Librarian - Law

Position Summary:

This position reports to the Head of Reference and Faculty Services and serves as a member of the law library's reference team, supporting a diverse community of faculty, students, and alumni by answering complex legal research, performing collection development, and participating in student outreach. Core responsibilities include staffing the reference desk, including email and chat reference, answering sophisticated legal research questions, creating and maintaining LibGuides, and participating in selecting materials to meet the evolving needs of the law school community. Additionally, the position contributes to student outreach efforts through creating and promoting library events and displays. The position also offers opportunities for growth in teaching workshops and contributing to broader instructional programs.

Position Responsibilities:

Performs professional duties related to providing library collections and services for the University community.

• Performs library Collection Development and Collection Management tasks including but not limited to
  
  
  
  1. Selecting library materials for acquisition - physical and electronic monographic and serials materials, databases, websites, etc.
  2. Monitoring library materials expenditures.
  3. Developing approval plans.
  4. Implementing electronic reserves services.
  5. Monitoring product and service interfaces and making adjustments as warranted.
  
  
  
  
• Implements electronic reserves services
  
  
  
  1. Filtering course syllabi and interfacing with faculty about additional course materials and copyright restrictions.
  2. Organizing, scanning, and making reserve materials accessible.
  3. Updating, maintaining, and reviewing course reserves pages.
  
  
  
  
• Guides Library patrons in the use of library resources and research by
  
  
  
  1. Providing one-on-one reference service in person, via phone, email, "ask" service, texting, chat, and/or other developing technologies or modes of communication.
  
  
  
  

1. 
   
   
   
   1. Teaching library classes, designing instructional courses and implementing new and developing methodologies.
   2. Creating guides to library research.
   3. Developing content for library web pages.
   
   
   
   

• Performs cataloging and metadata services for library materials both physical and electronic; trains cataloging support staff and reviews their work; ensures the integrity of the OPAC; participates in study, analysis and review of developments in the cataloging and metadata fields and contributes to departmental decisions regarding their implementation.
• Plans utilizations of library space, facilities and projects.
• Stays current with developments in the library profession, copyright regulations, research trends and methods and modes of scholarly communication. Exhibits initiative in promoting the integration of new approaches and technologies into the University's library services.
• Engages in research and professional activities such as publication, lectures, participation in library organizations and meetings, etc.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

This librarian serves as a primary point of contact for legal research support, providing reference services across multiple channels to a diverse community of faculty, students, and alumni. The role encompasses collection development and user engagement through programming, displays, and instructional outreach. Over time, the position is expected to expand into formal teaching and instructional design responsibilities.

Experience & Educational Background:

Required:

• MLS or equivalent.
• Two years of reference experience.

Preferred:

• Legal research experience, including Bloomberg Law, Lexis, and Westlaw.
• Collection development experience, including selection of print and digital materials.
• Creation of instructional videos.
• Demonstrated experience with generative AI in the research process.
• J.D. or equivalent.

Skills & Competencies:

• Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision, using sound judgment and self-discipline to complete tasks effectively in the absence of a supervisor.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and resolve challenges and develop innovative solutions and strategies.
• Demonstrated customer services skills including adaptability, active listening, conflict resolution, effective communication, and patience.
• Accuracy, thoroughness, precision, ability to focus on detail without losing sight of the big picture.
• Intermediate skill level for Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
• Advanced knowledge of cataloging and circulation features of integrated library systems.
• Working knowledge of library technology including computers, printers, and scanners.
• Adheres to ethical standards and integrity in decision-making and professional interactions.
• Working in a collaborative and collegial space.
• Effective communication skills (listening, speaking, and writing).

Application Instructions:

Resume and cover letter required.

Salary Range:

$31.76 - $32.41 per hour

About Us:

The Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law is a leader in legal education, located in Manhattan's Greenwich Village. The law school is renowned for its program in intellectual property, which includes the FAME Center for Fashion, Arts, Media and Entertainment Law. Cardozo Law has a long tradition of public advocacy and is the birthplace of the Innocence Project and the home of our Center for Rights and Justice. Cardozo offers a world-class faculty and encourages creative thinking and innovation in the legal profession. Cardozo provides students with a strong foundation in legal theory combined with practical hands-on experience in a variety of areas, including criminal law, civil rights law, and business law. The school prides itself on creating a vibrant and warm community for faculty, staff, and students.

A division of Yeshiva University, Cardozo Law School offers an excellent compensation package and a broad range of employee benefit plans. The law school is a secular institution within a religious university and welcomes people of all religions, ethnic backgrounds, races, and sexual identities.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Yeshiva University is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employment opportunities to all employees and candidates without regard to race, color, age, sex, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.