Blog

LLNE LRIP Scholarship Announcement

All public librarians are encouraged to apply for a scholarship, sponsored by the LLNE Access to Justice Committee, to attend our chapter’s Legal Research Instruction Program.

The Legal Research Instruction Program (LRIP) is a six-week online seminar geared towards public librarians interested in learning more about law librarianship. Each week, a different aspect of legal research is covered — everything from an overview of the U.S. legal system to finding business transactional documents. The class will run on Tuesday evenings from March 26th through April 30th. 

 For more information about the LRIP course, go to https://llne.org/llnes-legal-research-instruction-program-is-back/ or contact Brian Flaherty directly at brian2@bu.edu.

The LLNE Access to Justice Committee is providing two scholarships to cover the cost of registration. Applicants must be public (non-law) librarians from the New England region.

Applications should be submitted through this Google form https://forms.gle/Wdyy1hiYQJtzNwY89 by March 19, 2024. Scholarship recipients will be notified by March 22, 2024.

Please send questions about the scholarship to Anne Rajotte at anne.rajotte@uconn.edu.

We encourage all LLNE members to share this scholarship opportunity with their local public libraries and any public librarians that would be interested in this excellent professional development opportunity.

LLNE’s Legal Research Instruction Program is back!

LLNE is happy to announce that our Legal Research Instruction Program (LRIP) is back and registration is open!

The program is entirely online, every Tuesday from 6:30-8:00pm starting March 26th and ending on April 30th.

LRIP will cover:

  • A general overview of the US Legal System
  • An introduction to legal research methods, including secondary sources
  • The role of case law, the courts, and case finding tools such as digests
  • The organization of statutes and conducting a legislative history
  • Finding regulations
  • Understanding administrative law
  • Finding transactional law documents
  • Finding information about businesses and people
  • Putting everything together with legal research strategy.

For more information, about the course, visit the program’s webpage or contact Brian Flaherty directly.

Registration is $150 and closes on March 23rd! Stay tuned for information on scholarships!

Registration URL: https://www.jotform.com/form/240584669539169#preview

Job Opening – Head Law Librarian – Plymouth Law Library

Plymouth, Massachusetts, United States
Full-time
Closing on: March 8, 2024, at 23:55 EST

Title: Head Law Librarian – Plymouth
Pay Grade: Grade 19
Starting Pay: $94,222.68

Departmental Mission Statement:
The Court Services and Law Libraries Department is responsible for providing key court services to support the administration of justice and advance access to justice in the Trial Court. These services include the Court Service Centers, the Trial Court Law Libraries, and the Judicial Response System.

MISSION STATEMENT OF THE MASSACHUSETTS TRIAL COURT LAW LIBRARIES:
The Trial Court Law Libraries provides timely, efficient access to current and historical law-related information in an impartial and respectful manner to anyone in need of legal information.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE:
http://www.mass.gov/courts/case-legal-res/law-lib/
Notes: This position is designated as a union position and is covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement with O.P.E.I.U., Local 6.
This requisition will remain open until filled; however, first consideration will be given to those applicants who apply within the first 14 days.

Position Summary:
The Head Law Librarian administers all activities of a public law library within the Trial Court; is responsible for the fiscal planning and management of a library budget; performs professional library duties such as acquisition, cataloging and reference; performs the duties of a division manager (managerial duties) with emphasis on financial management and personnel supervision; ensures that the legal information needs of the library users are met, including the judiciary, court staff, members of the bar, self-represented litigants and the public; supervises Law Librarians and Law Library Assistant(s), participates in system-wide activities such as long-range planning, group purchasing and vendor negotiation, electronic library services, and special projects; acts as the Court Consolidated Law Book program’s liaison to assigned courts; and performs related work as required.
Supervision Received:
Work is performed under the direction of the Senior Manager of Law Libraries and is evaluated for professional soundness and conformity to policy.

