Fall 2024 Service Project

The service project for this meeting is a donation drive for the MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital!

We have a team page, available here, with more information about the project.

They do prefer donations via their Amazon Gift Registry but will accept smaller donations, so there will be a collection spot for toys at the Fall 2024 meeting as well.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

LLNE Service Committee

Job Opening – Head Law Librarian, Bristol Law Library (Taunton)

  • Closing at: Nov 14 2024 at 23:55 EST

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 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:  

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 that apply within the first 14 days.

Position Summary: Working in the Trial Court Law Libraries, part of the Court Services and Law Libraries Department, 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 supervises Circuit 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 request 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.

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.

Mission Understands, upholds, and communicates the Trial Court missions.

Applied Knowledge Understands research, information services operations, specialized tools, applications, and

software, with some understanding of the various court departments and divisions.

Problem Solving Ability to successfully address data issues, draw conclusions, and make recommendations.

Customer Service Conducts oneself in a courteous and professional manner towards both Trial Court employees and the public.

Performance Measurement Understands the value and importance of performance measures as a basis for both individual and departmental assessments.

Commitment to Diversity Promotes an environment of diversity through understanding, respect, and positive communication with persons of varied economic and cultural backgrounds.

Collaboration Works with others cooperatively, demonstrating a willingness to be a team player, and contributing to a work environment that focuses on shared departmental goals.

Continuous Learning Demonstrates a commitment to continuously improving himself or herself through professional development

Minimum 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.

Apply for the Fall 2024 Meeting Scholarship by October 1st!

There are 11 days left to apply for the Fall 2024 Meeting Scholarship!

There are two scholarships available, and each will cover registration costs for the Fall 2024 meeting. Only current LLNE members are eligible for consideration. The deadline to apply for a scholarship is Tuesday, October 1st.

For more information about the scholarship, please check out the Scholarship page on the Fall 2024 Meeting website.

The Fall 2024 Meeting will take place on Friday, October 25th at the McKernan Center in South Portland, ME. There is a full-day agenda available on the meeting website, but highlights include a slate of interesting speakers and presentations, a lunch-time visit to a nearby lighthouse (space is limited for this event), and in the evening you can join other members for a Dutch treat dinner at North43 Bistro.

More information about the Fall 2024 Meeting in general can be found on the Fall 2024 Meeting website.

Questions? Feel free to reach out to lawlibrary@maine.edu.

Join us at the LLNE Fall Meeting!

We are excited to host you on Friday, October 25th, at the McKernan Center in South Portland, ME, for a conference focused on The Role of Law Libraries in the Age of AI.

Important Details:

Our agenda includes a series of engaging presentations and discussions on how AI is reshaping law librarianship. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain valuable insights and strategies for integrating AI.

Special Events:

Registration: If you haven’t yet registered, please do so by visiting the Registration page or by directly accessing the Registration Form.

LLNE is offering two scholarships to cover registration.  These scholarships are available to LLNE members.  The deadline is October 1st.  Find out more information and apply.

Questions? Feel free to reach out to us at lawlibrary@maine.edu.

We look forward to seeing you and enjoying a day of insightful discussions.

Best regards,

The Fall 2024 LLNE Conference Planning Committee

Job Opening – Law Library Assistant, Barnstable Law Library

Pay Grade: Grade 13

Starting Pay: $59,047.98

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.

This requisition will remain open until filled; however, first consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

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.  

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 library local policies and procedures.

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.

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’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 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-barnstable-barnstable-massachusetts-united-states

Closes Thursday, September 19th at 11:55 p.m.

Networking: It’s more than just meeting friends in the hotel bar

By Christine Dulac

I have attended the AALL Annual Meeting almost every year since 2001—my first in Seattle.  In 2004, I attended in Boston, seven months pregnant with my daughter Rose, much to my friend and colleague, Maureen Quinlan’s dismay—fearing I would give birth on the T.[1]  There are many reasons to attend the AALL annual meeting—educational sessions, meeting vendors and seeing new products, and last but certainly not least, networking with colleagues.

