The Law Librarian independently performs and coordinates law library work to provide legal research and reference services to judges, officials, employees, legal community and citizens.

• Oversees circulation of law library materials and use of library equipment. Manages the filing, shelving, cataloging of new publications and all other aspects of collection management to maintain current information and accessibility. Manages inventory of supplies and ordering of depleted materials.
• Oversees library budget, providing details and reports to the Smith County Bar Association Law Library Committee and the Smith County Commissioners Court. Serves as an information consultant to access primary and secondary legal resources. Instructs public and legal professionals in use of print and electronic materials.
• Performs complex legal research, legal reference and technical services for judges, staff attorneys, elected and appointed officials and Smith County litigants. Conducts computer-assisted searches of primary and secondary legal authorities.
• Stays current on newly enacted laws which may change or replace information given to patrons or help with policy decisions for the library. Searches periodicals and journals for articles addressing state policies or legal doctrine.
• Answers phone and walk-in requests for basic information and/or makes referrals. Updates legal subscriptions online and in print.
• Assess and communicates the value of the law library, including information services, products and policies to key stakeholders and client groups.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• The Law Librarian is responsible for directing staff in performing research, library acquisitions and management of collection, financial reporting and customer service.

Other Responsibilities

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of federal, state, local and county laws, rules, regulations and guidelines including legal procedures, processes and systems.
• Knowledge of library science and information technology including acquisitions, collections development practices and standards, and cataloging practices and standards.
• Knowledge of computer hardware including network system and internet access.
• Knowledge of computer use including word processing, financial systems and reporting, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of legal research software.
• Knowledge of business letter writing, grammar, punctuation and report preparation. Skilled in providing strong leadership as a service-oriented team player to analyze users’ needs and provide the information required.
• Skilled in excellent research and analytics with a working knowledge of legal reference sources, legal publications and computerized legal research platforms.
• Skilled in strong critical thinking and problem solving to analyze and identify the best research resources and resolve complex issues using technology.
• Skilled in excellent oral and written communication, strong organization, time management and project management to manage a variety of complex projects with tight deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental support staff, attorneys, judges, clientele, outside agencies, County employees and officials, and the public.
• Ability to use and explain library equipment, facilities and files.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals.
• Ability to research, compile, analyze, interpret and prepare reports using financial and statistical data.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures and governmental regulations.
• Ability to use online automated law library research subscription, internet and other relevant computer applications.

• Master’s Degree in Library Science preferred but not required.
• Two (2) years of professional law librarian experience or paralegal experience.
• Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education, experience and required knowledge, skills and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of the job.

Licenses and Certifications

None required for this position.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 20-50 pounds occasionally. Must be able to stand, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, push, pull, balance, squat and lift moderately heavy equipment or boxes.
• Visual acuity, speech, hearing, hand/eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate computer and office equipment.

Travel

None required for this position.

Comments

Smith County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act by providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals and employees with disabilities. If you need special services or accommodations, please contact Smith County Human Resources at (903) 590-4644 or personnel@smith-county.com.

NOTICE:

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.

All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonable accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

All employment with Smith County shall be considered “at will” employment. No contract of employment shall exist between any individual and Smith County for any duration, either specified or unspecified.