Position Available: Head of Reference

The O’Quinn Law Library at the University of Houston Law Center seeks a highly motivated and service oriented person with drive for the position of Head of Reference.

Responsibilities: The duties of the Head of Reference include two parts: those of the senior reference and research librarian and those of the manager of the Reference Department. As the senior reference and research librarian, the incumbent serves as the resource person for all reference and research functions; provides input on collection development decisions; prepares instructional materials and other library publications; serves as library liaison to faculty members; gives presentations on legal research to various classes and Library Brown Bag Series; oversees the updating of the library’s web pages; and participates in regular reference desk duties, including some weekend and evening hours. As the manager of the Reference Department, the incumbent communicates library goals and policies to the reference staff; advises and consults with library administration concerning the goals, policies, and tasks of the department; implements the policies and task directives; participates in reference personnel training and development; supervises and evaluates reference librarians; reports to library administration on performance and project progress; fortifies team spirit inside and outside of the department; and performs special projects as assigned.

Required: A master’s degree in library or information science from an ALA accredited program and a J.D. from an ABA accredited law school. A degree from an equivalent Canadian law school may also satisfy the law degree requirement. Also required: at least four years of reference experience in an academic law library or equivalent experience; a demonstrated ability to work flexibly with law faculty, students, staff, and a diverse research community; effective team-building; and excellent oral and written communications skills. The position requires a service orientation and the ability to work both independently and as a team member.

Preferred: Experience in supervision in academic law libraries and a history of increasing responsibilities. Experience in teaching or public presentation is a plus.

Salary and Benefits: Competitive salary and benefits.

Other: The O’Quinn Law Library is the largest public legal research institution in the nation’s fourth largest city. With a very reasonable cost of living, Houston is home to first-rate restaurants, symphony, opera, ballet, and theatrical companies and museums. A sophisticated legal practice provides a superb professional environment for law librarianship. Law Center programs consistently rank among the best in the country. The Law Center’s student body of over 1,000, fifty-five full-time faculty, and a rich complement of adjunct faculty provide intellectual challenges and opportunities for professional growth.

To Apply: Official review of applications begins immediately until the position is filled. Applicants should send a cover letter, a resume and the names of three references to: Mon Yin Lung, Associate Director, O’Quinn Law Library, University of Houston, 12 Law Library, Houston, TX 77204-6054 or mlung@central.uh.edu. The University of Houston is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Posted on October 26, 2007

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