Duties:

  • Responsible for administering the day-to-day operations of the library;
  • Develops, recommends, and implements policies and procedures necessary to operate the library;
  • Provides reference and information services to those seeking legal information by responding to questions in person, by telephone or through e-reference; locating and retrieving materials; legal research; uses comprehensive knowledge of legal bibliography and general and legal reference sources;
  • Participates in the selection, design, and delivery of electronic reference services;
  • Utilizes full knowledge of electronic databases and interlibrary sources, both legal and non-legal, to assist library users in retrieving needed information;
  • Selects and de-selects library collection materials in all available formats through monitoring library user research needs and maintaining current awareness of resources available from legal publishers and others that meet those research needs;
  • Contributes to the development and maintenance of content on the Trial Court Law Libraries= website;
  • Adapts professional principles of cataloging, classification, and indexing to the various components of the library’s collection utilizing a national database;
  • Manages and oversees local cataloging, classification, and maintenance of the integrated library system;
  • Prepares annual budget requests for the library and has fiscal responsibility for library expenditures, including signature approval of fiscal documents and oversight of budgetary spreadsheet;
  • Plans and makes accommodations for budget fluctuations;
  • Negotiates with vendors to secure discounts and ensure the efficient use of funds;
  • Interviews, selects, and recommends personnel for staff positions;
  • Trains and supervises staff in all aspects of library operation;
  • Arranges the physical library, paying attention to ADA guidelines, so that library users can access materials quickly and safely and receive prompt personal assistance from staff
  • Provides for the security, protection, and preservation of information resources in both paper and electronic formats;
  • Makes annual visits to assigned courts to respond to questions and information requests as the Court Consolidation Law Book program’s liaison;
  • Responsible for the library’s computer network(s);
  • Maintains proficiency in the current state of professional library theory and legal research and practice by attending and participating in meetings, conferences, seminars, and training sessions in professional library management and legal reference skills;
  • Participates with other librarians and staff on system-wide projects, such as grants, collection development, and program planning;
  • Provides workshops and seminars to promote the use and maintenance of library materials, services, and databases;
  • Develops and implements promotional ideas to bring library resources and services to the attention of current and potential library users;
  • Keeps the Senior Manager of Law Libraries informed about recommendations on the renovation of a current library or the
    construction of a new library;
  • Implements directives of the Office of Court Management and
  • Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Requirements:
These are the minimum requirements necessary to apply for the position of Head Law Librarian:
Master’s Degree in Library Science from an accredited library school and a minimum of three years full-time experience in a professional capacity in a law library;
or Juris Doctor degree and four years in a Trial Court Law Library position;
or an equivalent combination of completed graduate-level education and professional experience;

  • Knowledge of theory, principles, and practices of library science and law library administration, including current methods and procedures in such areas as acquisition, cataloging, and reference;
  • Knowledge of legal bibliography and terminology and the use of complex legal resources and indexes;
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to deal effectively and respectfully with people;
  • Knowledge of the Massachusetts court system;
  • Knowledge of libraries, interlibrary cooperation, government and private organizations, and the types of resources and services available to librarians and library users;
  • Knowledge of space planning, including the physical layout of and the technical and operational requirements for equipment and furniture used in libraries;
  • Ability to analyze and solve complex problems relating to library practices and procedures;
  • Ability to gather, analyze, and report information;
  • Ability to use an integrated library system and other online systems and the ability to learn and implement new technologies as they emerge;
  • Ability to use computer applications such as MS Office spreadsheets, text editing, and publisher programs;
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both oral and written form;
  • Ability to supervise subordinate personnel;
  • Ability to train library staff on the integrated library systems and fiscal procedures in accordance with MMARS accounting system and to train library and court staff in the use of electronic databases;
  • Ability to reason clearly and make sound judgments;
  • Ability to work well independently and with groups;
  • Ability to reach with hands and arms, bend, crouch, lift materials weighing up to 30 pounds, and climb stairs;
  • Ability to travel within the Commonwealth and to work at other Trial Court Law Libraries when necessary.

