Research and Instruction Librarian

University Overview The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023. Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play. The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more. Posted Job Title Research and Instruction Librarian Job Profile Title Librarian B Job Description Summary The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School is one of the nation’s oldest and most distinguished law schools. Penn Carey Law offers a distinctive cross-disciplinary legal education, drawing on the depth and breadth of the University of Pennsylvania. The resulting intellectual opportunities and professional relationships bridge traditional boundaries and disciplines, making the Law School an extraordinarily supportive academic community for its scholars and students alike. Penn Carey Law’s Biddle Law Library seeks intellectually curious and service-oriented applicants for a full-time Research & Instruction Librarian position. The successful candidate will join a highly collaborative team of librarians dedicated to providing exceptional research support and educational programming in support of the Law School’s teaching, scholarship, and service missions. The Research & Instruction Librarian reports to the Head of Reference and Student Services and works closely with colleagues across the library in a team-based, collaborative environment. This position is open to candidates from a wide range of professional backgrounds and is especially well‑suited to early‑career librarians, including recent graduates. The library will also consider lateral hires with relevant experience. Candidates must possess a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-approved law school and either hold a master’s degree in library and information science (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited program or demonstrate a commitment to obtaining the MLIS degree no later than 2.5 years from the date of hire. Appointment at the Librarian B or Librarian C level will be based on the successful candidate’s education, experience, and demonstrated competencies, consistent with University classification guidelines.

Job Description

Serve as a library liaison to assigned faculty, providing personalized services that may include in-depth research support, identification of new and emerging resources, and current awareness services. Provide reference and research assistance to students, faculty, staff, and others through multiple service modes, including in-person consultations, email, chat, and telephone. Participate in the library’s instructional program by contributing to co-curricular education and training for courses, clinics, journals, and student organizations. If desired, teach credit-bearing legal research courses. Engage in ongoing professional development to remain current with developments in legal research tools and methodologies, instructional practices, and academic law librarianship. Participate in library projects, initiatives, and service activities as assigned. Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-accredited law school. One of the following Master’s degree in library and/or information science from an ALA-accredited program (preferred); or Current enrollment in an ALA-accredited master’s degree program in information or library science, with completion of the degree within two years of the date of hire; or Willingness to apply to and enroll in an ALA-accredited master’s degree program in information or library science within six months of hire, with completion of the degree within two years of enrollment. Strong service orientation and commitment to supporting the research and learning needs of a diverse academic community. Experience performing legal research in an academic, court, or law firm setting, Apply To This Job