Author: SaraMonalea

Position Opening – MA Trial Court, Circuit Law Librarian – Southeast

TRIAL COURT MISSION 

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.

The Massachusetts Trial Court is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and provides equal opportunity in state employment to all persons. No person shall be denied equal access because of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, military or veteran status, physical/mental disability; or genetic information. If you need a reasonable accommodation, or have any questions or concerns about being afforded fair and equal treatment, please contact the HR Benefits Team at reasonableaccommodation@jud.state.ma.us.

Circuit Law Librarian – Southeast

  • 494700
  • Plymouth, Massachusetts, United States
  • Law Libraries
  • Administrative
  • Full-time
  • Closing at: Aug 1 2022 at 23:45 EDT

Title: Circuit Law Librarian – Southeast

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:

Notes:  

Please note that the Circuit Law Librarian – Southeast will be based out of the Plymouth Law Library and will cover and support the law library services in Barnstable, Bristol, Norfolk and Plymouth Counties, and will require travel.

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 of the Department of Court Services, the Circuit Law Librarian 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.
  • Employees are appointed at the entry level and are eligible for reclassification to the higher grade within this series consistent with the requirements in the job description.
  • The position title reverts to the entry level of this series when there is a vacancy.

    Supervision Received: 
    Work is performed primarily under the direction of the Director of Support Services and Manager of Law Libraries, or their designee, and is evaluated for professional soundness and conformity to policy.

Duties: Circuit Law Librarian

  • 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.
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.

Minimum Requirements: These are the minimum requirements necessary to apply for a position of Circuit Law Librarian:

  • Master’s Degree in Library Science from an accredited library school and 1 full year of full time experience in a professional capacity in a law library;
  • 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;
  • Ability to travel within the Commonwealth and work at other Trial Court Law Library locations when necessary.

    Preferred Qualifications: MLS, MLIS, or JD and some library and legal research experience

To Apply – https://trialcourtjobs.mass.gov/jobs/circuit-law-librarian-southeast-plymouth-massachusetts-united-states-dedham

Interview with LLNE Spring Meeting Panelist Nicholas Mignanelli

We are so excited for the LLNE/SNELLA Spring 2022 Meeting! In anticipation of our day at Yale Law School discussing Critical Law Librarianship, we hope you enjoy this interview with one of the panelists.

Picture of Rufus looking like a good boy!
  1. Tell us a fun fact about yourself! I have always loved folklore (not the Taylor Swift album). I am especially fond of urban legends, ghost stories, and local cryptids. New England, being America’s creepy attic, is full of them.
  2. What is your favorite New England spot and why? There are so many to choose from, so I’ll highlight two spots found in our host city of New Haven. First, Center Church on the Green – The First Church of Christ in New Haven, a  church completed in 1814 that serves as the meetinghouse for a congregation that was organized in 1639. It contains a Tiffany window depicting Puritan minister John Davenport preaching his first sermon in New Haven, a Fisk organ, box pews, a crypt with 137 well-preserved headstones dating from 1687, and a friendly and welcoming congregation. Second, Lighthouse Point Park, a city park that features the iconic Five Mile Point Light, a turn-of-the-century carousel, a beach, nature trails, and magnificent views of the Long Island Sound and the New Haven skyline.
  3. Do you have any pets? No, but my parents have a German Shepard named Rufus who I adore. He is intelligent, funny, and a good boy (although I still haven’t forgiven him for the time he ate my HeinOnline facemask).
  4. What is your favorite hobby? I collect rare law books. I recently acquired a first edition of Tapping Reeve’s The Law of Baron and Femme, an early American legal treatise on “domestic relations” (family law) published here in New Haven in 1816.
  5. What do you enjoy most about being a law librarian? As Alfred, Lord Tennyson put it, “[m]astering the lawless science of our law, / That codeless myriad of precedent, / That wilderness of single instances, / Thro’ which a few, by wit or fortune led, / May beat a pathway out to wealth and fame.” I have a romantic view of legal information, and this is what brings me joy as a law librarian and legal research professor.  
  6. How did you end up where you are, doing what you’re doing? How did you end up in your specialty? I fell in love with legal research instruction as a student at UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law, where I worked as a teaching assistant in legal research. I had wonderful mentors who encouraged me to go to the University of Arizona Law Library Fellows Program, the first law library program to offer an entire graduate seminar on teaching legal research. After Arizona, I served as the reference & instructional services librarian and a lecturer in law at the University of Miami School of Law, where I first discovered Critical Legal Research and began to think about how I could integrate critical perspectives on legal information into the legal research classroom. About a year and a half ago, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to return to New England as the research & instructional services librarian and a lecturer in legal research at Yale Law School. 
  7. What do you think is one of the most important aspects of critical law librarianship? I think the heart of critical law librarianship is the theory that power structures in our society shape the organization of legal information and embed biases in legal research tools. Accordingly, we need to find ways to contend with this phenomenon, whether through the methods and strategies of Critical Legal Research or the pedagogical techniques of critical legal information literacy. 

