Head of Reference, Law Library
Institution: University of Wisconsin – Madison
Location:Madison, WI
Category:Admin – Libraries
Posted:09/23/2016
Application Due:10/23/2016
Type:Full Time
Position Vacancy Listing: PVL # 88230
Official Title: SR ACAD LIBRARIAN(R04BN) or ACADEMIC LIBRARIAN(R04DN)
Degree and area of specialization:
Master’s degree in library science (or its equivalent) from an ALA-accredited school; and
JD from an ABA-accredited law school
License/certification:
Minimum number of years and type of relevant work experience:
Required Qualifications:
- At least 3 years of professional library reference experience
- Substantial knowledge of legal sources and strong legal research skills
- Demonstrated awareness of current trends in legal information and law libraries
- Ability to manage and lead a department of professional librarians
- Experience developing and providing library instruction
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Strong organization and analytical thinking skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Willingness to work occasional evening and weekend hours
Preferred Qualifications:
- Academic law library experience
- Experience supervising and mentoring library staff
- Knowledge of legal education and the role of law libraries in law schools
- Experience developing and teaching a semester-long course
- Enthusiasm, creativity, and experience proposing new projects, workflows, etc.
- Demonstrated record of effective project management
- Evidence of professional development activities, including presentations and publications
Principal duties:
The Head of Reference (HR) is responsible for the reference and instructional service programs of the UW Law Library. The HR directly supervises four reference librarians. The HR reports to and works closely with the Associate Director for Public Services.
45% Reference & Instruction
- Coordinates all reference services including research assistance and instruction.
- Plans, develops, and provides leadership for departmental activities and initiatives.
- Provides and manages staffing for reference desk, chat, and email reference service.
- Participates in developing and teaching an advanced legal research course or courses.
- Oversees library instructional services.
- Serves as editor for library publications, including LibGuides, brochures, and articles.
- Works in close cooperation with other Law Library and UW Madison campus libraries staff to coordinate library services; may involve serving on committees.
- Keeps departmental records and gathers statistics for reporting.
- Maintains awareness of current developments in legal research sources and technology.
15% Personnel Management
- Supervises and manages the work of four reference librarians in accordance with library, campus, state, and national policies and procedures governing personnel practices.
- Trains and mentors reference staff, designs and monitors workflow, allocates duties, and fosters communication within the department and with other library staff members.
- Evaluates and provides feedback on performance.
20% Faculty Services
- Serves as primary contact for the law faculty and clinical staff, proactively developing and maintaining strong working relationships.
- Engages and supports library staff in providing research assistance and sources to law faculty and clinical staff; oversees the librarian/faculty liaison program.
- Identifies and promotes services and collections which support faculty and clinical staff scholarship.
- Promotes faculty and clinical staff scholarship by overseeing its availability through venues such as the Law School institutional repository and SSRN.
10% Collection Development
- Participates in selection of library materials, including overseeing the reference collection.
- Participates in decisions about sources, both print and electronic; solicits recommendations and feedback from faculty and clinical staff.
- Monitors and reports on the availability of legal and related research sources through the UW Madison and UW System libraries.
- Helps market new sources to law students, faculty, and staff.
10% Professional Development
- Professional librarians employed by the UW Law Library are expected to participate in professional development activities. These may include but are not limited to: research, publication, continuing education, professional association involvement, and participation in library, campus, state, or national committees dedicated to the fields of law or librarianship.
Additional Information:
Madison – the state’s capital city with a population of over 230,000 – is a beautiful and affordable city that regularly makes the national “best of” lists. It offers a combination of natural beauty, stimulating cultural offerings, outdoor recreation, distinctive restaurants, unique shops and vibrant nightlife.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison combines on a single campus nine schools and three colleges, enrolling approximately 40,000 students from more than 115 countries and every state in the U.S. Its 900-acre campus on the shores of Lake Mendota is considered one of the most beautiful in the country. The university’s location in south central Wisconsin makes for convenient access to Milwaukee (80 miles), Chicago (150 miles) and Minneapolis (270 miles).
A criminal background check will be conducted prior to hiring.
A period of evaluation will be required
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Employee Class: Academic Staff
Department(s): LAW/LIBRARY
Full Time Salary Rate: Minimum $50,000 ANNUAL (12 months) Depending on Qualifications
Term: This is a renewable appointment.
Appointment percent: 100%
Anticipated begin date: JANUARY 01, 2017
Number of Positions: 1
To Ensure Consideration:
Application must be received by: OCTOBER 23, 2016
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Contact:
University of Wisconsin – Madison
Online App. Form:
http://www.ohr.wisc.edu/Weblisting/External/PVLSummaryApply.aspx?pvl_num=88230
