Reference Librarian, Legal Information & Great Library, Professional Development & Competence (Hybrid, Toronto)

JOB PURPOSE:

Under the direction of the Manager, Research and User Services, The Reference Librarian is responsible for providing in-person and remote legal research support and services to library users. This includes Law Society’s licensees; lawyers, paralegals and their agents, licensing candidates, Law Society and judicial staff, self-represented litigants, members of the public and other researchers. The Reference Librarian actively participates in developing web site content and web-based legal research supports. Additionally this position conducts instructional and orientation sessions and participates in the ongoing evaluation and management of the library’s print and digital collections. The reference librarian also performs other duties and tasks aligned with the Library’s mission.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• A Master of Library or Information Studies from an ALA accredited institution.
• Minimum 2 years working in a library providing reference services. Experience working in a legal research environment preferred.
• Understanding of the principles of effective customer service and the ability to apply such principles on the job.
• Proficiency in Internet and database searching.
• Familiarity with legal information sources, both print and electronic, including legal research subscription services, such as WestlawNext, Lexis and HeinOnline considered an asset.
• Familiarity with computer processes and applications, including Windows applications and Microsoft Office.
• Ongoing awareness of developments in emerging technologies as they relate to libraries, information delivery and electronic publishing and access.
• Speaks and writes in a clear articulate manner for individual and/or group situations.
• Reasons through complex spoken and written information.
• Proficiency in Internet and database searching.
• Familiarity with legal information sources, both print and electronic, including legal research subscription services, such as WestlawNext, Lexis and HeinOnline considered an asset.
• Familiarity with computer processes and applications, including Windows applications and Microsoft Office.
• Ongoing awareness of developments in emerging technologies as they relate to libraries, information delivery and electronic publishing and access.

Client/Customer Service Delivery

• Provides timely, thorough and accurate legal reference and research services to library users in-person and via live chat, email and phone.
• Conducts in-depth research for Law Society staff as required.
• Provides both point-of need and group instruction on legal research strategies and techniques, as well as effectively utilizing the library’s print and digital resources.
• Conducts library orientation tours for new licensees, licensing candidates and summer law students.

Client/Customer Service Planning

• In collaboration with the Manager, Research and User Services, Reference librarian works closely with other reference librarians to develop and update Great Library web site content, which includes research guides and blog posts.
• Working closely with the Manager, Research and User Services, the reference librarian collaborates to identify, plan and evaluate outreach initiatives and reference services.
• Under the Manager, Research and User services guidance, the reference librarian participates in collection development with other Reference Librarians, including assessing new digital resources.

Research

• Analyses the legal research needs of library users, develops relevant search strategies and carries out effective research.
• Assists in special research projects on behalf of Law Society staff.
• Monitors and evaluates developments in research methods, technologies and information formats to ensure library users have access to authoritative, accurate and cost-effective resources to meet their legal information needs.

Team Membership

• As part of a highly collaborative and service-oriented team, shares knowledge and assists other Reference staff with research requests.
• Fills in for reference shifts when needed.
• Actively participates in special team projects as required.

The Law Society has introduced a Distributed Workforce Model to leverage flexibility and agility, and to maximize employee productivity and engagement. Work arrangements will be determined by role and departmental requirements. The working arrangement for this position has been classified as hybrid, where the employee will regularly flex their work location between home and office. The specific application of this will be communicated to applicants contacted during the recruitment process.