Lead Law Librarian Job at Kalamazoo Public Library in Kalamazoo

Overview

Lead Law Librarian role at Kalamazoo Public Library blending traditional librarianship with expertise in legal resources to empower community members, local organizations, and self-represented litigants to navigate legal information.

Position Summary

Responsible for professional library duties that support the Law Library and reference services under the direct supervision and general guidance of the Head of Patron Services. Duties include management of the daily operations of the Law Library, including collection development and maintenance, development of supporting outreach services, programming, and provision of reference services. This position is responsible for training, scheduling and evaluating interns assigned to the Law Library.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manages the daily operations of the Law Library, including scheduling, workflows and monitoring of budgets; evaluates effectiveness of systems and workflow; assists department head in formulation of agency goals, budgets, staffing, collection needs and planning.
• Manages law collections and services: selects, organizes, and maintains materials; develops and evaluates services; monitors space needs; prepares reports as needed.
• Provides direct patron service; assists in the location of materials, responses to reference questions; instructs patrons in the use of all library resources.
• Provides direct supervision of interns assigned to the Law Library. Creates and supports an inclusive work environment that focuses on personal and professional development; engages in selecting, scheduling, delegating, training and coaching; maintains systems of accountability; conducts regular 1:1 meetings and performance evaluations of staff.
• Designs, implements and evaluates innovative programming related to legal topics and services.
• Promotes collections and services of the Law Library.
• Coordinates legal clinics with the Kalamazoo County Bar Association; develops outreach services in collaboration with the Kalamazoo Defender.
• Participates in departmental meetings, library-wide committees, and library-related events.
• Performs other related duties and special projects as assigned.

Professional Competencies and Job Knowledge

Job Specific Knowledge and Skill: Demonstrates broad, in-depth, and up-to-date knowledge of pertinent fields and awareness of current trends in the area of specialty. Acts as a resource to others and shares new trends and technology with others.

• Demonstrates general knowledge of court systems and legal procedures.
• Demonstrates ability to conduct in-depth legal research utilizing resources such as Westlaw, Shepard’s Citations, Court Rules, etc.
• Demonstrates clear understanding of the difference in providing research assistance and legal advice.

Other Competencies

Attendance/Punctuality: Demonstrates reliability by consistently arriving to work, meetings and appointments on time. Adjusts schedule and remains flexible to meet changing work needs and demands.

Organizational Support/Ethics: Contributes to the improvement and success of the library system by aligning work priorities with library vision, goals and strategic plan.

Customer Service: Demonstrates strong public service orientation. Represents the library positively and professionally when dealing with staff, managers, vendors, colleagues and members of the public.

Creativity/Innovation: Looks for opportunities to apply new and evolving ideas, methods, design and technologies.

Quality: Provides high-quality services, processes, and programs while continuously seeking ways to improve outcomes and enhance services.

Communication skills: Conveys ideas and facts using language appropriate to the audience and situation.

Accountability: Takes personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work, and achieves results with little oversight.

Flexibility/Adaptability: Performs a wide range of tasks, responds to change in directions and priorities, and accepts new challenges, responsibilities and assignments.

Technology skills: Demonstrates up-to-date computer and technology skills necessary for effective communications, completion of job responsibilities and provision of quality customer service.

Professional development: Pursues professional development and continuing education opportunities throughout career.

Safety: Adheres to all workplace and trade safety laws, regulations, standards and practices.

Knowledge of Materials: Demonstrates knowledge and appreciation of literature, periodicals, audiovisual materials, various electronic media including websites, and other materials that contribute to a diverse, current and relevant collection.

Collection Development: Understands the basic theory and practice of collection development; supports the development of a collection of materials from a broad range of selection sources across formats, including media that reflect varied and emerging technologies.

Knowledge of Patron Group: Evaluates and responds to the diverse needs, preferences, and resources of the community on a regular and systematic basis.

Project Management: Structures and directs others’ work on projects or programs; demonstrates proficiency in initiating, facilitating, concluding and evaluating projects with efficiency and effectiveness.

Budgeting: Allocates and accounts for the use of fiscal resources, weighs alternatives and benefits; monitors budget usage and seeks ways to reduce costs.

Leadership: Promotes organizational mission, strategic plan and goals; sets and models high performance standards and empowers teams to achieve objectives.

Performance Management: Provides coaching, ongoing feedback, and resources to improve performance and effectiveness.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited library school with coursework pertaining to public library service.
• 3-5 years of experience in a public or academic library setting.
• Demonstrates general knowledge of court systems and legal procedures.
• Demonstrates ability to conduct in-depth legal research utilizing resources such as Westlaw, Shepard’s Citations, Court Rules, etc.
• Demonstrates clear understanding of the difference in providing research assistance and legal advice.
• Demonstration of a strong equity lens, cultural humility and proven ability to work well in a diverse context.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to move within the office and patron areas; ability to communicate information auditorily and in written form; frequent repositioning; occasional lifting up to 25 pounds; frequent use of computer.

Work environment: Office, library spaces, and communities served; some local travel; exposure to weather conditions; noise level usually low to moderate.

Schedule

40 hours weekly to include evenings and weekend rotations; 6 Sundays per year.

Salary

$64,580; Step 1 (or closest step to current salary for transferring employee); health insurance; fully paid dental, vision, and life insurance; defined benefit pension.

This position belongs in the Kalamazoo Professional Librarians Association (KPLA).

This position is classified as a Librarian Lead.

Completed application, resume, and cover letter are required for consideration.

Deadline for applications is Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 5 pm