Becoming A Law Librarian: The Time Commitment

The path to becoming a law librarian varies depending on the specific requirements of the institution and the career goals of the individual. Most law librarian positions require a master's degree in library and information science from an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited institution. Obtaining such a degree typically takes around one to two years, with some programs offering specializations or joint degrees in law. While a law degree (JD or LLB) is not always mandatory, it may be preferred or required for certain positions, particularly in academic law libraries. Overall, the time to become a law librarian depends on the individual's previous education, the chosen program, and the desired career path within law librarianship.

A Master's in Library Science is the minimum qualification for most law librarian positions

A Masters in Library Science is the minimum qualification for most law librarian positions. This is typically a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree, but other names for the qualification include MLS, MSIS, and M.L.S. These degrees are usually required to be from an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited institution. The program introduces students to the principal theories in the field of library and information science and provides opportunities for practical application.

General competencies gained through the program include collection management, library management, library technology, information management, and information-seeking behavior. The core curriculum will also cover subject competencies such as an in-depth understanding of the legal system, law-specific research skills, web design, introductory data science, and teaching instruction.

Some schools offer a joint-degree program that provides academic preparation as a law librarian, allowing students to earn a law degree and a library degree simultaneously. Most of these joint-degree programs require at least four years of study. While a law degree is not necessary for most law librarian positions, it may be required for management positions in research and academic institutions, such as the director of a law school library.

The length of the program can vary depending on the school and the student's enrollment status. Some programs can be completed in as little as 10 months to one year with full-time attendance, while others may take up to two years or more and require a thesis or fieldwork. Part-time attendance is usually permitted, and many schools offer online education opportunities as well.

It is important to note that work experience in a law library is highly valued by employers. Students are encouraged to gain professional-level experience through internships, practicums, or regular employment during their studies. This not only enhances their resumes but also provides valuable insights into the profession and can help them make more informed career decisions.

A law degree is often required for management positions in research and academic institutions

The route to becoming a law librarian varies depending on the type of institution you want to work in. Most law librarian positions require a master's degree in library and information science from an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited institution. However, if you are interested in management positions in research and academic institutions, a law degree is often required in addition to a master's degree.

Law Degree Requirements

Directors of academic law libraries typically have faculty status and are therefore required to hold law degrees. Many reference librarian positions in law schools also require a law degree. In contrast, law librarian positions in law firms, corporations, or county, court, or other government law libraries rarely require a law degree.

Master's Degree Requirements

A master's degree in library and information science is the standard requirement for most professional library positions. The names of these degrees vary, including MLS, MLIS, and MSIS, but all reflect an appropriate entry-level educational requirement for law librarianship. Obtaining a master's degree from an ALA-accredited institution ensures graduates have the necessary competencies to work as law librarians.

Joint Degree Programs

Some schools offer joint JD/MLS degree programs, allowing students to earn a law degree and a library degree simultaneously. These programs typically require at least four years of study and are a good option for those seeking management positions in academic law libraries.

Other Considerations

In addition to a master's degree and/or a law degree, gaining practical experience through internships or employment in a law library is highly recommended. This provides valuable on-the-job training and can enhance your employability.

Overall, the path to becoming a law librarian, especially in management positions in research and academic institutions, typically involves obtaining a master's degree in library and information science and a law degree, along with gaining practical experience in the field.

A law librarian typically doesn't need to take the bar exam unless pursuing a law degree

Becoming a law librarian typically requires a Master's in Library Science, which can be completed in as few as 18 months, though some programs can last up to two years. Some universities offer dedicated law librarianship programs, which can be completed in as little as 10 months. These programs are often coupled with fellowships or internships at law libraries.

While a Law degree (JD) is not always necessary to become a law librarian, it is often required for management positions in research and academic institutions. Law librarians typically do not need to take the bar exam unless they are pursuing a law degree. However, some academic law libraries may require librarians to have a JD and be part of the faculty, as they may be expected to teach classes.

In some states, such as Washington, Vermont, California, and Virginia, it is possible to take the bar exam without a law degree. However, most people attend law school to gain the knowledge needed to pass the exam. The bar exam is a standardized test issued by the National Conference of Bar Examiners, consisting of multiple-choice questions, essay questions, and performance tests. It is a requirement for becoming a licensed lawyer in the United States.

While there may be some benefits to having a law license as a law librarian, such as increased credibility and potential for higher wages, it is not a requirement for most positions. Obtaining a law license also involves significant expenses, including exam registration fees, bar prep course costs, and regular licensure fees. Ultimately, the decision to take the bar exam depends on one's career goals and whether they intend to practice law in addition to working as a law librarian.

A law librarian's salary depends on the location, type of library, and job title

To become a law librarian, you will need a Master's in Library Science or a related field, which can be completed in 18 to 24 months. Some sources suggest that a Law degree is also required for certain positions, particularly management roles.

A law librarian's salary depends on several factors, including the location of the library, the type of library, and the job title held by the librarian.

Location plays a significant role in determining a law librarian's salary. Librarians working in certain areas of the country may earn higher wages than those in other regions. For example, salaries for librarians in the United States in 2018 showed variation depending on the state and the library's location within that state.

The type of library also influences salary levels. Law librarians can find employment in various settings, including law firms, law schools, courts, government organizations, businesses, and associations. Each of these settings may offer different remuneration packages. For instance, law librarians working in research and academic institutions often need a Law degree, and these positions tend to be higher paid.

Additionally, the specific job title and associated responsibilities can affect salary levels. Law librarians may hold positions such as Chief Knowledge Officer, Competitive Intelligence Analyst, Law Library Director, or Electronic Services Librarian, each with its own salary range.

While exact salary figures for these positions were not readily available, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics published a median annual salary for librarians in the United States in 2018, which was $59,050. However, it is important to note that law librarians typically earn higher salaries due to their specialized skills and qualifications.

Law librarianship specialisations are available as online master's programs

The path to becoming a law librarian varies depending on your previous qualifications and your desired specialisation. Most law librarians have a master's degree in Library Science or a related field, such as Information Science, Library and Information Science, or Library Media. These degrees typically take between 18 and 24 months to complete, although some can be completed in as little as 10 months with full-time attendance. Online programs are also available and may offer more flexibility in terms of completion time.

In addition to a master's degree, some law librarian positions require a law degree (JD or LLB) from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). However, fewer than 20% of law librarian positions actually require both degrees. Directors of law school libraries and reference librarians in law schools often need a law degree, while law librarians in firms, corporations, or government libraries typically do not. Some schools offer joint JD/MLS degree programs that can be completed in at least four years, providing a pathway to both qualifications.

Several universities offer online master's degree programs with concentrations or specialisations in Law Librarianship. These include:

• University of North Texas: Online Master of Science in Library Science with a Law Librarianship and Legal Informatics concentration, accredited by the American Library Association (ALA), consisting of 36 credit hours, including a practicum and capstone experience.
• University of Arizona: Master of Arts in Library and Information Science with a Law Librarianship/Legal Information concentration, ALA-accredited, consisting of 37 credits, with options for an internship and independent study.
• University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee: Online Master of Library and Information Science with an Information Law, Policy, and Ethics specialisation, ALA-accredited, emphasising skills in information and technology-rich settings.

These online programs typically require a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited institution, as well as other application components such as essays, letters of recommendation, and test scores (e.g. GRE). The specific requirements and curriculum vary depending on the specialisation and the school.

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