At every AALL meeting I have attended, I have learned a great deal from the educational sessions and the vendor sessions, and most importantly I have always enjoyed reconnecting with my friends that I have made in this profession. This year’s meeting was no different.  I attended great sessions on the future of the profession and the possible impact of AI.  I reconnected with colleagues, some I have known for years and some new colleagues I met when I moved from academia to private law librarianship in August of 2022.   Finally, I met with many of the vendors to see what they are bringing to the profession this year.

There was one major difference for me at this year’s meeting.  For the first time, I attended this meeting while not employed in law librarianship.  Because of this, I spent a great deal of time networking at this meeting.  I met with librarians at institutions I had applied to before the meeting started in hopes of getting a leg up in the hiring process.  I talked with colleagues about my employment status and asked them to keep me in mind when they talked to people in their network.  From this, I learned about upcoming job opportunities and I had friends tell me about job opportunities they learned about that would fit my skill set.  I spoke with new colleagues from the PLLIP-SIS and learned that some of the things I was requesting in the search process were not out of line with the standards in the profession. 

I am not going to generalize and say that most come to these conferences and networking is third on their list of things to do after attending the educational session and meeting with the vendors.  I will, however, admit that it certainly was third on my list of things to do at the conference.  Yes, I have hung out with my friends, attended social gatherings, and simply met folks at the hotel bar!  This year, however, my networking was more focused on meeting with people to let them know that I am actively looking for a job or to discuss open positions at potential employers.  It certainly was more strategic than just catching up with my colleagues and learning about their family and friends.  It was more strategic than that.  Lesson learned: networking is an important part of attending professional conferences and can be approached differently depending on your goals.  Meeting in the bar and catching up on their family and mutual friends is important but if you are looking for a job you need to branch out from there and talk about what you want or need in your next position.  You need to ask them to keep you in mind when they learn about positions that fit your needs.  As an extrovert, this is easy for me to do.  I love to socialize with my colleagues at the conferences I attend but for many this is hard to do, and it is work!  Be brave, reach out to the people in your network and be sure to have them looking out for you in their network too.[2]



[1] Rose was born on September 17, 2004 and will be celebrating her 20th birthday this year!

[2]  I want to thank the LLNE Scholarship Committee for awarding me this year’s Annual Meeting Scholarship.  Because of this, I was able to attend this year’s meeting with little financial burden and was able to do the networking I needed to do in hopes of finding a new position in law librarianship.  I am still looking for that next job but I was able to make some headway in my search because of the networking I did at this meeting.  My next blog post will be about the new and exciting position I have found…when I find it.

Welcome to the New LLNE Year!

Dear LLNE Members,

It is with great excitement that I begin my year as the President of the Law Librarians of New England (LLNE). I look forward to a year filled with learning, collaboration, and growth.

Thank you to Anna Lawless Collins as she finishes her commitment to LLNE as the Past-President.  Sara McMahon will continue with LLNE as Past-President.  Her knowledge will be invaluable. Mikolaj Galazka will join the Executive Board as President-Elect, becoming President in July 2025.

LLNE would like to welcome Julian Santos and Pamela Cartier to the Executive Board. A heartfelt thank you to Jessica Panella and Christine Schauder for the time they have given to LLNE these past years.

We have two major events planned for this year: the Fall Conference and the Spring Conference. These gatherings will allow us to come together and explore new ideas.

Please save Friday, October 25th for the fall conference. The conference, The Role of Law Libraries in the Age of AI, will be held at the McKernan Center in South Portland, Maine. More details will be available soon.

Our success as an organization relies on the participation of our members. Whether you have a few hours to spare or can take on a more substantial role, your contributions will make an impact. Please consider volunteering.

I encourage you to share your ideas and suggestions for this coming year and the future. Please feel free to reach out to me directly or to any member of the executive board with your thoughts.

Let’s work collaboratively to continue building a vibrant and supportive community for law librarians in New England. I am excited about the possibilities that this year holds.

