Job Summary
The Research and User Services Librarian provides reference and research support to the Michigan Law patron community and is the point person for the Law Library's student outreach initiatives. The Research and User Services Librarian reports to the Head of Emerging Legal Technology. Spring/Summer 2025 graduates are encouraged to apply.
Who We AreFounded in 1859, Michigan Law School is one of the world's leading institutions of legal education and enjoys a reputation for academic excellence. Michigan is consistently ranked among the top law schools in the nation and enjoys international renown for its intellectual rigor, stunning physical surroundings, preeminent faculty scholarship, and a community noted for collegiality and warmth. Michigan Law has an exceptional and cooperative community of talented and interesting students, with 1000 in the J.D. and 40 in the LLM. programs. Our commitments to collegiality, constructive and challenging debate, and enabling our students to pursue a wide range of options explain why the Law School has long been committed to diversity along many dimensions. Our graduates serve with distinction in the private, public, non-profit, and academic sectors, in large numbers in every major market in the nation and internationally.
The Law Library holds one of the world's most comprehensive collections of foreign, comparative, and international law materials. The University of Michigan is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, which is considered among the best places in the United States to live and work. With over 1 million volumes, the Law Library has one of the world's premier collections.
Responsibilities*Work with the Head of Emerging Legal Technology to create and coordinate outreach and instruction initiatives for law studentsPerform in-depth, expert legal and non-legal research for law facultyAssist and back-up the Faculty Research Librarian in managing the Faculty Research ServiceProvide reference service in all areas of law for all jurisdictions, as well as in non-law subject areasParticipate in the evening and weekend rotation at the reference deskCollaborate with the Law Library's social media team to develop social media strategy for marketing the library's spaces, resources, services, and staff. Create and post content on the Law Library's social media accounts in accordance with Library policyProvide ad hoc synchronous and asynchronous research instruction sessions for law school classes and individual or group research consultationsCreate and update research guides, FAQs, and other information provided to patronsFill in for other reference librarians and provide back-up supervision for unit functions during vacations and other absences, as neededOther duties as assignedRequired Qualifications*J.D. from ABA accredited law schoolKnowledge of and proficiency with a wide range of legal information sources and research methodsDemonstrated experience performing legal research in an academic, court, or law firm settingAbility to work evening and weekends at the reference desk on a rotating basisDesired Qualifications*Master's degree for an ALA accredited school of information or library scienceLicensed to practice law in one or more U.S. statesSome experience performing reference work in an academic law library and/or experience in a large research librarySome experience preparing and delivering educational programsAbility to work with foreign language materialsModes of WorkPositions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional InformationIt is the policy of the University of Michigan to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. Pursuant to the 2025-2029 UM LEO-GLAM agreement, each appointing unit will designate an administrative contact ("administrative designee") who is responsible for communicating with the necessary parties about accommodation requests made by Employees in that appointing unit on each campus. The Administrative Designee for the [APPOINTING UNIT] is [NAME OF ADMINISTRATIVE DESIGNEE]. They may be reached at [EMAIL OF ADMIN DESIGNEE].
Additional InformationThis is a regular, full-time (12 Month), 100% appointment and is subject to the collective bargaining agreement between the Regents of the University of Michigan and the University of Michigan Lecturer's Employee Organization, AFT Local 6244, AFL-CIO, Librarians, Archivists, and Curators Bargaining Unit.
Salary: minimum $68,000 at the Associate Librarian level, commensurate with experience and qualifications; benefits worth 28% of salary. Additional support is available for professional development activities.
Application Deadline
Applications are accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis. Ideally a candidate would start by the beginning of the Fall term.
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.