Interested applicants should apply by visiting:

https://trialcourtjobs.mass.gov/jobs/d653d9ae-4677-4c0f-8753-d5d7aaf3f5a0

Job Opening – Head Law Librarian – Brockton Law Library

Brockton, Massachusetts, United States
Full-time
Closing on: February 26, 2024, at 23:55 EST

Title: Head Law Librarian – Brockton
Pay Grade: Grade 19
Starting Pay: $94,222.68

Departmental Mission Statement:
The Court Services and Law Libraries Department is responsible for providing key court services to support the administration of justice and advance access to justice in the Trial Court. These services include the Court Service Centers, the Trial Court Law Libraries, and the Judicial Response System.

MISSION STATEMENT OF THE MASSACHUSETTS TRIAL COURT LAW LIBRARIES:
The Trial Court Law Libraries provides timely, efficient access to current and historical law-related information in an impartial and respectful manner to anyone in need of legal information.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE:
http://www.mass.gov/courts/case-legal-res/law-lib/
Notes: This position is designated as a union position and is covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement with O.P.E.I.U., Local 6.
This requisition will remain open until filled; however, first consideration will be given to those applicants who apply within the first 14 days.

Position Summary:
The Head Law Librarian administers all activities of a public law library within the Trial Court; is responsible for the fiscal planning and management of a library budget; performs professional library duties such as acquisition, cataloging and reference; performs the duties of a division manager (managerial duties) with emphasis on financial management and personnel supervision; ensures that the legal information needs of the library users are met, including the judiciary, court staff, members of the bar, self-represented litigants and the public; supervises Law Librarians and Law Library Assistant(s), participates in system-wide activities such as long-range planning, group purchasing and vendor negotiation, electronic library services, and special projects; acts as the Court Consolidated Law Book program’s liaison to assigned courts; and performs related work as required.
Supervision Received:
Work is performed under the direction of the Senior Manager of Law Libraries and is evaluated for professional soundness and conformity to policy.

Duties:

  • Responsible for administering the day-to-day operations of the library;
  • Develops, recommends, and implements policies and procedures necessary to operate the library;
  • Provides reference and information services to those seeking legal information by responding to questions in person, by telephone or through e-reference; locating and retrieving materials; legal research; uses comprehensive knowledge of legal bibliography and general and legal reference sources;
  • Participates in the selection, design, and delivery of electronic reference services;
  • Utilizes full knowledge of electronic databases and interlibrary sources, both legal and non-legal, to assist library users in retrieving needed information;
  • Selects and de-selects library collection materials in all available formats through monitoring library user research needs and maintaining current awareness of resources available from legal publishers and others that meet those research needs;
  • Contributes to the development and maintenance of content on the Trial Court Law Libraries= website;
  • Adapts professional principles of cataloging, classification, and indexing to the various components of the library’s collection utilizing a national database;
  • Manages and oversees local cataloging, classification, and maintenance of the integrated library system;
  • Prepares annual budget requests for the library and has fiscal responsibility for library expenditures, including signature approval of fiscal documents and oversight of budgetary spreadsheet;
  • Plans and makes accommodations for budget fluctuations;
  • Negotiates with vendors to secure discounts and ensure the efficient use of funds;
  • Interviews, selects, and recommends personnel for staff positions;
  • Trains and supervises staff in all aspects of library operation;
  • Arranges the physical library, paying attention to ADA guidelines, so that library users can access materials quickly and safely and receive prompt personal assistance from staff
  • Provides for the security, protection, and preservation of information resources in both paper and electronic formats;
  • Makes annual visits to assigned courts to respond to questions and information requests as the Court Consolidation Law Book program’s liaison;
  • Responsible for the library’s computer network(s);
  • Maintains proficiency in the current state of professional library theory and legal research and practice by attending and participating in meetings, conferences, seminars, and training sessions in professional library management and legal reference skills;
  • Participates with other librarians and staff on system-wide projects, such as grants, collection development, and program planning;
  • Provides workshops and seminars to promote the use and maintenance of library materials, services, and databases;
  • Develops and implements promotional ideas to bring library resources and services to the attention of current and potential library users;
  • Keeps the Senior Manager of Law Libraries informed about recommendations on the renovation of a current library or the
    construction of a new library;
  • Implements directives of the Office of Court Management and
  • Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Requirements:
These are the minimum requirements necessary to apply for the position of Head Law Librarian:
Master’s Degree in Library Science from an accredited library school and a minimum of three years full-time experience in a professional capacity in a law library;
or Juris Doctor degree and four years in a Trial Court Law Library position;
or an equivalent combination of completed graduate-level education and professional experience;

