Public Services Law Librarian

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via ConnectU > connectu.olemiss.edu

The University of Mississippi

"The University of Mississippi — fondly referred to as Ole Miss — stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacy of academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community where every member — student, faculty, and staff — can achieve their fullest potential.”

Department Summary

The University of Mississippi Grisham Law Library strives to be an innovative, student and faculty¬ centered public law library that advances knowledge and the common good using service, education, technology, and a welcoming environment.

The Law Library's primary missions are:

(1)   to provide the information sources and services needed to support the research and instructional needs of Law School faculty and students and

(2)   to maintain an environment in which faculty and students can work effectively and comfortably.

To the extent its resources permit, the Law Library also strives to meet the legal information needs of other members of the University community, legal and library professionals in the state and region, and the general public. In an era of rapid technological change and limited financial resources, the Law Library is committed to exploring creative and flexible alternatives to conventional procedures as it plans, develops, and provides information, materials, and services to these communities.

Our workplace is collegial.  We provide employees with the resources they need to succeed, and we encourage employees to take advantage of educational opportunities.  We are committed to helping employees maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Role Specifications

Below you will find classification and compensation information.  For additional details behind the University of Mississippi classification system please visit Human Resource Compensation Page

Family - Library and Museum

Sub-Family - Library Services

Career Track / Level - P4

Grade - 10

Role Summary

Provides professional-quality legal reference and research services to law students, law faculty, attorneys, judges, and other law library patrons, utilizing resources in a wide variety of formats and settings.

1. Develops and leads formal and informal instructional programs devoted to legal research, legal technology, and related subjects.
2. Creates and revises patron aids and other resources to help patrons use the library's collections and services effectively and to enhance the library's web presence and outreach.
3. Provides law faculty with expert assistance on scholarly communications, scholarship production, and publication.
4. A successful applicant with a law degree may receive an add-on appointment as an assistant professor of practice.  They will be responsible for teaching one or more sections of the legal research course for first year law students.

Examples of Work Performed

• Provide reference assistance to law students, faculty, staff, attorneys, and the public.  This includes working several hours per week at the reference desk.  Newly hired librarians will be expected to familiarize themselves with the various online databases and print resources available to our patrons.
• Prepare research guides, finding aids, and content for our website and the law school's digital signage.
• Assist law school faculty with their scholarly research and publication efforts.
• Librarians with an add-on appointment as an assistant professor of practice will be responsible for teaching one or more sections of the legal research course.  Depending on the time of the semester, this can involve a significant percentage of the librarian's work week.  Lesson planning, grading assignments, and coordinating with other legal research instructors and the legal writing faculty are important elements of this responsibility.

Essential Functions

These essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following.  Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the hiring department.

1. Develops and leads formal and informal instructional programs devoted to legal research, legal technology, and related subjects.
2. Creates and revises patron aids and other resources to help patrons use the library's collections and services effectively and to enhance the library's web presence and outreach.
3. Provides law faculty with expert assistance on scholarly communications, scholarship production, and publication.

Minimum Education/Experience

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Experience: (10) Ten Years Experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Law degree (Juris Doctor) and 7 years of related experience 
• Master of Library and Information Science
• Library or Law Library work experience

An equivalent combination of related experience and education may be considered for this role. Substitutions of the required experience or education will be assessed on a 1:1 substitution basis.

A successful candidate with a JD will be presented to the Law Faculty for a possible secondary appointment as an Assistant Professor of Practice of Law.

Applicants should submit both a current resume and a cover letter tailored to this position.

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.

Minimum Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements:  These physical requirements are not exhaustive, and additional job-related physical requirements may be added to these by individual agencies on an as needed basis. 

Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.

Physical Exertion:  The incumbent may be required to lift up to approximately 10 pounds.

Vision:  Requirements of this job include close vision. Speaking/Hearing: Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.

Motor Coordination:  While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is frequently required to talk and hear; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The incumbent is periodically required to sit. The incumbent is occasionally required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.