Position Open – Trial Court Law Libraries, Law Library Assistant I – Woburn, MA

TRIAL COURT MISSION 

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.

The Massachusetts Trial Court is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and provides equal opportunity in state employment to all persons. No person shall be denied equal access because of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, military or veteran status, physical/mental disability; or genetic information. If you need a reasonable accommodation, or have any questions or concerns about being afforded fair and equal treatment, please contact the HR Benefits Team at reasonableaccommodation@jud.state.ma.us.

Law Library Assistant I(Gr 13-14)

  • 494439
  • Woburn, Massachusetts, United States
  • Law Libraries
  • Administrative
  • Full-time
  • Closing at: Jun 14 2022 at 23:55 EDT

Title: Law Library Assistant I (Gr 13-14)

Pay Grade: Grade 13

Starting Pay: $ 53,522.72

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:

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.

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.  

ORGANIZATIONAL LEVELS:   Employees are hired at the entry level position titles and are eligible for reclassification to the higher level position titles within this series consistent with the specifications for the higher level positions.  The position title reverts to the entry level when there is a vacancy.   

Law Library Assistant I  This is the entry level position title within the series.  Employees are expected to perform the full range of entry level duties and to train for the higher level (Law Library Assistant II)

Law Library Assistant II – This is the second level position title within this series.  Employees at this second level are expected to perform more advanced duties which require more knowledge of policies and procedures and the exercise of more independent judgment.

Major Duties: Law Library Assistant I 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.  

Law Library Assistant II Duties:  

  • Performs advanced legal reference duties including participating in document delivery and filling common e-reference requests;  
  • Trains staff in aspects of library operations;   Performs routine cataloging functions;  
  • Makes recommendations to the Head Law Librarian on the development of the library, collection, and operational procedures;   
  • Develops and maintains databases and troubleshoots the computer network and Internet access;
  • updates and installs new software on computers;  
  • Works with other librarians and staff on system-wide projects and committees;   
  • Maintains the ability to perform Law Library Assistant I duties in at least one other Trial Court Law Library; 
  • Performs related duties as required.  

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:   Reports to and receives work assignments and supervision from the Head Law Librarian.  In the absence of a Head Law Librarian, the Law Library Assistant may receive direction from another Head Law Librarian, Circuit Law Librarian or Manager of Law Libraries in keeping with the librarys local policies and procedures.

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 Ethical Principals. (http://www.aallnet.org/main-menu/Leadership-Governance/policies/PublicPolicies/policy-ethics.html)

Mission: Understands, upholds, and communicates the missions of the Trial Court, Court Service Centers and Law Libraries Department.

Applied Knowledge: Demonstrates core competencies in the areas of reference and client services, information technology, cataloging and fiscal.  

Problem Solving: Accurately assesses workplace problems in the Trial Court, the Trial Court Law Libraries and a specific law library and recommends and facilitates appropriate solutions.  

Customer Service: Conducts oneself in a courteous and professional manner towards both Court employees and the public whether in person, on the telephone or in an electronic environment.    

Collaboration: Works with others cooperatively, 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.

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

Law Library Assistant I Requirements:   Bachelor 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 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.  

Law Library Assistant II Requirements:   A minimum of three years of experience as a Law Library Assistant I;  

  • Demonstrated ability to perform advanced legal reference;  
  • Comprehensive knowledge of library policies and procedures;  
  • Comprehensive knowledge of the Trial Court including its organizational structure and administrative policies;  
  • Comprehensive knowledge of software applications and reference techniques including e-reference;  
  • Demonstrated ability to work on system wide projects;  
  • Demonstrated ability to work in more than one Trial Court Law Library.  

