Reference Librarian Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary
The Clark County Law Library has an opening for a part time (15 hours/week) Assistant Law Librarian.
Assists in the operation of the Law Library and assists the public, attorneys, and judges in use of the library. Maintains and updates materials, controls lending of materials, keeps ready reference collection and form kits updated, and helps maintain the website.
The incumbent will work 7.5 hours per day 2 days per week for a total of 15 hours per week. The scheduled days are open to negotiation. The ability to work extra days as needed to cover time off for the Law Librarian is a plus. The position is eligible for paid time off on a prorated basis. Please note that this position is subject to policies of the Law Library Board of Trustees and may not follow all county policies.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so earlier applicants may have priority. Position is open until filled.
We would like to have the person in this position start by October 2026.
Qualifications
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. Applicants must demonstrate knowledge about legal procedures, terminology, and research methodology. Knowledge of library procedures and reference a plus. Must be able to pass a background check. Must have a genuine desire to work part-time. Flexibility with scheduling is a plus. At least three years of professional experience in a legal setting or as a reference librarian in a law library, with additional time preferred. Experience with either Lexis or Westlaw is preferred. A law degree is preferred. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Law degree and practice as an attorney

• Experience in professional law library work

• Increasingly responsible experience in the legal field such as working as a paralegal or court clerk along with demonstrated knowledge of legal terminology and procedures

Knowledge of: legal terminology, procedures, and both print and online research; principles and practices of record keeping and documentation; legal terminology and procedures to allow an understanding of what patrons are asking for when patrons themselves do not know; principles and practices of general library administration and reference techniques.
Ability to: work well with a varied patron base consisting of judges, attorneys, students, and pro se patrons, some of whom may be angry or have difficulty communicating their needs; communicate clearly to patrons; be able to understand what patrons are asking for and provide information that is likely to assist them including the ability to ask patrons questions to determine the legal procedure involved in a situation; prioritize and multitask to accomplish assigned work with high level of accuracy; be self-motivated; communicate clearly and collaborate regularly with Law Librarian; manage long-term projects; understand the meaning of legal advice and avoid providing it; type at a speed of at least 45 wpm; effectively use both print and online legal resources; sit and stand for long periods; climb stools and ladders; very occasionally lift boxes up to 40 pounds.
SELECTION PROCESS:
Resumes and other documents must be attached together in the 'Resume Upload' section of the application. Multiple files are allowed, but all applicant attachments must be uploaded simultaneously, as there is no way to edit or append uploaded materials after submitting the application.
Application Review (Pass/ Fail) - A completed online application, RESUME and COVER LETTER are REQUIRED. Attaching a resume does not substitute for a completed application; incomplete applications will not pass the application review. Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process. Incomplete applications WITHOUT the RESUME and COVER LETTER will not pass the application review.
Please make sure your cover letter addresses the following topics:
1. Why you are seeking this job
2. What is your background/experience that would prepare you to help patrons find legal information?
Oral Interview - The interview will be job related and may include, but not be limited to, the qualifications outlined in the job announcement.
Employment References will be conducted for the final candidates and may include verification of education.
Examples of Duties
Assist the public, attorneys, judges, and employees in their use of the Law Library; provide information on availability, location and use of legal materials and library equipment. Orient new attorneys to the library. Provide excellent customer service while avoiding giving legal advice and within the confines of library rules. Conduct a reference interview to learn what materials patrons might want to use.
Customize self-help form kits prepared by King County Law Library for use in Clark County. Develop and maintain other form kits.
Monitor legislative changes, court rules, and court decisions to ensure current information, to assist with acquisition decisions, to provide accurate legal research/reference information to patrons, and to anticipate impacts on the library or its funding.
Work with the Law Librarian to make collection decisions including recommending new purchases and weeding CLEs and other materials.
Maintain court form binders and ready-reference collection.
Help maintain the law library website. Update material as needed, ensure functionality, and comply with county website policies.
Work with the District and Superior Court Clerks' offices, judicial officers, court facilitators, the Sheriff's Office, and other departments to ensure that form kits, information in checklists, ready reference materials, and website information is current and accurate.
Help improve library visibility by networking with other agencies and assisting with the creation of marketing materials. Provide information about library resources to other county departments as needed.
Monitor and control circulation of library materials; send overdue notices and take other appropriate actions to retrieve library materials; borrow and lend items through interlibrary loan.
Process mail and materials, including checking in, property stamping, and updating looseleaf materials and pocket parts. Maintain list of library holdings and keep online catalog current.
Shelve all materials, which can occasionally include significant collection shifts. Weed material to keep collection useful and to make space. Carry out decisions of the Law Librarian regarding disposal of materials.
Multitask and tolerate numerous interruptions while still maintaining a high level of attention to detail and accuracy. Prioritize tasks. Work alone most of the time, demonstrating good judgment and initiative.
Accurately handle cash to sell products and services, make change for copiers, process credit card transactions, and write receipts.
Use office software such as Word, Excel, and Outlook daily. Use both free and fee-based legal and general internet sources. Use calendaring system to follow up on tasks, Workday for HR, and Drupal for website. Must be comfortable in a Windows environment and willing to learn new software as needed.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Salary Grade
Law Library.765
Salary Range
$37.61 - $45.82- per hour
Close Date
Open Until FilledRecruiter
Leslie Harrington Smith
Email:
Leslie.HarringtonSmith@clark.wa.gov
Equal Opportunity Employer
Clark County is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, access, and delivery of all county services. Clark County's Equal Employment Opportunity Plan is available at http://www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents.
Employee Benefits and additional compensation
Clark County provides regular full-time and part-time employees with a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, vision and dental insurance, paid leave, flexible spending accounts, life insurance and long-term disability, retirement, and deferred compensation. Some types of employees in some positions and bargaining units might have different benefits and additional compensation. More specific benefit information for the different bargaining units can be found at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/employee-benefits. Also please refer to the specific bargaining unit contract for additional compensation at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents.
Retirement Information
All Clark County employees must participate in a WASHINGTON STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM PLAN (PERS, PSERS or LEOFF).Employee contributions begin the first day of work. Current contribution rates vary by plan but could range from 5% to 15% of gross pay, depending on the plan choice.
For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site here: http://www.drs.wa.gov/
If you are in need of ADA/Section 504 assistance for accommodations, please contact Human Resources at (564) 397-2456; Relay (800) 833-6388.