  • Knowledge of theory, principles, and practices of library science and law library administration, including current methods and procedures in such areas as acquisition, cataloging, and reference;
  • Knowledge of legal bibliography and terminology and the use of complex legal resources and indexes;
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to deal effectively and respectfully with people;
  • Knowledge of the Massachusetts court system;
  • Knowledge of libraries, interlibrary cooperation, government and private organizations, and the types of resources and services available to librarians and library users;
  • Knowledge of space planning, including the physical layout of and the technical and operational requirements for equipment and furniture used in libraries;
  • Ability to analyze and solve complex problems relating to library practices and procedures;
  • Ability to gather, analyze, and report information;
  • Ability to use an integrated library system and other online systems and the ability to learn and implement new technologies as they emerge;
  • Ability to use computer applications such as MS Office spreadsheets, text editing, and publisher programs;
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both oral and written form;
  • Ability to supervise subordinate personnel;
  • Ability to train library staff on the integrated library systems and fiscal procedures in accordance with MMARS accounting system and to train library and court staff in the use of electronic databases;
  • Ability to reason clearly and make sound judgments;
  • Ability to work well independently and with groups;
  • Ability to reach with hands and arms, bend, crouch, lift materials weighing up to 30 pounds, and climb stairs;
  • Ability to travel within the Commonwealth and to work at other Trial Court Law Libraries when necessary.

Interested applicants should apply by visiting:

https://trialcourtjobs.mass.gov/jobs/1bdb4f1a-0ef1-445f-a6d2-d9409ee6ba76

Job Opening – Head Law Librarian – Lowell Law Library

Lowell, Massachusetts, United States
Full-time
Closing on: Feb 5, 2024, at 23:55 EST

Title: Head Law Librarian – Lowell
Pay Grade: Grade 19
Starting Pay: $94,222.68

Departmental Mission Statement:
The Court Services and Law Libraries Department is responsible for providing key court services to support the administration of justice and advance access to justice in the Trial Court. These services include the Court Service Centers, the Trial Court Law Libraries, and the Judicial Response System.

MISSION STATEMENT OF THE MASSACHUSETTS TRIAL COURT LAW LIBRARIES:
The Trial Court Law Libraries provides timely, efficient access to current and historical law-related information in an impartial and respectful manner to anyone in need of legal information.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE:
http://www.mass.gov/courts/case-legal-res/law-lib/
Notes: This position is designated as a union position and is covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement with O.P.E.I.U., Local 6.
This requisition will remain open until filled; however, first consideration will be given to those applicants who apply within the first 14 days.

Position Summary:
The Head Law Librarian administers all activities of a public law library within the Trial Court; is responsible for the fiscal planning and management of a library budget; performs professional library duties such as acquisition, cataloging and reference; performs the duties of a division manager (managerial duties) with emphasis on financial management and personnel supervision; ensures that the legal information needs of the library users are met, including the judiciary, court staff, members of the bar, self-represented litigants and the public; supervises Law Librarians and Law Library Assistant(s), participates in system-wide activities such as long-range planning, group purchasing and vendor negotiation, electronic library services, and special projects; acts as the Court Consolidated Law Book program’s liaison to assigned courts; and performs related work as required.
Supervision Received:
Work is performed under the direction of the Senior Manager of Law Libraries and is evaluated for professional soundness and conformity to policy.

