Employee Type: Full-Time
Industry: Legal
Manages Others: Not Specified
Job Type: Legal Admin
Education: None
Experience: Not Specified
Travel: None
Ref ID: PCK506-817
DescriptionJob ID: 366
Position Description:
The Director of Library and Research Services is responsible for directing all aspects of library operations firm wide, including long-range strategic planning, interdisciplinary collection development in digital and print formats, management of the library’s physical space, budget development and control, cost recovery initiatives, personnel management and professional development, legal research instruction, technology development, and active support of information needs of attorneys and administrative departments.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Manage and direct library operations, including establishing short and long term plans, goals, objectives, and policies and procedures for the library, in support of the firm’s business strategies.
2. Foster communications and develop strategic alliances with attorneys in all offices to ensure that the various practice groups are receiving the services and resources needed to support their practices.
3. Work closely with other departments and firm management to promote and facilitate the exchange of information across the firm to support the business needs of the clients and the firm.
4. Develop, manage and monitor department budget, and maintain financial controls for library expenditures across departments, including cost recovery options. Provide oversight of the acquisitions process at all stages, including final approval.
5. Evaluate databases and coordinate and facilitate the procurement process. Manage online services, including evaluation, installation, implementation, and training plans. Monitor terms of contracts and license agreements to assure compliance.
6. Market and promote the library through seminars, workshops and training for legal and administrative staffs to maximize effective use of electronic and print research tools and related technologies.
7. Recruit, mentor, and guide professional and administrative library personnel, include ongoing coaching and evaluation.
8. Coordinate the development and application of library technology. Monitor new technology developments as they affect the Firm’s delivery of information resources and make recommendations for new purchases.
9. Develop long term plan for research services on firm portal and work closely with technology, practice support and practice groups to provide a user friendly and robust platform.
10. Network with professional colleagues through seminars, conferences, meetings, and be in the forefront of developments that affect law firm management. Contribute to professional organizations through active participation.
Position Requirements:
REQUIREMENTS / ESSENTIAL CAPABILITIES:
MLS or equivalent degree from an ALA-accredited library or information science program, a minimum of 10 years experience, with at least 5 years on a management level.
Significant hands-on experience managing all aspects of a global, multi-office law firm library, including automation and technology, reference and research services, cataloging and technical services, and human resource management.
Ability to work with attorneys and staff at all levels within the firm, function effectively as a team player, and exercise independent judgment and diplomacy when handling difficult situations.
Experience with outreach initiatives based on a thorough understanding of the information needs of the Firm, and the active support of all practice group and department projects.
Experience with contract negotiations, and fostering productive relationships with vendors.
Fiscal management experience, including the acquisitions and budgeting processes, and all aspects of law firm financial management.
Experience with a leading online Library Management System, (preferably SydneyPlus) and a Web Site Tracking & Cost Recovery system (preferably Research Monitor), and major legal and business publishers.
Knowledge of information technology, including integrated library and workflow systems, and enterprise applications, and experience working collaboratively with technology departments to implement systems and programs.
Working knowledge of a wide-range of legal, business and general information resources in all media, including print, online databases and the Internet, resourcefulness in obtaining needed materials and information, and the ability to read, analyze and interpret legal and business material.
Possess creative and pragmatic problem-solving abilities, demonstrate a proactive, flexible and adaptable management style and good judgment in decision-making and project management.
Excellent writing, presentation, communication, interpersonal and problem solving skills.
Hands on teaching experience and successful development of a sustainable education program.
Ability to keep up with new materials, changes in resources and techniques, and shifts in information demands.
Proven leadership skills, including the ability to lead by example, train, motivate and mentor staff, foster a collaborative environment and delegate assignments fairly.
Ability to prioritize projects rapidly and efficiently, be proactive, flexible, adaptable, and detail-oriented.
A commitment to providing quality service with a high degree of responsibility and professionalism.