Law Librarian

Working Schedule

• Law Librarians typically work full-time office hours. Some private company jobs may require longer hours and some positions require evening or weekend work, particularly in academic settings.

Typical Duties

• Maintain an organized library database and system of reference
• Help patrons find materials and resources
• Check materials out to patrons. Upon their return, check materials back into the system, assess for damage, and put items back
• Review legal catalogs and order legal resources inventory from vendors
• Plan and manage budgets. Order computers and other IT resources
• Curate a variety of legal materials relevant to employer and patron needs, including print and digital legal resources
• Utilize interlibrary loan opportunities
• Add incoming legal materials to the library database
• Apply call number labels to legal books and resources

Additional Responsibilities

• Create and enforce library policies
• Train and supervise assistants, staff, and volunteers
• Ensure accessibility and compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act standards
• Stay current with developments in legal information, research techniques, and technology

Soft Skills

• Analytical
• Attention to detail
• Collaboration
• Communication skills
• Coordination
• Customer service
• Decision-making
• Interpersonal skills
• Organization skills
• Perceptiveness
• Problem-solving
• Sound judgment
• Time management

Technical Skills

Law Librarians should have technical skills related to:

• Basic IT troubleshooting
• Legal citation and referencing styles
• Budgeting
• Maintaining digital libraries
• Cataloging systems and metadata standards
• Library software
• Legal research databases (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis)

• Corporate legal departments
• Government agencies
• Law firms
• Law schools
• Public law libraries

Law Librarians are vital members of the legal profession! They play a crucial role in assisting lawyers by providing valuable support in various aspects of legal research. Because their help is so important, they must stay current with legal developments and emerging technologies, which requires continuous learning. They sometimes work under tight deadlines while juggling multiple tasks at once. Due to the nature of their work, they have to maintain strict confidentiality and ethical standards. 

Law Librarians increasingly use technology to enhance legal research and library services in general. This includes the use of artificial intelligence for predictive analytics since AI can analyze past case outcomes to predict future case results.

In addition, AI-driven tools help lawyers understand complex legal texts, making research more efficient​. AI can also automate the review of legal documents, contracts, and discovery materials, reducing the time spent on these tasks​.

Another growing trend is the development of digital libraries which can store vast amounts of resources, accessible 24/7! 

Law Librarians likely enjoyed reading and doing research. They may have been highly organized growing up, with a keen interest in helping others. Many participated in debate clubs, library clubs, or similar activities.