Thank you for your continuing support for the Law Librarians of New England.

Warm regards,
Maureen Quinlan
President, Law Librarians of New England (LLNE)

LLNE Wrap-Up

Good Morning Members!

The 2023-2024 LLNE year has wrapped up and we have many things to celebrate! First, we had the opportunity to appoint our first Equity Director, Kathy Fletcher, who hosted an amazing e-board retreat in February. We worked hard to fill vacant committee positions. LLNE also hosted the Legal Research Instruction Program again in March, which had a total of 15 students register, two of whom attended on the LRIP scholarship. In the Fall we had a wonderful meeting hosted by Northeastern University in Boston, “The Fog of War: International and Foreign Legal Research in Today’s World” and the Spring meeting was held at Social Law Library in Boston on “History in Law | Law in History”.

The committees had another successful year as well. We were able to fill some vacant spots on committees needing help. The Annual Report will summarize committee work so look for that soon!

I am excited to welcome Maureen Quinlan from Maine Law as our incoming President. I look forward to working with Maureen over the next year.

Please remember to mark your calendars for the Fall meeting on October 25th in Maine, hosted by Maine Law and the Maine State Law and Legislative Reference Library.

Thank you everyone for another great year in LLNE!

Sara Monalea McMahon, Hampshire Law Library, outgoing LLNE President

Job Openings – Law Library Assistant, Fall River and Middlesex (Woburn) Law Libraries

Pay Grade: Grade 13

Starting Pay: $56,776.90

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.

This requisition will remain open until filled; however, first consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

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.  

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 library local policies and procedures.

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.

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’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 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:

Fall River – https://trialcourtjobs.mass.gov/jobs/law-library-assistant-fall-river-fall-river-massachusetts-united-states

Middlesex (Woburn) – https://trialcourtjobs.mass.gov/jobs/law-library-assistant-middlesex-law-library-woburn-woburn-massachusetts-united-states

Closes Saturday, May 25th at 11:55 p.m.

A Reflection on Conferences Past and Future. Save October 25th to attend the Fall LLNE Conference.  

From Maureen Quinlan

An interesting and educational Spring LLNE/ABLL Conference was hosted by the Social Law Library. It was titled History in Law / Law in History. I thoroughly enjoyed each lecture.  Professor Amar and Justice Kafker provided a thought-provoking session on Law In History. The session gave me a clearer awareness of how Constitutional Law is perceived and how to understand Constitutional Law in the context of the past and today.

The panel of expert librarians on legislative history gave us insight into the resources available in each New England State to understand legislative histories. Providing legislative history information requires an understanding of each state’s resources and the patrons’ needs.

The final presentation on preservation problems with e-resources with Caroline Walters and David Walker defined the current state of the preservation challenge. The discussion led to some practical ways librarians can help solve the problem for future generations. Asking vendors to consider creating an archive of superseded materials is one practical tip for helping open the conversation. Over time it has the potential to create awareness and begin to address the issue.

I wanted to announce the Save the Date for the Fall LLNE Conference.  The date is Friday, October 25th. The Conference is being held at the McKernan Hospitality Center located on the campus of Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) in South Portland.  

We hope to plan a fall conference as interesting as this past spring conference. The fall conference’s working title is The Role of Law Libraries in the Age of AI. Further details will follow.

The McKernan Center is a converted mansion that sits on the SMCC Campus with views of the Atlantic Ocean. The SMCC campus is a lovely place to visit, with a beach at the end of campus.  SMCC still does not charge for parking. The campus is just over the bridge from Portland.  Autumn is considered by many to be the best time to visit Maine.  Foliage, pumpkins, and local apples are readily available. The Spring Point Inn is attached to the McKernan Center and sometimes has a few rooms available.   

I was trying to remember the first LLNE Conference I attended. If you can not remember the last LLNE Conference you attended, it may be time to consider joining us on October 25th.  The LLNE Conference will not be held in Maine again for years!  Do not miss another opportunity.