Law Library Manager

Job Summary

Manages the operations of the Scott County Law Library (SCLL). Administers and provides specialized, professional legal reference services and research assistance to judges, attorneys, and self-represented litigants. This position develops and implements a strategic plan for delivering law library programs and services, including legal clinics, in the library and in the community. Offers appropriate referrals to users needing more assistance. Collaborates with other county departments and organizations and utilizes technology to provide cost-effective and timely access to legal resources. Maintains the SCLL budget. Selects and processes legal resources for the SCLL and Scott County Library.

Job Description

Creates and implements a strategic plan for service delivery; works with the Law Library Board to report, receive policy direction, and solicit input on services and programs; leads Law Library Board meetings and guides development of an active, engaged Law Library Board; works closely with Library Director to ensure alignment with county and library priorities.

 

Develops and manages the Law Library’s annual budget; presents recommended budget to Law Library Board; makes budget adjustments throughout the year in consultation with Law Library Board and Library Director.

 

Provides specialized, professional legal reference service and research assistance to judges, attorneys, self-represented litigants, and others; connects customers with resources they need to navigate justice system successfully.

 

Develops and maintains good relations with vendors/potential vendors and negotiates best prices for products/services.

 

Establishes and maintains collaborative partnerships with other county departments and community groups to meet the needs of residents navigating the justice system.

 

Directs and coordinates daily operations of the SCLL to ensure effective use of resources by planning, organizing, monitoring, and evaluating operational activities.

 

Administers the library budget and pursues adequate funding (raise fees and/or cut costs) to ensure that access to legal information. Processes invoices, maintains financial records, and monitors billing.

 

Markets and promotes SCLL services to the public. Creates and maintains an inviting and welcoming environment by ensuring that library space and resources are attractive and organized, displays are engaging, and signage is clear and easy to read.

 

Serves customers using the law library as public library branch for public computer use, copies and scanning, and the checking in/out of branch materials.

 

Oversees the maintenance of SCLL space and technology within the space in partnership with County Facilities and IT.

 

Maintains branch collection, including identifying gaps, purchasing, and weeding.

 

Maintains and updates the SCLL webpage. 

 

Works with customers to address concerns and issues, which may include developing solutions in consultation with others and making referrals to programs for further assistance. Makes recommendations to the Self-Help Center, Court Administration, and judges to make the legal process more user-friendly. 

 

Pursues professional development and currency through participation in professional organizations, including the Minnesota Coalition of County Law Libraries (MCCLL), Minnesota Association of Law Libraries (MALL), and the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL). 

 

Acts as Secretary of the Law Library Board, scheduling meetings, and recommending policies for implementation to the Scott County Library Director and Law Library Board.

 

Maintains relationship with the jail to manage Jail Resource Center and inmate requests for legal information.

 

Participates in committees, trainings, and conference opportunities to share and acquire best practices.

 

Conducts regular outreach in the community to educate on law library services and provide more accessible hours/locations to the public.

 

Seeks out grant opportunities to integrate new Law Library programming.

 

Regularly collaborates with Court Administration and the County Attorney’s Office to make sure procedures are uniform among departments.

 

Responsible for assisting Court Administration with the operation of MPA computers.

 

Responsible for assisting Court Administration with remote court hearings for users attending from the Law Library. 

 

Works the hours and/or shifts assigned and begins and ends work on time.

 

Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Requires a Juris Doctorate, Master’s in Library Science or Law Librarianship, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A reliable form of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities is required.

Supervisory Controls
The employee is under general guidance and direction from the Library Director. The employee exercises independent judgment in planning schedules and work assignments to meet demands and setting priorities. Work is checked through periodic reports and conferences.

Core Competencies and Abilities
Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.

Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.

Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.

Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.

Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.

Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.

Knowledge - Knowledge of library principles, methods, materials, and practices. 

 

Knowledge of legal databases and legal resources for use by lawyers, judges, other legal professionals, and the public. 

 

Knowledge of MN Court Forms and various self-help resources.

 

Knowledge of federal rules, MN Statutes, state rules, and Westlaw. 

 

Sufficient familiarity with family law, including domestic violence, custody, parenting time, and child support issues.

 

Sufficient familiarity with probate law, including guardianship, conservatorship, testate, and intestate succession.

 

Sufficient familiarity with criminal law and procedure.  

 

Abilities - Ability to assist those with legal questions, legal crises, forms, or resources specific to their issues. 

 

Ability to work directly with inmates and explain criminal law and procedure. 

 

Ability to work remotely on short notice without adversely impacting customers.

 

Ability to distinguish between legal reference and legal advice, answer questions appropriately, and/or determine when it is appropriate to refer questions, problems, or issues to the supervisor. 

 

Ability to plan, organize, assign, and direct the work of others. 

 

Ability to explain library policies and procedures to the general public and employees. 

 

Ability to deal effectively and courteously with general public and their service requests. 

 

Ability to remove, replace, position, and order books and other library materials, including call numbers for the Library of Congress. 

 

Ability to observe and respond to changing priorities and diverse needs. 

 

Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion. 

 

Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties. 

 

Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

Work Environment and Physical Demands
Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, typically in a library setting. As a public gathering place, the library has a diverse customer base and is multi-task oriented in the services it both offers and has requested of it.

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files, materials, and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.