Duties:

  • Responsible for administering the day-to-day operations of the library;
  • Develops, recommends, and implements policies and procedures necessary to operate the library;
  • Provides reference and information services to those seeking legal information by responding to questions in person, by telephone or through e-reference; locating and retrieving materials; legal research; uses comprehensive knowledge of legal bibliography and general and legal reference sources;
  • Participates in the selection, design, and delivery of electronic reference services;
  • Utilizes full knowledge of electronic databases and interlibrary sources, both legal and non-legal, to assist library users in retrieving needed information;
  • Selects and de-selects library collection materials in all available formats through monitoring library user research needs and maintaining current awareness of resources available from legal publishers and others that meet those research needs;
  • Contributes to the development and maintenance of content on the Trial Court Law Libraries= website;
  • Adapts professional principles of cataloging, classification, and indexing to the various components of the library’s collection utilizing a national database;
  • Manages and oversees local cataloging, classification, and maintenance of the integrated library system;
  • Prepares annual budget requests for the library and has fiscal responsibility for library expenditures, including signature approval of fiscal documents and oversight of budgetary spreadsheet;
  • Plans and makes accommodations for budget fluctuations;
  • Negotiates with vendors to secure discounts and ensure the efficient use of funds;
  • Interviews, selects, and recommends personnel for staff positions;
  • Trains and supervises staff in all aspects of library operation;
  • Arranges the physical library, paying attention to ADA guidelines, so that library users can access materials quickly and safely and receive prompt personal assistance from staff
  • Provides for the security, protection, and preservation of information resources in both paper and electronic formats;
  • Makes annual visits to assigned courts to respond to questions and information requests as the Court Consolidation Law Book program’s liaison;
  • Responsible for the library’s computer network(s);
  • Maintains proficiency in the current state of professional library theory and legal research and practice by attending and participating in meetings, conferences, seminars, and training sessions in professional library management and legal reference skills;
  • Participates with other librarians and staff on system-wide projects, such as grants, collection development, and program planning;
  • Provides workshops and seminars to promote the use and maintenance of library materials, services, and databases;
  • Develops and implements promotional ideas to bring library resources and services to the attention of current and potential library users;
  • Keeps the Senior Manager of Law Libraries informed about recommendations on the renovation of a current library or the
    construction of a new library;
  • Implements directives of the Office of Court Management and
  • Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Requirements:
These are the minimum requirements necessary to apply for the position of Head Law Librarian:
Master’s Degree in Library Science from an accredited library school and a minimum of three years full-time experience in a professional capacity in a law library;
or Juris Doctor degree and four years in a Trial Court Law Library position;
or an equivalent combination of completed graduate-level education and professional experience;

  • Knowledge of theory, principles, and practices of library science and law library administration, including current methods and procedures in such areas as acquisition, cataloging, and reference;
  • Knowledge of legal bibliography and terminology and the use of complex legal resources and indexes;
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to deal effectively and respectfully with people;
  • Knowledge of the Massachusetts court system;
  • Knowledge of libraries, interlibrary cooperation, government and private organizations, and the types of resources and services available to librarians and library users;
  • Knowledge of space planning, including the physical layout of and the technical and operational requirements for equipment and furniture used in libraries;
  • Ability to analyze and solve complex problems relating to library practices and procedures;
  • Ability to gather, analyze, and report information;
  • Ability to use an integrated library system and other online systems and the ability to learn and implement new technologies as they emerge;
  • Ability to use computer applications such as MS Office spreadsheets, text editing, and publisher programs;
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both oral and written form;
  • Ability to supervise subordinate personnel;
  • Ability to train library staff on the integrated library systems and fiscal procedures in accordance with MMARS accounting system and to train library and court staff in the use of electronic databases;
  • Ability to reason clearly and make sound judgments;
  • Ability to work well independently and with groups;
  • Ability to reach with hands and arms, bend, crouch, lift materials weighing up to 30 pounds, and climb stairs;
  • Ability to travel within the Commonwealth and to work at other Trial Court Law Libraries when necessary.

