Author: Robert DeFabrizio

Lawrence, Massachusetts,

Full-time
Closing at: May 31 2023 at 23:55 EDT

Title: Circuit Law Librarian – Northeast
Pay Grade: Grade 17
Starting Pay: $73,753.54

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 in need of 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: Working within the Trial Court Law Libraries, the Circuit Law Librarian – Northeast performs professional library duties
over a defined geographic area in the following areas: legal research and reference, cataloging, interlibrary loan, bibliographic services and
acquisitions. Assists Head Law Librarians in library operation; and may perform specific functions for the Trial Court Law Library system such
invoice processing, collection development and maintaining a federal depository collection; performs related work as required.
Supervision Received: Work is performed primarily under the direction of the Director of Court Services and Law Libraries and Manager of
Law Libraries, or their designee, and is evaluated for professional soundness and conformity to policy.

Duties: • Provides reference and information services to the clientele by responding to questions either in person or by telephone, locating and
retrieving materials and assisting in legal research, by developing a comprehensive knowledge of legal bibliography and general reference
sources.
• Utilizes full knowledge of electronic databases and interlibrary sources, both legal and non-legal, to assist clientele in retrieving information
needed.
• Instructs library users in the use of library materials and equipment.
• Adapts professional principles of cataloging, classification and indexing to the various components of the library’s collection.
• Manages and maintains automated cataloging and classification through a national database.
• Works with other librarians on system-wide projects.
• Performs necessary tasks for assuring security, proper protection, care and presentation of library’ materials, and presentation of library’
materials.
• In the absence of the Head Law Librarian, maintains the day-to-day library operations; and
• Performs related duties as required.

Job Competencies: All applicants must be able, through the interview process, to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following
areas:
Ethics and Values: Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Trial Court and Trial Court Law Libraries as demonstrated in
the American Association of Law Libraries.
Mission: Understands, upholds, and communicates the missions of the Trial Court and the Trial Court Law Libraries.
Applied Knowledge: Demonstrates the core competencies and specialized competencies in the areas of library management; reference, research
and client services; information technology; collection development, cataloging and teaching as outlined in the AALL Competencies of Law Librarianship.
Customer Service: Conducts oneself in a courteous and professional manner towards both Trial Court employees and the public whether in
person, on the telephone or in an electronic environment.
Commitment to Diversity: Promotes an environment of diversity through understanding, respect, and positive communication with persons
of varied racial, ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds.
Continuous Learning: Demonstrates a commitment to continuously improving himself or herself through professional development and
actively pursues continuing education.

Minimum Requirements: These are the minimum requirements necessary to apply for a position of Circuit Law
Librarian:
• Master’s Degree in Library Science or Law Degree from an accredited library school and 1 full year of full-time experience in a professional
capacity in a law library; equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered for meeting the minimum qualifications.
• Preferred Qualifications: MLS, MLIS, or JD and some library and legal research experience;
• Knowledge of theory, principles and practices of library science and law library administration, including current methods and procedures in
such areas as collection development, cataloging and legal research and reference;
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to deal effectively and respectfully with people;
• Ability to work with judges, attorneys, court personnel;
• 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 reach with hands and arms, bend, crouch, lift materials weighing up to 30 pounds, and climb stairs; and
• Ability to travel within the Commonwealth and work at other Trial Court Law Library locations when necessary.
https://trialcourtjobs.mass.gov/jobs/circuit-law-librarian-northeast-lawrence-massachusetts-united-states

Posting Date 6/14/2021

Closing Date 06/28/2021 11:59 PM EST

Starting USD $81,689.18/Yr.

Job ID 2021-5538

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.

MISSION STATEMENT OF THE MASSACHUSETTS TRIAL COURT

The Trial Court is committed to:

• fair and impartial administration of justice;

• protection of constitutional and statutory rights and liberties;

• equal access to justice for all in a safe and dignified environment with policies and practices that strengthen and support diversity, equity, and inclusion;

• efficient, effective, and accountable resolution of disputes;

• prompt and courteous service to the public by committed and dedicated professionals utilizing best practices in a manner that inspires public trust and confidence.

DEPARTMENTAL MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Support Services Department is to provide support for theadministration of justice and public access to court services through the operation of the Judicial Response System, the Trial Court Law Libraries, the Record Management operation, the Office of Court Interpreters Services, and the Office of Transcription Services.

 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 in need of legal information.

 ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE:  

https://www.mass.gov/orgs/trial-court-law-libraries

POSITION SUMMARY

Working within the Trial Court Law Libraries of Department of Support Services, the Head Law Librarian administers all activities of a public law library within the Trial Court; is responsible for the planning and management of a Trial Court library collection; performs professional library duties including: acquisition, cataloging and reference; 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, electronic library services, special projects and other library and court services related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Work is performed under direction of the Director of Support Services or her/his designee;

MAJOR 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;

Participates in the selection and de-selection of 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; 

Participates in the annual budget request for the library and for library expenditures;

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 Law Library Coordinator 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.

