Law Librarian

**Library - Library Learning Ser**:

- Posted:
- November 29, 2024- Deadline to Apply:
- Monday, January 6, 2025

**About the Law Library**:
The Law Library works closely with Canada’s newest law school, the Lincoln Alexander School of Law, which embraces a forward thinking approach to legal education by harnessing technology, fostering diversity and expanding access to justice.

As a new academic Law Library its mission is to:

- Build collections that support research and teaching at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law
- Develop instructional programmes designed to build the legal research skills of students at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law
- Develop library services in support of faculty research and student success
- Develop online resources, services and programs that advance the Law Library as a vital resource for the University’s scholarly, research and creative activities (SRC).

The Law Library plays a critical role in supporting this mission by providing comprehensive resources and research services that drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. In addition to supporting the Law School, the Law Library collaborates with the Law Practice Program, the Legal Innovation Zone and various other initiatives across campus offering expert guidance and access to essential legal resources.

**The Opportunity**:
TMU Libraries are seeking a dynamic Law Librarian to work under the direction of the Head of the Law Library, and to collaborate closely with liaison librarians, and expert staff to support scholarship, teaching, and innovation at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law. Reporting to the Dean of Libraries, the Law Librarian will be responsible for:
**Research Consultation and Support**
- Providing legal research assistance and consultation to library users (primarily law students and faculty) by responding to inquiries and guiding library users in developing an appropriate research strategy. This will include identifying relevant sources of information and providing instruction in their use.
- Offering research consultation that will primarily take place through appointments with library users and may also include work at the Law Library’s Integrated Services Desk. Liaising with the Lincoln Alexander School of Law and user groups to determine how library services can best meet the needs of their areas and programs.

**Teaching**
- Providing instruction in legal research as part of the Lincoln Alexander School of Law’s Legal Research and Writing course.
- Designing, developing and delivering research workshops to classes at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law’s that are targeted to the needs of students and instructors. Developing online teaching resources, such as LibGuides, instructional videos and other online content that will support the legal research needs of faculty and students at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law as well as the broader University community.

**Collaborations and Partnerships**
- Increasing awareness and promoting use of the Library and its resources through outreach activities.
- Collaborative participation in library planning in a collegial environment
- Building strong partnerships and fostering community connections. Partnerships may include the legal clinic at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law, TMU’s Law Practice Program, TMU’s Legal Innovation Zone.
- Representing the Libraries on issues relevant to the portfolio and active engagement with aligned organizations in the wider community.
- Actively contributing to academic law librarianship through professional affiliations, collegial networking and scholarship/research initiatives.
- Participating in library and university committees, and engaging in professional development and/or scholarly, research and creative activities.
- Occasionally supervising non-union casual part time staff.

The incumbent may occasionally be required to work non-standard hours, including weekends and evenings (e.g. for training weekend or evening staff, providing research instruction and attending Law Library events).

**Required Qualifications**:

- A minimum of 2 (two) years’ experience as a law librarian in an academic, law firm, government, and/or research institution setting
- Demonstrated experience teaching legal research in an academic and/or professional setting
- Experience providing legal reference services in an academic and/or professional setting
- Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
- Strong understanding of scholarly communications and legal education technologies
- Knowledge of best practices and trends in academic law libraries and in legal education
- The ability to work independently and with a variety of people, including librarians, support staff, students, faculty and administration
- Tact and diplomacy in challenging interactions along with strong service-orientation.
- Excellent attention to detail, and a commitment to innovation and continuous learning