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

To become a law librarian, you'll need a strong academic background and a master's degree from an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited institution. A liberal arts college education is recommended, with classes in computer science, writing, communication, and research methodology. Most law librarian positions require a master's degree in library science or library and information science, with some institutions offering specialisations in law librarianship. Less than a quarter of law library jobs require both an MLIS and a JD (law degree). However, it's beneficial to have a broad knowledge of the law and the ability to conduct legal research. Internships, volunteer work, or part-time employment at a law library or other library is also advantageous.

Law Librarian Educational Requirements

Law librarians are skilled information science professionals with expertise in the legal system. They advise, analyse, research, and evaluate legal information for attorneys, academics, students, and the general public.

To become a law librarian, you will need to attend college and graduate school. While in high school, classes in civics, government, history, English, and computer science will give you a useful introduction to the field.

A liberal arts college education will provide a well-rounded educational background. Consider taking computer classes, as computers are frequently used in modern libraries. Classes that strengthen your writing and communication skills, and those with a strong focus on research methodology, will also be beneficial.

The vast majority of law librarians have a master's degree—generally a Master of Library Science (MLS or M.L.S.) or a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS or M.L.I.S.). Most positions in this field require one of these master's degrees from an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited institution.

A typical library study graduate program will include courses in reference and research work, cataloguing, computers, library organisation, collection management, and administration. A program with a focus on information science will include courses in computer science, mathematics, and systems analysis.

According to the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL), fewer than 20% of law library jobs require both an MLIS and a Juris Doctor (JD) or Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree. However, about one-third of all law librarians also have a law degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). Some schools offer a joint JD/MLS degree, where a student can earn both degrees simultaneously.

Other Requirements

Experience as an intern, volunteer, or part-time employee at a law library or other library is recommended.

Librarians must understand how libraries operate; they should have a broad knowledge of the law as well as the ability to conduct research. They should possess computer skills and know how to obtain information using technological resources. They need effective written and verbal communication skills to present research information to lawyers, judges, and other legal professionals.

A law librarian must have strong organisational skills and an analytical mind to manage the day-to-day operations of a typical law library. Other important traits include being a team player, having a customer-service-oriented personality, the ability to multitask, and a willingness to continue learning throughout their career.

Law Librarian Career Paths

Law librarians work in a variety of settings, including academic law libraries, state and county-level public law libraries, court houses, government agencies, private law firms, and more. Their patrons can be from the general public, law students, attorneys, and even judges.

Within the profession, there are several sub-specialties. Law librarians may be government information librarians, legal catalogers, technical services specialists, web design experts, information resources managers, research specialists, competitive intelligence analysts, business development market researchers, and more.

Law librarians are skilled information science professionals with expertise in the legal system. They advise, analyze, research, and evaluate legal information for attorneys, academics, students, and the general public. They know how to find the information that students, teachers, and law professionals need and are an invaluable resource in the legal field.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the library and media information field will grow by 9% by 2030. It is a wide-ranging industry with careers in academia, government, public service, and the private sector.

The law librarian's role varies depending on the needs of their employer. For example, in academic law libraries, law librarians are the point people for students, faculty, and public patrons using library resources for research. In contrast, in law firm libraries and government law offices, law librarians focus on providing legal research specific to the company or department. This includes assisting with special legal projects and analyzing government documents.

In addition, many law librarians manage their law library's information systems, websites, and social media presence. All law librarians are information systems professionals responsible for the library's information management, including cataloguing and classifying library collections.

Law librarians typically command higher salaries than non-specialized librarians. Their average income is around $71,000. Salaries for specific law librarian roles include:

• Reference and research librarians in corporate and law firms: $85,000
• Academic law librarians: $75,000
• Government law librarians: $67,000

Law librarians in leadership roles at law firms, law schools, and government libraries see a substantial increase in salaries:

• Academic law library director: $159,000
• Law firm or corporate library director: $124,000
• Government law library director: $97,000

Law Librarian Salary Expectations

The salary of a law librarian depends on several factors, including the area of the country, the type of library, and the job title. While salary expectations vary, law librarians typically command higher salaries than non-specialized librarians.

Salary Factors

The American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) Biennial Salary Survey provides the most current information about salaries for law librarians in the United States. According to the survey, the average hourly pay for a law librarian in the US as of October 1, 2024, is $33, with salaries ranging from $24 to $42. Most law librarians earn between $29 and $38 per hour.