JOB COMPETENCIES

All applicants must be able, through the interview process, to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following areas:

Ethics and Values	Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Trial Court and Trial Court Law Libraries as demonstrated in the American Association of Law Libraries.
Mission	Understands, upholds, and communicates the missions of the Trial Court and the Trial Court Law Libraries.
Applied Knowledge	Demonstrates the core competencies and specialized competencies in the areas of library management; reference, research and client services; information technology; collection development, cataloging and teaching as outlined in the AALL Competencies of Law Librarianship.
Customer Service	Conducts oneself in a courteous and professional manner towards both Trial Court employees and the public whether in person, on the telephone or in an electronic environment.
Collaboration	Works with others cooperatively, including the courts, library and legal organizations and other agencies, demonstrating a willingness to be a team player, contributing to a work environment that focuses on shared departmental goals and maintaining effective working relationships.
Commitment to Diversity	Promotes an environment of diversity through understanding, respect, and positive communication with persons of varied racial, ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds. Conducts oneself in a courteous and professional manner towards everyone using the services of the Trial Court Law Libraries.
Continuous Learning	Demonstrates a commitment to continuously improving himself or herself through professional development and actively pursues continuing education.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

These are the minimum requirements necessary to apply for a 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, 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.

OTHER

PLEASE NOTE: 

          Employment is contingent upon passage of a criminal record check for all new hires.

HOW TO APPLY:  

Applicants must apply by completing a Trial Court online application at the following web address and a resume must be included:

https://www.mass.gov/jobs-with-the-court-system

 PLEASE NOTE: 

Paper, faxed or emailed applications are no longer accepted for any Trial Court position.                        

                        AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The 2020-2021 slate of LLNE officer candidates has been announced, and now is your opportunity to vote.  Please go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LLNEBALLOT2020-21

The poll will close on Friday, August 7th at 5:00 pm.  Your vote will be anonymous.

Thank you for taking the time to vote, and for being a member of LLNE! 

The Mass. Trial Court Law Libraries are excited to post the following three full-time job opportunities:

Head Law Librarian – Hampshire County (Northampton), https://employees-trialcourtsofmass.icims.com/jobs/4642/head-law-librarian—hampshire-county/job

Law Library Assistant – Middlesex County (Woburn), https://employees-trialcourtsofmass.icims.com/jobs/4640/law-library-assistant—middlesex-county/job

Law Library Assistant – Worcester County (Worcester), https://employees-trialcourtsofmass.icims.com/jobs/4639/law-library-assistant—worcester-county/job

The closing date for these postings is 10/17/19.

Your opinion is important to LLNE.

Bob DeFabrizio, LLNE’s V.P./President-Elect, will be facilitating a chat with members about…

·       What’s working

·       What’s not working or could work better

·       Education, professional development, and social programs (topics, format, scheduling, location)

·       How to enhance the value of membership

·       Overall engagement and involvement

When: (Attend either of the following times.)

• Friday, March 22nd, 9 – 10 a.m.                                            
  
• Friday, March 29th, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.            
  

Where: Social Law Library

              John Adams Courthouse, Suite 4100

              One Pemberton Square

              Boston, MA 02108

Please RSVP to rdefabrizio@gmail on or before Wednesday, March 20th.   Directions can be found at https://www.socialaw.com/directions. 

Cannot make the meeting?  Feel free to forward your comments and questions.

Thank you to Kirsten Leary, Director of Library Operations and Member Services, for graciously agreeing to host the meeting.

Beginning on January 1, 2019, Massachusetts Law Updates has been presenting a daily series of blog posts showcasing the 30 Articles in the Declaration of Rights in the Massachusetts Constitution.

Each post will follow the same format. The post will begin with an identification of the subject of the Article, assigned for the purpose of this series, followed by the article itself. If the Article has been amended or replaced entirely, the new text follows with the date of the amendment or change. Finally, “Precedents, Following Law, and Quotations” relevant to each particular Article complete the post.

All of the Articles in the Declaration of Rights, with the notable exception of Article 3, which deals with responsibilities regarding the “public worship of God”, were drafted by John Adams. Precedents were chosen keeping in mind what may have been in John Adams’ head as he drafted the Articles. The writings of Enlightenment thinkers, men like John Locke, Algernon Sidney, and Montesquieu, influenced men like John Adams, George Mason (author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights), and James Madison (author of the Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution). These men had the opportunity to create governments where there had only been colonies before. The Magna Carta, the English Bill of Rights, and Nathaniel Ward’s Body of Liberties had precedential value to eighteenth century men schooled in law, philosophy and political theory. In some cases, John Adams copied text directly from other state constitutions, which had been drafted only a few years earlier. There is an abundance of secondary source literature which gives us clues, and points to these possible sources.

To put the Articles in the Declaration of Rights into context, Following Law and Quotations point to documents and commentary since 1780 that might give us a chance to better understand what the words in the Articles mean. The Bill of Rights amending the U.S. Constitution in 1791 includes cognate provisions which echo articles or sections in states’ constitutions. Presidents, judges, scholars and passionate advocates have pointed to the need to expand the provision of rights to disenfranchised groups, and given us a chance to more fully understand the implications of what John Adams wrote so long ago.

Italics indicate where text has been added to clarify why particular quotations may have been chosen.

On January 31, there will be an index providing hot links to the blog posts about the 30 Articles. A post with acknowledgments on February 1, 2019 and a list of selected secondary sources on February 2, 2019 will conclude the series.

For more information people should contact Barbara Schneider, Head Law Librarian, Berkshire Law Library (bershirelawlib@hotmail.com).

Bob DeFabrizio
Manager of Law Libraries
Massachusetts Trial Court
Office of Court Management
robert.defabrizio@jud.state.ma.us
“Serving the bench, bar, and public”