Becoming A Law Librarian: Education, Skills, And Career Path

If you're interested in becoming a law librarian, you'll need to be qualified to practice law and have a master's degree in library science or information science. While some law librarian positions require both qualifications, less than a quarter of law library jobs demand this. A master's degree in library and information science will typically cover areas such as reference and user services, technological knowledge and skills, and the organisation of recorded knowledge and information. You'll also need to develop an understanding of the legal system and legal terminology.

Educational requirements: a master's degree from an American Library Association-accredited institution

To become a law librarian, you will need a master's degree from an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited institution. The name of the degree can vary, including MLS, MLIS, and MSIS, but all reflect the entry-level educational requirement for a career in law librarianship.

The University of Washington offers an ALA-accredited law librarianship MLIS to qualified candidates who have already earned their JD. The course consists of three academic quarters followed by a three-week fieldwork study at a law library or legal information organisation. The curriculum includes courses in general library and information science, as well as law library-specific competencies.

Indiana University, Rutgers University, the University of Illinois, the University of Maryland, and the University of Michigan are among the top schools offering ALA-accredited MLIS degrees.

While a law degree is not necessary for most law librarian positions, it can be beneficial. About one-third of law librarians also hold a law degree, and some positions, particularly in law school libraries, prefer or require this qualification. Several schools offer joint JD/MLS programs, which allow students to earn both degrees simultaneously.

Law degree: about one-third of law librarians have a JD or LLB, but fewer than 20% of positions require both degrees

While a law degree is not a strict requirement to become a law librarian, it can be beneficial and open up more job opportunities. About one-third of law librarians have a law degree, such as a JD (Juris Doctor) or LLB (Bachelor of Laws), from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). However, less than 20% of law librarian positions actually require both a law degree and a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) or its equivalent.

A law degree can be particularly useful for certain types of law librarian positions. For example, directors of law school libraries typically have faculty status and are therefore required to have law degrees. Additionally, many reference librarian positions in law schools also require a law degree. On the other hand, a law degree is rarely a requirement for law librarian roles in law firms, corporations, or county, court, or other government law libraries.

If you already have a law degree and want to become a law librarian, you should consider obtaining an MLIS or a similar master's degree in library and information science. This combination of degrees will qualify you for a wider range of professional positions in law librarianship.

Several schools offer joint JD/MLS programs, allowing students to earn both degrees simultaneously. These programs typically require at least four years of study. The University of Washington, for example, offers an intensive one-year program that includes three academic quarters followed by a three-week fieldwork study at a law library or legal information organization.

In addition to a master's degree, gaining practical experience through internships or fieldwork in law libraries can also enhance your qualifications and prepare you for a career in law librarianship.

Career paths: law librarians can work in academic, corporate, government, and firm libraries

Law librarians can work in academic, corporate, government, and firm libraries. Here are some of the career paths available within these categories:

Academic Law Libraries

Academic law libraries provide information, research, and instruction for faculty and students of a law school. Some academic law libraries also offer public access to government information through the Federal Depository Library Program. Academic law librarians are the point people for students, faculty, and public patrons using library resources for research. They may also teach first-year research and writing courses and participate in advanced, upper-division courses. Academic law librarians earn an average of $75,000 per year, while academic law library directors can make up to $159,000.

Law Firm Libraries

Law firm libraries are not open to the public but serve the attorneys and other legal professionals in a law office. Law librarians in this setting focus on providing legal research specific to the company or department, including assisting with special legal projects and analyzing government documents. They may also be involved in managing the law library's information systems, website, and social media presence. Reference and research librarians in law firms earn an average of $85,000 per year. A law firm or corporate library director can earn around $124,000.

Government Law Libraries

Government law libraries are located in courts, legislatures, or government agencies at the national, state, or local level. Their mission is to provide information to judges, legislators, and government attorneys. Some government law libraries, particularly county law libraries, are open to the public and work to make their materials accessible to laypeople. Government law librarians may also be involved in managing information systems and websites. They earn an average of $67,000 per year, while government law library directors can make up to $97,000.

Corporate Libraries

Corporate libraries are information centres within businesses and organizations. Law librarians in this setting may provide research and information services to the legal department of a company, in addition to other departments. Reference and research librarians in corporate law firms also earn an average of $85,000 per year.

Salary: law librarians earn around $71,000 on average, with leadership roles earning substantially more

The salary of a law librarian depends on several factors, including the area of the country where they work, the type of library they work in, and their job title. According to Noodle.com, law librarians typically earn higher salaries than non-specialized librarians, with an average income of around $71,000.

Salaries for specific law librarian roles vary across different settings. For instance, reference and research librarians in corporate law firms earn around $85,000, while academic law librarians earn approximately $75,000, and government law librarians make about $67,000.

Advancing into leadership roles can significantly increase earnings. Academic law library directors have the highest salaries, with an average income of $159,000. Law firm or corporate library directors can expect to earn around $124,000, while government law library directors typically make $97,000.

It is important to note that these salary figures may not be representative of all law librarian positions and can fluctuate based on various factors, including geographic location and the specific organization. Additionally, law librarians with advanced degrees, specialized knowledge, or extensive experience may also have higher earning potential.

Core competencies: an understanding of the legal system, research skills, web design, instruction, and data science

Core Competencies

To become a law librarian, you will need a strong understanding of the legal system, excellent research skills, web design expertise, instruction abilities, and a good grasp of data science.

Understanding of the Legal System

Law librarians need to understand the structure of the legal system, including the relevant regulatory environment, at the national, state, and municipal levels. They must also be familiar with legal terminology, citation systems, and the various types of legal documents issued by different branches of government.

Research Skills

The ability to conduct efficient and effective legal research is a key skill for law librarians. They must be able to gather information from a variety of sources, including legal cases, statutes, and treatises, ensuring that the information is up-to-date and has not been overturned.

Web Design

Law librarians are often involved in creating web interfaces and designing online resources. Therefore, they need to understand web design principles and have the technical skills to create user-friendly interfaces that meet the needs of legal professionals.

Instruction

Law librarians often train patrons on how to use different library resources and may teach classes in academic settings. They should be able to effectively teach students, colleagues, and others how to use legal resources and help them find the information they need.

Data Science

With the increasing use of technology and artificial intelligence in the legal profession, law librarians need to have a strong foundation in technology and data science. They should be familiar with online databases, information systems, and the latest advancements in legal technology, such as artificial intelligence tools and chatbots, to assist patrons in accessing legal information.

Frequently asked questions