Legal Reference Librarian

Knowledge Skills and Abilities Required:

• Working knowledge of library science legal research and reference practices.

• Working knowledge and ability to make appropriate use of a wide variety of library resources including print materials and online databases.

• Familiarity with equal justice initiatives of various entities and jurisdictions.

• Strong skills in interpersonal communications; ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally including addressing.

• Knowledge and ability to evaluate materials appropriate for inclusion in the law librarys collection.

• Initiative resourcefulness judgment and tact in working with library users and staff.

• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines and to handle multiple and sometimes conflicting demands.

• Ability to develop policies and procedures.

• Demonstrated knowledge and use of library computer applications.

Qualifications: (Any combination of training and work experience which indicates possession of the knowledge abilities and skills listed above. An example of an acceptable qualification for this position is:)

Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA accredited law school required. A bachelors or masters degree in library science or relevant library experience preferred. Professional reference experience may be gained by practicum or internship in library school.

This position will close on January 27th 2026. Please submit the following required documents on the State of Montana Careers website:

• Resume - Please include dates of employment and your supervisors name/phone number for each position.

• Cover Letter

• Three Professional References

  Applications without the required documents will not be reviewed in the recruitment process.

When submitting the required documents you must check the relevant document box to ensure your attachments are uploading correctly to the specific application for this position.The Judicial Branch is an equal opportunity employer. Women minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

An employee new to the Judicial Branch will serve a one-year probationary period. The successful applicant will be subject to a criminal background check. Travel may be required and working hours may include evenings & weekends.

The Montana Judicial Branch offers a variety of opportunities to help you make a difference in your community and further your career. As a service-oriented employer we seek employees with a passion for customer service to help us fulfill our mission to provide an independent accessible responsive impartial and timely forum to resolve disputes; to preserve the rule of law; and to protect the rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitutions of the United States and Montana.

Benefits of working for the Judicial Branch:

• Work/life balance
• Family friendly policies
• Dedicated and caring colleagues
• Health coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid vacation sick leave and Holidays (combination of up to 38 per year)
• Opportunities and room for professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF
  
  SPECIAL INFORMATION:
• A criminal background check is required for the successful applicant.

• An employee new to the Judicial Branch will serve a one-year probationary period.

  Nature of work:

• This is professional library work. Performing professional activities related to the public services provided by the law library.

  Essential Functions: (Any one position may or may not include all the duties listed nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed).

• Providing reference services to all users of the law library. This includes but is not limited to conducting legal research compiling legislative histories compiling legal research guides and being able to communicate research findings to a variety of patrons.
• Providing specialized instruction in legal research techniques both print and online.
• Evaluating and authenticating information on librarys website and adding content when appropriate.
• Regularly evaluating collection and services and recommending new materials and services to the State Law Librarian.
• Regularly evaluating existing policies and procedures; recommending changes; assisting in implementation of new policies.
• Assisting the State Law Librarian in formulating and developing plans to promote improved library services.
• Maintaining statistics for measurement of reference services.
• Assisting the State Law Librarian in representing the law library in contacts with the public; talking to and teaching interested groups about legal research and use of the librarys resources.

• Other duties as assigned.

  Working Conditions:

• Work is performed primarily in a library environment.

  Physical Demands:

• Providing reference assistance requires the ability to be mobile to stoop and to reach to retrieve library materials. Position requires mental alertness and acuity to effectively perform duties. Position requires the ability to lift books and move loaded book trucks. Position may require extensive periods of standing or sitting in front of a video display terminal.