Reference Librarian (Law Library)

Position Title: Reference Librarian (Law Library)

Department: Law Library

Advertised Pay: $60,000-68,868

Campus Location: Washburn University

Application Deadline:  Application review will begin as applications are received and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants can be assured of full consideration if submitted by: March 14, 2025.

Position Summary: Washburn University's School of Law Library invites applications for a Reference Librarian. This is a 12-month faculty position with continuing appointment. The hire date may be as soon as immediately. Under the supervision of the Law Library Director and as part of a team of legal reference librarians, the Reference Librarian will, among other duties, provide research support and reference services to the students and faculty of the School of Law, teach advanced and specialized legal research courses in the Law School's curriculum, and coordinate the library's government documents depository.

Each selected candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to pursuing teaching excellence at Washburn University, including a dedication to developing teaching practices that engage students from all backgrounds. 

The School of Law moved into its new, state-of-the-art building in July 2023. The building features classrooms equipped with up-to-date recording technology, including closed captioning; a green room recording studio; and beautiful trial and appellate courtrooms.

The Washburn campus is located blocks from the historic state capitol. Topeka features affordable housing; beautiful, historic neighborhoods with well-maintained parks; and a nationally recognized public library. It is also the home of the Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Site.

Washburn University is a teaching-focused, student-centered, public institution located in the metropolitan setting of Topeka that has earned national recognition for its high-impact programs for first-generation students. Washburn has a student body of over 5,500 undergraduate, graduate, and law students, a significant and growing number of whom are first-generation and Pell-Grant eligible. The University has created educational pathways for all students to be successful and achieve their educational goals.

Washburn is dedicated to recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty, staff, and student body and cultivating a vibrant and inclusive working environment and curriculum. We offer competitive wages, an excellent benefits program, a supportive leadership team, and a healthy work/life balance. At Washburn, we strive to ensure a campus climate that supports the success of every employee and appreciates the unique skills and expertise each contributes to serving our students. Washburn University is a 2024 best college to work for according to the Great Colleges to Work For® program.

Essential Functions:
• Providing reference services to assist law library patrons, including students, faculty, members of the local bar, and the public.
• Teaching for-credit advanced or specialized legal research courses as part of the Law School's curriculum.
• Presenting topical legal research presentations to law school classes, student groups, and other users.
• Contributing suggestions for developing the law library's print and electronic collections.
• Creating and maintaining various research guides for the law school community.
• Serving as the depository coordinator for the law library's limited government documents collection.
• Participating in library marketing, communications, and outreach efforts.
• Fulfilling additional job-related duties as assigned or as appropriate.

Required Qualifications:
• A Juris Doctorate (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school and:
• A Master of Library and Information Science (M.L.I.S.) or equivalent degree from an ALA-accredited program of library and/or information science; or
• Current enrollment towards an M.L.I.S. or equivalent degree from an ALA-accredited program in library and/or information science; or
• An interest in earning an M.L.I.S. or equivalent degree from an ALA-accredited program in library and/or information science such a degree.
For the successful candidate currently enrolled in an M.L.I.S program or with an interest in the M.L.I.S degree, an educational stipend may be available as part of the compensation package.

OR

• A Master of Library and Information Science (M.L.I.S.) or equivalent degree from an ALA-accredited program in library and information science and at least three years of experience working in a law library setting.

• Demonstrated dedication to developing inclusive teaching practices that engage students from all backgrounds.
• Official educational transcripts are required at the time of hire.

Special Instructions to Applicants: Questions pertaining to this position may be directed to Thomas Sneed at thomas.sneed@washburn.edu.  

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