The specific type of library and the job title also influence the salary. For example, reference and research librarians in corporate law firms and law firms earn an average of $85,000, while academic law librarians earn an average of $75,000, and government law librarians earn an average of $67,000.

Leadership Roles

Law librarians in leadership positions at law firms, law schools, and government libraries can expect a significant increase in salaries. Academic law library directors earn an average of $159,000, while law firm or corporate library directors earn $124,000, and government law library directors earn $97,000.

Educational Requirements

To become a law librarian, a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) or a similar degree is typically required. Less than 25% of law library jobs require both an MLIS and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Obtaining a JD can lead to higher salary expectations, especially in leadership roles.

Budgetary Constraints

It is important to consider budgetary constraints when discussing salary expectations. Libraries often have limited funds, and increasing salaries may require reducing the workforce, closing branches, or generating additional revenue through alternative means.

Geographic Location

The cost of living in a particular location also impacts salary expectations. For example, a director or assistant director position in a high-cost-of-living area may offer a salary of $50,000, which may be considered low compared to the local living expenses.

Unionization and Collective Bargaining

Organizing and unionizing can be a strategy to improve salary expectations for librarians. By collectively advocating for better wages and working conditions, librarians can potentially secure higher salaries, although this may depend on the support of other striking groups and the institution's budget constraints.

Salary Negotiation

When applying for a law librarian position, it is essential to consider the transferable skills and experience you bring to the role. If you have extensive experience in the legal field, you may be able to negotiate a higher salary, even if you are new to the librarian profession.

Salary Surveys

In addition to the AALL Biennial Salary Survey, other resources such as the TALL Salary Survey and the CALL Salary Survey can provide insights into salary expectations for law librarians. These surveys consider factors such as the type of library and years of experience to provide a more accurate estimate of salary expectations.

In conclusion, while there are no definitive answers to the question of law librarian salary expectations, several factors, including education, experience, geographic location, and the specific type of library and job title, influence the salary range for law librarians. By considering these factors and staying informed about the latest salary surveys, individuals can make more informed decisions about their career paths and salary negotiations in the field of law librarianship.

Law Librarian Core Competencies

Instructional Strategies for Legal Information

Law librarians should be adept at teaching legal research methods and instructing students, faculty, attorneys, and the general public on how to find the information they need. Instructional strategies should include different modalities such as online, in-person, synchronous, and asynchronous methods.

Legal Research Methods

A deep understanding of the legal system, legal terminology, legal citation systems, and legal documents is essential. Law librarians must be highly skilled in legal research, with knowledge of current research methods and tools, and be able to quickly search databases, internet resources, and catalogs to find needed information.

Information Management

Law librarians are responsible for the management of information in libraries, including cataloging, classifying, and archiving legal materials. They should also be knowledgeable about legal information systems and online databases such as Westlaw and LexisNexis.

Technology Skills

A good foundation in technology is crucial for law librarians. They should be able to use technology to enhance the effectiveness of the library, including web design and web-based methods to improve access to information.

Communication and Customer Service Skills

Strong communication skills are essential for interacting with library staff, patrons, and guests. Law librarians should also possess excellent customer service skills, including a focus on solutions rather than problems, and adaptability to new tools, systems, and situations.

Management Skills

Law librarians may be involved in managing the library's information systems, website, and social media presence. They may also take on leadership roles, requiring management skills such as administration and coordination of library services and resources.

Law Librarian Specialisations

Law librarianship offers a variety of niches and specialisations that can enhance job satisfaction. These include:

• Foreign and international law
• Government documents
• Patents
• Taxation
• Computer-related services
• Library administration
• Special collections, such as archives and antiquarian books

Courses

Specialty courses in these areas are offered by various universities. For example, the University of Washington offers the following courses as part of its MLIS in Law Librarianship:

• Instructional Strategies for Legal Information
• Legal Research Method
• Research and Writing in Law Librarianship
• Information Ownership & Control: Copyright
• Management Skills in Law Libraries

Other Specialisations

In addition to the above, law librarians may also specialise in certain types of law libraries. These include:

• Law firm libraries
• Law school libraries
• Corporate and government law libraries
• County, court or other government law libraries

Frequently asked questions