To apply: https://trialcourtjobs.mass.gov/jobs/law-library-assistant-i-gr-13-14-woburn-massachusetts-united-states

LLNE Scholarship Application is EXTENDED to May 20th!

Greetings LLNE Members!

The members of the LLNE Scholarship Committee would like to invite you to apply for our open scholarships. We encourage you to apply for any (or all) of the scholarships listed below. LLNE Scholarships are available to attend or access the annual AALL or biannual LLNE meetings; for participation in continuing education/training opportunities; and for those seeking a degree in librarianship. Descriptions of our scholarship opportunities are listed below and on the LLNE website.  

Basic Scholarship information:

  • Meeting Scholarship: Help with registration fees or travel expenses, for LLNE members who wish to attend the Spring LLNE Meeting being held this June at Yale Law School, or the AALL meeting being held this July in Denver, CO.
  • Academic Scholarship: LLNE members who are enrolled in an accredited degree program in Library Science or in an ABA-accredited law school are eligible for one of our academic scholarships.
  • Continuing Education Scholarship: LLNE  members who wish to access continuing education and training opportunities beyond the programming offered at our biannual LLNE meetings and the annual AALL meetings may apply for one of our continuing education scholarships.

The application criteria and the application form can be found here, (LLNE scholarship guidelines and application process), and the application deadline has been extended to next Friday, May 20th. Please contact Dawn Smith at dawn.smith@yale.edu if you need more information.

Again, we encourage you to apply!

Posted on behalf of the Scholarship Committee

LLNE Access to Justice Update

The Access to Justice Committee has been reviewing and updating the Legal Link section of the LLNE website. Legal Link gathers general resources on legal information and research as well as state-specific resources for all New England states. It focuses on information about free and low-cost legal help, law libraries open to the public, and how to answer legal reference questions, making it a valuable resource for public librarians who have patrons with legal questions. Legal Link also contains information about free sources of legal information, basic legal research information, and guides to each state’s legislative process.

The Committee has reviewed all five New England states and identified a number of updates, which are in the process of being added to the website. Please consider promoting Legal Link in your public library community!

LLNE Scholarship Application is open!

Greetings LLNE Members!

The members of the LLNE Scholarship Committee would like to invite you to apply for our open scholarships. We encourage you to apply for any (or all) of the scholarships listed below. LLNE Scholarships are available to attend or access the annual AALL or biannual LLNE meetings; for participation in continuing education/training opportunities; and for those seeking a degree in librarianship. Descriptions of our scholarship opportunities are listed below and on the LLNE website.  

Basic Scholarship information:

  • Meeting Scholarship: Help with registration fees or travel expenses, for LLNE members who wish to attend the Spring LLNE Meeting being held this June at Yale Law School, or the AALL meeting being held this July in Denver, CO.
  • Academic Scholarship: LLNE members who are enrolled in an accredited degree program in Library Science or in an ABA-accredited law school are eligible for one of our academic scholarships.
  • Continuing Education Scholarship: LLNE  members who wish to access continuing education and training opportunities beyond the programming offered at our biannual LLNE meetings and the annual AALL meetings may apply for one of our continuing education scholarships.

The application criteria and the application form can be found here, (LLNE scholarship guidelines and application process), and all applications are due on May 13th, 2022. Please contact Dawn Smith at dawn.smith@yale.edu if you need more information.

Again, we encourage you to apply!

Sincerely,

The LLNE Scholarship Committee

Dawn Smith, Chair

Ana Delgado Valentin

Jocelyn Kennedy

Old Members, New Members, and Librarian Thoughts

A few months ago former LLNE member Professor Sarah Ryan emailed LLNE President Michael VanderHeijden to discuss a new Northern New England online cohort at the University of North Texas Department of Information Science. Mike sent the email to me and my interest was piqued.

As a former law librarian in Maine, I know that Northern New England can sometimes be overlooked. While there are three ALA-accredited Library and Information Schools in New England with the University of Rhode Island (Go Rams! I am a proud alum!), Southern Connecticut State University, and Simmons University, none are physically located in Northern New England (for more info on ALA-accredited programs, check out this database). As much of library school is online (because it is designed to be or because of COVID) I wondered what this Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine cohort was all about so I decided to ask a friend.

