procedures for the timely updating of resources, packets and materials to ensure availability and consistency for both the Hastings and Apple Valley law libraries.
1.7 Files, shelves, and delivers materials as needed, and as requested, in a timely manner for both the Hastings and Apple Valley law libraries.
Assist with Back-Up
2. Ability to work independently at various locations.
2.1 Provides Law Library oversight at other locations and communicate issues that arise.
22 Manages the Law Library and assists patrons, either in person or by phone, in the absence of the Law Library Manager, the Law Librarian, and the Assistant Law Librarian.
2.3 Reviews materials that are needed immediately and requests appropriate resources.
2.4 Serves as backup to the Law Library Manager to facilitate meetings between patrons and volunteer attorneys who staff the various clinics that the law library offers.
2.5 Exercises judgment as to when to assist and when to refer or defer services to patrons in order to provide timely and competent service.
2.6 Prioritizes workload to ensure that the most critical issues are dealt with first.
2.7 Keeps the Law Library Manager informed of significant issues that have arisen or actions that have to be taken to ensure that information pertinent to the functioning of the law library is communicated.
Reference
3. Assists patrons in reference and research services; performs public service duties pertaining to patrons’ use of the Law Library, including circulation of library materials, use of the photocopier, fax machine, and other library equipment.
3.1 Assists patrons in accessing library materials and services; refers patrons to other resources as appropriate.
3.2 Uses effective methods to inform patrons of the availability of requested materials, to determine renewals, and to retrieve overdue materials.
3.3 Communicates productively with patrons, staff, and vendors; treats multi-cultural, diverse, and political sensitivities with care and compassion.
3.4 Checks materials in and out for patrons and ensures that materials are re-shelved to maintain availability and access to the public and staff.
Electronic Resources
4. Implements and manages the Law Library’s electronic resources in conjunction with the Assistant Law Librarian.
4.1 Coordinates information and works with Assistant Law Librarian, vendors, and staff to ensure that law library technology is functioning effectively for internal and external use.
4.2 Coordinates with the Assistant Law Librarian in maintaining, updating, and installing electronic systems so that disruption is minimized.
4.3 Assist with updates to social media platforms and law library website information.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment
- Knowledge of library system operations and procedures, including cataloging
- Strong math/accounting skills
- Ability to type accurately
- Experience with Internet, Intranet products and searches
- Knowledge of Westlaw and/or WestNext helpful
- Experience with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work effectively with the general public in responding to requests
- Ability to handle multiple detailed assignments simultaneously.
- Good organization skills.
- Ability to work independently or in a team environment.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is sedentary and is usually accomplished while incumbent is comfortably seated at a desk or table. Some walking and standing may occur in the course of a normal workday in connection with attendance at meetings and conferences, or while researching files. Items carried typically are light objects such as briefcases, books, and data processing reports. Lifting of moderately heavy objects may be required. No special physical effort is required to perform the work.
Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware working environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.