Interested applicants should apply by visiting

https://trialcourtjobs.mass.gov/jobs/f883f8d7-c177-4bde-a996-977db7e9cae4

Fall Service Project Wrap-Up

by Nicole Belbin, Service Committee Chair

The Fall Service Project marks the Service Committee’s first service project with our newest committee member, Rebecca Valentine, Associate Librarian at UMass Law. She has proven herself an invaluable member of our committee already and John, Stephanie, and I are so happy she joined us. For the Fall 2023 Service Project, the Service Committee chose to highlight the International Institute of New England (IINE) in Boston. They do amazing work supporting refugees and immigrants and have recently seen an unprecedented influx of Haitians into the Boston area. We felt their mission complemented the theme of the Meeting, The Fog of War: International and Foreign Legal Research in Today’s World, nicely. We sponsored a goods drive for members to bring in or purchase items online via their Amazon Wishlist. LLNE members generously donated towels, sheets, toys, and hats, among other items.

We learned a lot about coordinating a goods drive with this project! As luck would have it, IINE had its annual full staff meeting on November 3, the same day as our Fall Meeting. This put a small monkey wrench into coordinating the drop off of donated items to IINE’s office, as none of the Service Committee members were available to deliver the goods another day. The Planning Committee was extremely helpful in storing the items and helping us figure out alternative means of getting the items where they needed to go. Ultimately, Katie Kerekes, Senior Law Library Intern at Northeastern, saved the day. She delivered the items to IINE on November 7.

If you didn’t get a chance to donate an item during the Fall Meeting but would like to support this great organization, they are still in need of winter coats or you can purchase other much-need items from their Amazon Wishlist.

As always, thank you to our members for your continued generosity. The Service Committee is looking forward to offering impactful service opportunities for LLNE members in the New Year.

Reflection on the LLNE Fall Meeting

by Rebecca Valentine, Associate Librarian, UMass Law

The fall meeting topic The Fog of War: International and Foreign Legal Research was certainly timely; I think more than anyone realized it would be at the time it was organized. The keynote and subsequent four sessions approached the topic differently, but still shared the common theme of the ways emerging technologies are impacting aspects of international law and information.

However, I must admit that my biggest take away was not just that we need to consider the impact of technology on information, disinformation, and the dissemination of both. But something more personal. About six months ago I transitioned from being a reference archivist to being a public services librarian at the UMass Law Library. While I loved the collections and the work I was doing at the archives, it was time to move on to learn new skills and better utilize the research skills I had already built up.

Entering the field of law librarianship has been both a challenge and a pleasure. The work can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to learning the vocabulary needed to help students and faculty. Sometimes I need to do an hour of research before I can even begin working on the reference question I received. Those situations can be a blow to my confidence in my reference and research abilities.

But one thing I have found comforting, is that the work of public services remains the same; and when I have had the chance to talk to other librarians about these public services, my legal vocabulary doesn’t matter.

One of the chances I recently received to have these discussions was the LLNE 2023 Fall Conference. What I found there was that law librarianship, more than almost any other field I’ve worked in, has been one of the most welcoming and supportive to newer librarians. While I had the privilege of being there with a colleague who facilitated introductions, I don’t think that would have changed the graciousness of the other librarians. Upon being introduced to many different people from all over New England, each librarian was willing to talk to me about the work I’m doing at UMass Law, and the work I would like to do in the future.

The experience made me realize that while I may not know all the buzzwords, keywords, or headnotes, all of that will come with time. But the skills I do have, mean that my work is still good and valuable. From participating in the Service Committee and helping to decide on and promote the fall service project, to attending the conference, being a part of LLNE has made me feel assured in my new career.

