The Robert Crown Law Library at Stanford Law School is seeking a dynamic Reference and Special Collections Librarian to join our world-renowned library team (at level Librarian 2 or 3). In this multifaceted role, you will provide expert reference services to our diverse community, support researchers in accessing and utilizing our unique archival and other special collections, and actively engage in formal and informal instruction opportunities. Your contributions will play a pivotal role in enhancing accessibility to our valuable collection while providing exceptional reference assistance.
Reporting to the Head of Reference Services, the Reference and Special Collections Librarian will serve as a key member of the reference team. Your responsibilities will include delivering premier-level reference services, addressing a wide range of research requests from faculty, staff, and students, offering guidance on navigating digital and print resources, and liaising with our clinics and policy labs. A key component of this role includes fostering valuable connections with faculty and students deeply immersed in historical research, while providing essential support and guidance as they navigate diverse academic endeavors. As our library’s expert in accessing and using unique historical materials, you will curate relationships with archivists on and off Stanford’s campus, assess and advise on RCLL’s own special collections, and instruct the library team in evolving historical research trends of import to law faculty and students.
Other duties include participating in the evaluation and selection of information resources; conducting research training in a variety of formats; creating, editing, and publishing bibliographies, guides, web pages, finding aids, and library displays to engage our users; and collaborating with library teams on issues of digital initiatives, digital repositories, collection development, collection access, and inter-library partnerships. While experience with special collections is preferred, we also welcome candidates with a strong interest and a desire to learn in the field.
Each member of the Robert Crown Law Library works to build and sustain an equitable and inclusive work environment for all members of the community. Diversity enriches the library team through exposure to a broad range of experiences and engagement with the world, helping the library identify challenges and implement solutions to the benefit of our research mission and our entire law school and university community.
- Either a J.D. (strongly preferred); or a PhD in a humanities or social science discipline with demonstrated knowledge of legal material; and
- Either an Advanced Degree in Library Science; or a degree in a relevant academic discipline with demonstrated understanding of academic libraries.
- At the Librarian 2 level: A working knowledge of the operations of major academic or research libraries, as demonstrated by at least 2 years of employment in a research or academic library; or a combination of education and relevant experience.
- At the Librarian 3 level: A working knowledge of the operations of major academic or research libraries and deep knowledge of legal research as demonstrated by at least 4 years of employment in a research or academic library; or a combination of education and relevant experience.
- Knowledge of basic legal research sources and skill at using all manner of research materials;
- Experience with, or strong interest in, historical legal research;
- An aptitude for and an interest in collection marketing and outreach through curating exhibits, performing outreach, and collaborating with others;
- Knowledge of or strong desire to learn relevant aspects of library and special collection operations including understanding of contemporary archival practices and emerging historical research trends;
- A very strong service ethic, and the ability to work and interact effectively with colleagues and communities from different and diverse backgrounds;
- A commitment to continuous service improvement and innovation;
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively, both independently and collaboratively, within a collegial environment;
- Demonstrated exceptional written and oral communication skills;
- An aptitude for and interest in project planning and management, as well as excellent organizational, time-management, and analytical skills;
- An agile and curious mind, along with a healthy sense of humor and a spirit of idealism and optimism about our chosen profession.
- Working knowledge of one or more foreign languages, desirable;
- Experience working in an academic special collections setting, desirable;
- Experience in formal and informal instruction, including legal practice or non-legal teaching experience, preferred;
- Experience providing reference services in a law library, preferred;
- Demonstrated legal research experience, preferred.
- May work extended hours, evenings and weekends.
- Work location negotiable; long-term remote options possible with some on-campus work and travel to campus, depending on departmental needs.
- This position is remote eligible, but preference may be given to candidates based in the Bay Area or willing to relocate. Remote candidates should be prepared to travel to campus as determined by the department and library needs.
- Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
- Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
- Promote Culture of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Demonstrates sensitivity in working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and a commitment to building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working and learning environment for all students, staff, and faculty.
- This position is considered a career-track limited term appointment.
- Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.
- This role is open to candidates anywhere in the United States. Stanford University has five Regional Pay Structures. The compensation for this position will be based on the location of the successful candidate. The expected pay range for this position at the Librarian 2 level (Job Code: 1782; Job Grade: H) is $87,000 to $106,000 per annum and Librarian 3 (Job Code: 1783; Grade: I) is $104,000 to $129,000 per annum. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.
- At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.
- Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University’s research, teaching and clinical missions. We believe Stanford’s future success will be shaped by the diverse perspectives, unique experiences, and inclusive culture of its community.
Documents required: Please provide a cover letter, references, and résumé or CV.
References required: Please provide a list of 3 professional references with contact information.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Stanford Law School seeks to hire the best talent and to promote a safe and secure environment for all members of the university community and its property. To that end, new staff hires must successfully pass a background check prior to starting work at Stanford University.