Amanda Ouellette is a Library Associate at the Maine State Law and Legislative Reference Library. She works mainly in technical services and cataloging and is part of a team working on a multi-year digitization and review of historical and current Maine legislative documents. (As I type this she is working on the digitization of the 1967 Maine House and Senate Registers having worked her way back from 2007 with her sights on going all the way back to 1915). She had worked in libraries for about 10 years when, in January of 2022, Amanda began UNT’s MLS program through its Vermont-New Hampshire-Maine Cohort.  

I spoke with Amanda and first I convinced her to join LLNE for the low, low, low student rate of $5 per year! Next, I asked her some questions to learn more about the student perspective on the new cohort. Amanda liked the experience at UNT so far. She likes that the program is all online and affordable. (Also, work reimburses part of her tuition which is an amazing benefit of being a state employee!)  She says she has up to 5 years to finish her program so she can pace herself and manage the school and work and life demands. She likes the cohort model, stating that there are about a dozen people in it. Amanda is the only member of the cohort with an interest in law libraries at this time but there are many other members of the cohort interested in public librarianship. She is most looking forward to a class on information organization like cataloging or metadata because she says her job revolves around cataloging which is something in which she has no formal instruction.

Looking to find out more details about this new cohort, I emailed Professor Sarah Ryan. The first thing I did was convince her to rejoin LLNE for the low, low, low cost of $10 per year. Next, I asked Sarah a bit about the program from her perspective as a professor. As Sarah describes it, “The cohort model is about people. Librarians are more than just walking skills repositories. We are sounding boards for each other, research collaborators, and just plain interesting people to know. The cohort class meetings bring our students together to make connections (and swap cat stories).”

For more information on the cohort, check out this flyer. For more information about joining LLNE, click here. (https://llne.org/join-llne/)

-Nicole Dyszlewski

Legal Research Instruction Program Scholarship Information

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 Wednesday evenings from March 23 — April 27, 2022. For more information about the LRIP course, go to https://llne.org/legalresearchinstruction/ 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 Friday, March 18, 2022. Scholarship recipients will be notified by Monday, March 21, 2022.

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.

Reflections from an LLNE Education Committee Co-Director

I am serving my second consecutive term as one of the Education Directors for LLNE.  A large part of the position is requesting Law Libraries to host the semi-annual LLNE Meeting and Conference.   

My first LLNE meeting was after moving from New York to Maine in 1994.   I agreed to drive to a meeting in Boston.  I was arrogant and thought driving in Boston would not be an issue.   That is when I first found out that Boston is not organized in a grid. I decided to stop for coffee on the way back to the parking garage at the end of the day. Everywhere I went people said, ‘You’re welcome, Maureen’, ‘Have a nice day, Maureen’.   A person held the door and said, ‘have a good evening, Maureen’.  I was busy thinking of how to easily get north and it would be on the drive that I realized I was still wearing my name tag. I have an appreciation now for the bus and train.  I have since learned that Boston is a very nice city to walk around and I still prefer walking to driving.

LLNE meetings are a place to spend some time meeting other Law Librarians.   When I attend a meeting, I always learn something new, talk to someone I did not know and, thoroughly enjoy myself. When Maine Law hosts the meetings, I enjoy being able to share my fondness for Maine and our little city, Portland.  New England is a large geographic space.  I suggest talking yourself into traveling and seeing more of New England’s  wonderful cities and neighborhoods. How often are you getting the opportunity to visit a part of New England you do not live in?  There is a good chance that an old friend will also be in attendance. Meet some new Librarians and see a Law Library you have not visited before.  

LLNE offers scholarships for those attending an LLNE Conference and Meeting https://llne.org/committees/scholarships/scholarshipinfo/

Thank you to all the Law Libraries who have hosted meetings.  We know there are many hours of work and planning that go into each meeting. The Education Directors and everyone at LLNE are aware that it is no easy task to host a meeting.

Position Open – Web Content Librarian, Boston, MA

In compliance with the Trial Court’s Mandatory Vaccine Reporting and Weekly Testing Policy, hired candidates must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination to the Trial Court’s Human Resources Department prior to their start date or agree to submit to weekly testing as a condition of employment.

TRIAL COURT MISSION 

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.

The Massachusetts Trial Court is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and provides equal opportunity in state employment to all persons. No person shall be denied equal access because of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, military or veteran status, physical/mental disability; or genetic information. If you need a reasonable accommodation, or have any questions or concerns about being afforded fair and equal treatment, please contact the HR Benefits Team at reasonableaccommodation@jud.state.ma.us.

