Reference Librarian
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
Penn State Dickinson Law seeks an innovative law librarian to join its library team as a tenure-track member of the faculty. Penn State Dickinson Law, located in Carlisle, PA, is the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s first law school, established in 1834, and one of the oldest law schools in the nation. Dickinson Law is fully accredited by the ABA and has been a member of the AALS since 1912. The overarching mission of Penn State Dickinson Law is to educate and train lawyers who are equipped with skills and competencies to excel in an evolving legal profession. The Law School’s relatively small student body allows the successful candidate the opportunity to work closely with students to help them succeed. The Law School’s core values are teaching, scholarship, service, and community. As well, the Law School values diversity of thought, perspective, experience, and people, and we are actively committed to a culture of inclusion and respect. We encourage candidates to apply who thrive in a welcoming multicultural environment.
Core duties of this position include but are not limited to:
- Provides general reference assistance to law students, faculty and administrators, and members of the public (this may be in-person, or via email or phone)
- Serves as library liaison to clinics, Dickinson Law Review, faculty, and administrators
- Develops and implements outreach efforts to students, faculty, and in support of specific programs
- Teaches introductory legal research in a required first-year one-credit research course; may also have other teaching opportunities, including presentations in doctrinal courses
- Participates in collection development activities; works with vendors and colleagues to manage database subscriptions
- Creates and edits LibGuides
- Manages the Law School’s repository of scholarship (https://ideas.dickinsonlaw.psu.edu/)
- Contributes to creating a diverse and inclusive library through the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies and procedures
- Provides and posts content to library social media in collaboration with colleagues
- As a member of the law faculty, attends faculty meetings and serves on faculty committees
- Reports to the Director of the Law Library who may assign additional tasks or functions as needed
Qualifications include:
- J.D. from an A.B.A. accredited law school or equivalent non-U.S. law degree
- M.L.S. or equivalent from an A.L.A. accredited library school is preferred, but substantial experience as a researcher may be substituted
- A strong commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Demonstrated knowledge of legal research databases and resources
- Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
This is intended to be a flexible and evolving position. The law library is small and team members within the law library share a multitude of tasks and initiatives. We encourage continued learning and professional growth and are committed to supporting our colleagues in developing fulfilling careers. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Tenure for librarians is administered by the University Libraries.
This position is based in Carlisle, PA. Apply online through the Penn State jobs website at https://hr.psu.edu/careers. Submit a web application, cover letter, resume, and a brief statement indicating how you demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Law School invites you to describe past or present activities or future aspirations, or a combination of these, including lived experience, and to convey how you see these commitments continuing at Penn State Dickinson Law. You may incorporate this statement into your cover letter or present it as a separate short statement. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Candidates should provide the names, titles, and contact information (telephone, email, and mailing address) of three (3) professional references. Candidates who advance in the search will be notified to confirm that their provided references may be contacted. Employment will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Penn State University is committed to the health of our local and global communities. As a condition of employment, all employees are required to comply with COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements. Click on Penn State Covid-19 Vaccination or Testing Requirements to learn about the requirements as well as general COVID-19 information at Penn State.
Penn State Dickinson Law, located in Carlisle, PA, is the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s first law school, established in 1834, and one of the oldest law schools in the nation. Penn State Dickinson Law is fully accredited by the ABA and has been a member of the AALS since 1912. Penn State Dickinson Law faculty and students benefit from the reputation, network, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration that come with being a part of one of the world's preeminent research universities. Visit us at: https://dickinsonlaw.psu.edu/
Penn State Dickinson Law strongly encourages people of color, women, and others who would enrich the diversity of our academic community to apply. To learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion throughout the university, see: Penn State Statement on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at http://equity.psu.edu/psu-diversity-statement.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. The University embraces individual uniqueness, fosters a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engages all individuals to help them thrive. The University values inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applications without regards to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to the health of our local and global communities. As a condition of employment, all employees are required to comply with COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements. Click on Penn State Covid-19 Vaccination or Testing Requirements to learn about the requirements as well as general COVID-19 information at Penn State.
Carlisle, PA