State Library of Iowa (Des Moines) Law Librarian Consultant

Salary: $57,616.00 - $87,672.00 Annually

Location: Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA

Job Type: Full-time

Agency: 005 Department of Administrative Services

Opening Date: 11/15/2024

Closing Date: 12/22/2024 11:59 PM Central

Point of Contact: Amy Rollinger at amy.rollinger@iowa.gov

Job Description

About the State Library of Iowa
At the State Library of Iowa, we are committed to supporting libraries across the state by providing expert consulting services and fostering access to legal information for state employees, attorneys, and the public. Through collaboration with library boards and staff, we ensure Iowa libraries have the resources they need to serve their communities effectively. We are looking for a passionate and knowledgeable Law Librarian Consultant to join our team and contribute to our mission.

The employee in this position works in State Library: Law Library in Des Moines, Iowa, provides expert legal reference services, consults on library legal issues, and offers training to libraries across Iowa. This role requires a blend of legal research expertise, a commitment to public service, and a collaborative approach to supporting libraries and their communities.  Hybrid work may be negotiated once successful completion of the probationary period. The job duties of this position require the candidate to have the ability to travel, and work occasional evenings and weekends; and the ability and stamina for retrieving, carrying, and lifting legal materials in the multi-tiered law library with materials spanning all levels by way of climbing a spiral staircase.

Responsibilities include:
Consulting

• Consults on legal issues affecting libraries, including public services, technology, funding, personnel, and compliance.
• Provides legal reference and support to Library Support Network staff, librarians, trustees, and municipalities in Iowa.
• Collaborates with staff to develop and present training on legal issues for Iowa librarians.
• Monitors library-related legislation and communicates updates to the team and libraries.
• Applies and explains regulations and policies impacting Iowa libraries.
• Communicates effectively with diverse audiences and responds appropriately.
• Aids in developing, implementing, and evaluating department policies and projects through collaboration at various levels.

Outreach and Collaboration

• Builds working relationships with librarians, trustees, and other agencies.
• Works with the People’s Law Library team to create and promote legal content for Iowans.
• Fosters partnerships with legal service providers to improve access to legal information via libraries.
• Acts as a resource for workshops, conferences, and training sessions, providing information, and training.
• Serves as the State Library liaison to related agencies for library and information services.

Reference Services

• Conducts complex legal and legislative research for library patrons, both in-person and virtually.
• Teaches basic legal research tasks to patrons and reference staff as needed.
• Participates in collection development by selecting and evaluating databases and resources.
• Delivers outreach activities to raise awareness of the law library’s resources and services.

Technology

• Updates electronic communication channels, including websites and newsletters.
• Understands library technologies and conducts legal research on various platforms.
• Knowledgeable in legal databases like Westlaw and primary source documents for research purposes.
• Develops and maintains online FAQ materials and law library website content.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree or equivalent legal qualifications with knowledge of library law.
• 5 years professional library experience in a public library setting
• Experience in coordinating and conducting training and continuing education programs
• Prior consulting experience
• Background in collection development for legal resources
• At least 3 years of experience as a research law librarian (an equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.)
• Excellent communication, interpersonal skills to effectively engage with library staff, trustees, and the community.
• Ability to simplify complex legal concepts for non-legal audiences.
• Capacity for collaborative teamwork and strategic outreach initiatives to promote legal resources.
• Ability to communicate effectively through writing, speaking, and formal presentations

Find more information and apply on the State of Iowa Careers website.