Web Content Librarian

  • 493591
  • Boston, Massachusetts, United States
  • Law Libraries
  • Administrative
  • Full-time
  • Closing at: Feb 28 2022 at 23:55 EST

Title: Web Content Librarian

Pay Grade: Grade 19

Starting Pay:  $ 85,406.04

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.

Trial Court Law Libraries:

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.

Position Summary: Working within the Department of Support Services in the Office of Court Management, the Web Content Librarian provides professional and administrative oversight of web-based legal resources, including but not limited to, website maintenance and content creation for the Law Libraries website, development of web-based legal resources, and managing internal and external online access to legal reference materials. The Web Content Librarian will work closely with the Executive Office of the Trial Court, Appeals Court, Supreme Judicial Court, Trial Court Web Team, Electronic Resource Librarian, and members of Trial Court Law Libraries staff. This position requires legal reference and research skills, the ability to manage multiple projects at once and meet deadlines, and a strong desire to innovate and technologically advance web-based legal resources.

Supervision Received:  Receives general direction from the Manager of Law Libraries and from time to time works with the Senior Web Manager, or their designee, in performing duties in accordance with established guidelines.

Major Duties: Provides oversight and maintenance of the Trial Court Law Library portion of the mass.gov website; collaborates with law library staff to ensure the content of the web pages is up to date;

  • Provides online access to Mass decisions (including the SJC, Appeals Court, Land Court, Housing Court, and state agencies); regulations from all state agencies; court rules (including but not limited to, rules, evidence guides, jury instructions and child support guidelines), and updates general laws that relate to topics covered online;
  • Provides guidance to the web team on structuring information and simplified language;
  • Provides value-added legal information;
  • Creates ebooks of court rules;
  • Keeps track of content deadlines and expirations, to ensure web content accuracy;
  • Maintains proficiency in the current state of professional library theory, legal research, and web and digital content technologies by attending and participating in organizations, meetings, conferences, seminars and training sessions;
  • Assists the Web Team with website projects and the internal staff online platform;
  • Regularly reviews Mass.gov analytics and site feedback to optimize and improve content for users;
  • Serves on committees as appointed;
  • Works after business hours, as needed, to complete assignments and meet necessary deadlines;
  • Performs related duties as required.

Job Competencies: 

Ethics and Values: Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Massachusetts Trial Court.
Mission: Understands, upholds, and communicates the Support Services Department mission.
Applied Knowledge: Demonstrates the core competencies and specialized competencies in the areas of library management; reference, research and client services; information technology as outlined in the AALL Body of Knowledge
Problem Solving: Accurately responds to operational and administrative needs in an effective and efficient manner
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, accepts feedback, demonstrates a willingness to be a team player, and contributes to a work environment that focuses on shared departmental goals.
Communications: Excellent oral and written communication skills to maximize the effectiveness of the Trial Court’s website. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with court officials, judges, and external stakeholders is critical.
Continuous Learning: Demonstrates a commitment to continuously improving himself or herself through professional development.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Master’s Degree in Library Science or a Law Degree, and Three (3) years of direct professional library experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
  • Knowledge of the Massachusetts court system and website;
  • Significant understanding of website design structure and organization, navigability, and usability;
  • Knowledge of library computer applications and language to create web sites such as HTML or metadata;
  • Knowledge of automated library software, online systems, and ability to learn new technological applications as they become available;
  • Knowledge of theory, principles and practices of library science and law library administration;
  • Knowledge of legal bibliography and terminology and the use of complex legal resources and indexes;
  • Knowledge and understanding sources of Massachusetts primary law;
  • Ability to do legal research, online and in print;
  • Ability to read and understand new laws, regulations, and cases, and create user friendly web-based content;
  • Ability to work with tight deadlines and short turnaround times, and on multiple projects at one;
  • Ability to work well independently and within a collegial team environment;
  • Working knowledge of and ability to use personal computers and related business software to develop data bases and systems to record and track benchmark progress;
  • Knowledge of legal bibliography and ability to use complex legal resources, legal terminology and indexing;
  • Ability to analyze and solve complex problems relating to library methods and procedures;
  • Ability to gather, analyze and report information;

See job posting for application details: https://trialcourtjobs.mass.gov/jobs/web-content-librarian-boston-massachusetts-united-states