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Law Librarian, Penn State Dickinson Law, University Park

Penn State University Park Full time

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

 

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

 

POSITION SPECIFICS

Penn State Dickinson Law invites applications for an innovative and collaborative Law Librarian to join the library team at the Law School’s University Park location. This is a tenure-track faculty appointment, with tenure administered through the Penn State University Libraries.

Founded in 1834, Penn State Dickinson Law is the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s first law school and one of the oldest in the nation. Fully accredited by the ABA and a member of the AALS since 1912, Dickinson Law’s mission is to educate and train lawyers equipped to excel in an evolving legal profession. The Law School is guided by core values of teaching, scholarship, service, and community, which define our mission and culture.

Position Overview

The successful candidate will provide expert legal research support, teach legal research to first-year law students, and collaborate closely with faculty, staff, and students to advance the Law School’s academic mission. This position offers the opportunity to engage meaningfully in the Law School’s clinics, outreach programs, and faculty governance.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Provide reference and research assistance to law students, faculty, administrators, and the public (in person, via email, and phone).
  • Serve as library liaison to various law school clinics and programs.
  • Develop and implement outreach efforts to students, faculty, and the broader community.
  • Teach introductory legal research in the required first-year curriculum and contribute to other instructional opportunities.
  • Participate in collection development and resource curation.
  • Create and maintain research guides (LibGuides) and other digital resources.
  • Contribute to creating a diverse, inclusive, and student-centered library environment.
  • Collaborate on library communications, including social media and website content.
  • Participate fully as a member of the law faculty, including service on faculty committees.

Qualifications

  • Required: J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school (or equivalent non-U.S. law degree).
  • Preferred: M.L.S. (or equivalent) from an ALA-accredited institution. Substantial experience in legal research may substitute for this requirement.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of legal research databases and resources.
  • Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced academic setting.

Faculty Rank and Tenure

This tenure-track position will be appointed at the rank of Assistant Librarian with tenure within the Penn State University Libraries. Candidates must demonstrate excellence in librarianship, an established record of scholarly research and publication, and significant service to the profession and institution. More information about faculty appointments and University Library tenure criteria is available here: UL-ACG07 Promotion and Tenure Criteria

               

As part of The Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Dickinson Law is committed to and is accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission. Penn State’s Values can be found here.

This position is based in University Park, PA. The University prioritizes regular on-site presence to support full engagement in the campus community. Full-time, tenure-line faculty are expected to work on-site. Questions about work arrangements should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.     

               

All candidate materials must be submitted via the Penn State Career website. Interested candidates should upload a cover letter and a resume or CV, with a brief statement indicating how they would contribute to creating and maintaining an inclusive and respectful environment for all. A candidate’s application materials are expected to provide clear evidence supporting Penn State values and accessibility throughout their librarianship, teaching, research, and/or service.         

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Candidates should provide the names, titles, and contact information (telephone, email, and mailing address) of three (3) professional references. Candidates who advance in the search will be notified to confirm that their references may be contacted. Employment will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.


Individual compensation packages are based on various factors unique to each candidate, including a candidate’s qualifications, education, experience, and rank. In addition to a competitive salary, full-time employees also receive a comprehensive benefits program, generous paid time off, and an undergraduate tuition discount for employees and eligible family members.

 

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

 

 

 

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

 

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

 

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

 

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

 

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

 

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