Law Library Reference Librarian/Assistant Professor Contract

Description: Southern Illinois University Simmons Law School seeks to hire a Reference Librarian at the rank of
Assistant Professor. This is a tenure track faculty position. The Reference Librarian is responsible for providing reference, research, and
instructional assistance to faculty, students, and staff of the Simmons Law School, the University community, and the general public. The
Reference Librarian also serves as part of the library team that teaches legal research in the law school’s first-year, two-semester
Lawyering Skills Program and participates in other direct instructional activities covering traditional and electronic research. 

Examples of Duties: Chiefly responsible for providing reference, research, and instructional assistance to faculty,
students, and staff of the Simmons Law School, the University community, and the general public. The Reference Librarian also serves as part
of the library team that teaches legal research in the law school’s first-year, two-semester Lawyering Skills Program and participates
in other direct instructional activities covering traditional and electronic research.

This position participates in the Lawyering
Skills program and, compatible with the interests and experience of the Reference Librarian and the needs of the Simmons Law School, teaches
other courses and programs offered to students in the Simmons Law School; provides instruction to Simmons Law School students and faculty by
conducting or participating in legal research lectures and specialized topical research seminars; provides instruction in the use of the
library and its materials to students enrolled in courses from other University departments through orientation tours and direct individual
assistance; and participates in the reference work of the Department through direct patron assistance and related activities.

Compatible with the interests and experience of the person in this position and the library’s needs, participates in the
library’s collection development program, engages in original research and publishing as described in the Law Library Promotion and
Tenure Guidelines, serves the law school by participating in school wide activities, including but not limited to service on standing or
special committees as requested by the Dean; and serves the library and legal professions by actively participating on the local, regional,
or national level, including but not limited to service for associations, attendance at professional conferences and continuing education
programs, and delivering presentations at professional meetings. 

Qualifications

Minimum
Qualifications:

• M.L.S., M.L.I.S., M.I.S., or equivalent degree from ALA-accredited school by start date. 

• J.D. degree from ABA-accredited school by start date. 

• knowledge of legal bibliography, legal research
techniques, and emerging legal technology; 

• excellent interpersonal skills and proficiency in oral and written
communication; ability to work effectively both in a team setting and independently; 

• strong service orientation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional reference experience in an academic law library; teaching
experience, technical services experience.

Supplemental Information: Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a
Carnegie Doctoral Research University offering 200+ undergraduate degrees, minors and specializations, 79 master’s degrees, and 40
doctoral degrees. Our main campus is 1,136 acres, with additional acreage in University Farms, Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, and
other facilities. The university is an essential part of the city of Carbondale and an important contributor to the culture of the entire
region. While Carbondale includes many of the amenities of urban life, it retains its small-town flavor. Cost of living is considerably
lower in the region than similar areas elsewhere, and many employees commute from nearby counties. The Southern Illinois region is
distinct from the rest of the state, boasting considerable natural beauty including the Shawnee National Forest, many state parks, national
wildlife areas, and several lakes beloved for recreation. Local foods are readily available in the area, with a variety of eateries and a
growing specialized food truck presence. The area is home to the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, an official wine appellation designation.

The wineries extend the cultural reach of the community, hosting live music and continual art exhibits. The campus itself is a microcosm
of the area, with a lake and forest on campus, as well as traditional collegiate architecture, quad, and residential halls. Students enjoy
outdoor study areas as well as specialized computer labs scattered across campus, including in the three million volume Morris Library. To
learn about employee benefits and find resources about Carbondale and the Southern Illinois region, visit: https://jobs.siu.edu/. 

Contact: Peter Alexander; peter.alexander@siu.edu