Registration Now Live For 2023 Fall LLNE Meeting!

Registration for LLNE’S Fall 2023 Meeting, The Fog of War: International and Foreign Legal Research in Today’s World, is now live! You can register here, on the meeting LibGuide! The registration fee is 70$ and the registration form will be open until October 20th.

Check out the LibGuide for additional information about the theme, schedule, speakers, and travel.

We hope to see you there!

Job Opening – Law Library Assistant – Essex Law Library

Salem, Massachusetts

Full-time
Closing on: September 11, 2023, at 23:55 EDT

Title: Law Library Assistant
Pay Grade: Grade 13
Starting Pay: $ 54,593.18

Departmental Mission Statement: The Court Services and Law Libraries Department is responsible for providing key court services to
support the administration of justice and advance access to justice in the Trial Court. These services include the Court Service Centers, the Trial
Court Law Libraries, and the Judicial Response System.

MISSION STATEMENT OF THE MASSACHUSETTS TRIAL COURT LAW LIBRARIES:
The Trial Court Law Library System provides timely, efficient access to current and historical law-related information in an impartial and
respectful manner to anyone needing legal information.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE:
This circuit position requires travel and entails working in multiple locations, including the Lowell, Essex, and Middlesex Law Libraries,
and will be based in the Lawrence Law Library.
This position is designated as a union position and is covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement with O.P.E.I.U., Local 6.

Position Summary: Major duties are performed under the direction of the Head Law Librarian and include processing incoming library materials, preparing fiscal documents, providing general and legal information, and implementing circulation and interlibrary loan policies.  The Law Library Assistant assists the Head Law Librarian in system-wide activities such as long-range planning, electronic library services, and special projects, and may be assigned by the Law Library Department to perform Law Library Assistant duties in other libraries as needed.  In the absence of the Head Law Librarian and other law library staff, maintains the day-to-day operation of the law library.  

Major Duties: Law Library Assistant Duties:  

  • Processes incoming library materials for supplementation, maintains circulation records, including the database of borrowers, and processes overdue notices using an integrated library system;  
  • Files loose-leaf services, advance sheets, periodicals, and supplements; removes appropriate material and arranges disposition according to library policy; shelves materials;  
  • Processes invoices, communicates with vendors about account problems, and maintains accounting records, including budgetary spreadsheet  
  • Provides reference and information services to those seeking legal information by responding to questions in person, by telephone or through e-reference; locating and retrieving materials;
  • performing simple bibliographic searches; and filling interlibrary loan requests;   
  • Participates in basic e-reference services;  
  • Maintains and operates library equipment, including computer networks, microform machines, copiers, scanners, and fax machines;  
  • Prepares current and historical material for binding;  
  • In the absence of the Head Law Librarian or a Law Librarian, maintains the day-to-day operation of the law library;  
  • Performs related duties as required.  

Minimum Requirements: These are the minimum requirements necessary to apply for the position of Law Library Assistant:  

Law Library Assistant I Requirements: Bachelor’s degree AND one (1) year of full-time experience as a paid paralegal OR one (1) year of full-time paid clerical experience in a law library OR An equivalent combination of education and experience.  

  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to deal effectively and respectfully with people;  
  • Knowledge of procedures, interlibrary cooperation, and the types of resources and services available to librarians and library users;  
  • Ability to use computer applications, such as MS Office spreadsheets, text editing, and publisher programs;  
  • Ability to perform Trial Court fiscal procedures in accordance with the MMARS Accounting System;  
  • Ability to understand and implement all policies and procedures of the Trial Court Law Libraries;  
  • Ability to gather, analyze, and report information;  
  • Ability to reach with hands and arms, bend, crouch, lift materials weighing up to 30 pounds, and climb stairs;  
  • Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form;  
  • Ability to travel to multiple library locations.  

Interested persons should visit https://trialcourtjobs.mass.gov/jobs/2c79266c-b772-4dd6-9e44-30c7ef66ed3d to file an application.