Research Services Law Librarian, Lecturer in Law Job at Vanderbilt University in

Position Summary

The Research Services Librarian works with a talented team of professionals to provide legal reference and research services to law library patrons; provide research support to law faculty through the law library’s liaison program; develop instructional materials and teach legal research in the required first-year Legal Writing and Research Program; teach upper-division legal research courses; develop and teach other instruction-based programs; update and maintain online research support materials; participate in collection development; support institutional initiatives and collaborate with colleagues across units to support the research and learning mission of the University; work within the law library as well other campus libraries and University to explore emerging technologies in academic libraries, law libraries and the legal field; and promote library programs and resources both internally and externally.

This position reports to the Associate Director of Instruction and Professional Development.

About the Work Unit

The Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries are fundamental to the university’s goal of advancing scholarship and learning. We collect, preserve, and make accessible a wide variety of resources. We partner with faculty and students to shape research, and we encourage the development of informed scholars and engaged citizens.

The Alyne Queener Massey Law Library offers a broad range of expertise, resources and services that enable the Law School to carry out its mission of scholarship and learning. The Law Library is designed to meet the modern information needs of the Vanderbilt community, providing ready access to library, media, and technology services, and a world-class collection.

Key Functions and Expected Performance

• Provide reference services to Vanderbilt Law School students and faculty as well as the larger Vanderbilt University community.
• Provide research support to law faculty through the law library’s liaison program.
• Develop course materials and teach legal research skills in the first-year Legal Writing and Research Program.
• Teach in upper-division legal research courses, seminars, and academic programs as needed.
• Provide support to the Vanderbilt AI Law Lab (VAILL).
• Create and update online research guides, tutorials, and other web content.
• Serve on University Library committees and work with colleagues in other campus libraries and University departments in support of the University’s mission for radical collaboration and interdisciplinary scholarship and learning.
• Participate in professional organizations and engage in scholarly activities at the local, regional, national and/or international level.
• Take part in collection development.
• Manage additional projects and perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Education and Certifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited institution required.
• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (or equivalent) from an ALA-accredited institution or current enrollment in a Library and Information Science program required.

Experience and Skills

• Entry-level and experienced law librarians are encouraged to apply.
• Expertise in legal bibliography and legal research methodologies.
• Outstanding communication skills and a demonstrated ability to effectively teach and present.
• Understanding of generative AI and LLMs and interest in the creative use of these tools.
• Knowledge or interest in emerging technologies and/or legal technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Preferred

• Experience teaching legal research.