The Global Librarian will lead the provision and development of library and information services within Cleary, in alignment with the wider Practice Development strategy and objectives.
The Global Librarian is responsible for a range of activities with particular emphasis on the global coordination of services and support to fee earners and other staff, improvement and integration of related technology, process and tools, improving the return on investment on information and library resources, management reporting, stakeholder management, and the management of relationships and investment decisions related to external vendors and content. The Global Librarian will report to the Chief Knowledge Strategy Officer (CKSO) and will manage library activities and personnel to provide a leading practice service that has demonstrable impact on Cleary’s client service and business development outcomes.
Responsibilities
Work with the Chief Knowledge Strategy Officer and office Librarians to develop and deliver the Library and Information Services strategy and program.
- Work with relevant stakeholders, and users, across the firm to develop and maintain a portfolio of cost-effective and highly valued Library and Information Services (LIS) that are aligned with the strategic direction of the firm, offices, and practice groups.
- Take a strategic view and active management of a global collection of information resources, both hard copy and online, that meet the firm’s information needs whilst delivering value for money.
- Manage the global LIS budget including contract renewals, contract negotiation, and ongoing liaison with external vendors and suppliers.
- Provide management information (usage, budget, SLAs, etc.) to the Chief Knowledge Strategy Officer and relevant committees as required, and meet regularly with partners, practice group co-ordinators, practice development lawyers, and business development managers to review services and user needs.
- Act as firm subject matter expert with regard to LIS and content sources and remain abreast of new and emerging trends including technologies, vendors, user habits/trends, and delivery models and reflect these in the LIS strategy and program as appropriate.
- Conduct periodic review of new and existing electronic resources and technology that leverage new capabilities, improve access to information resources, and enhance service and research efficiencies.
- Implement service levels and measures to ensure high standards of service delivery and quality control, including implementation and delivery of a Global Reference Desk model to provide extended coverage to Cleary lawyers.
- Manage, support, and promote the use of LIS and resources, with particular focus on improving global awareness and access, to maximise client service quality and working efficiencies.
- Develop and maintain a global training programme, that reflects global and local tools and requirements, for new joiners and meets the on-going training needs of partners and associates.
- Work closely with the Global Knowledge Solutions Lead to ensure LIS content is fully utilised in knowledge solutions as appropriate and that investments in content are leveraged fully and access increased.
- Collaborate with the wider Practice Development team in the delivery of LIS to support practice groups, offices, and attorneys with particular focus on content collections and enquiry services.
- Act as a key member of the Practice Development leadership team and influence the overall Practice Development strategy by acting as an advocate for the global LIS program and team in leadership meetings and discussions.
- Lead a global team of LIS professionals, matching resource to business need and taking personal responsibility for the performance management and skills and career development of direct reports.
- Supervise any additional Practice Development resources as required.
- Participate in regular meetings of the Practice Development program and associated and relevant project meetings.
- Provide LIS-related support as assigned by the Chief Knowledge Strategy Officer.
- Liaise with other business support functions as necessary in course of duties.
Qualifications
The role will require extensive experience of library and information services with the professional services sector, with legal experience being a particular advantage. The successful candidate will work closely with the CKSO and other Practice Development Leads and is expected to demonstrate a commitment to excellence and to assume responsibility for the delivery and quality of the work of the Library and Information Service.
- Experience of leading a global team with ability to lead and inspire.
- Demonstrable experience of developing innovative library solutions and services to match the requirements of an international law firm.
- Educated to graduate level.
- Master’s Degree in Library Management/Information Services required.
- Minimum 6 years’ experience in a global leadership position.
- Ability to engage with external vendors and conduct commercial discussions.
- Strong understanding of current and emerging trends in library services and technology as well as user preferences with regard to access to online content.
- Ability to work globally and interpret and translate business requirements into actionable programs and solutions.
- Excellent understanding of the critical success factors for a LIS function.
- Ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders.
- Enthusiastic about service innovation and managing and exploiting legal resources with a commercial focus.
- https://careers-clearygottlieb.icims.com/jobs/1033/global-librarian/job?mobile=false&width=1202&height=500&bga=true&needsRedirect=false&jan1offset=-480&jun1offset=-420
