Director of Library and Research Services

Description

Job Summary

The Director of Library & Research Services is responsible for leading the firm’s library and research functions, ensuring attorneys and staff have access to high-quality legal and business research, competitive intelligence, and knowledge management resources. This role will oversee the strategic direction, budgeting, and management of the firm’s library and research services, while fostering innovation, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in legal information resources.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for the firm’s library’s operations and research services to support attorneys, paralegals, and other professionals.
• Lead and manage a team of librarians and research professionals, ensuring high levels of service delivery and professional development.
• Establish best practices and workflows to enhance research efficiency and knowledge management across the firm.
• Provide high-level legal, business, and competitive intelligence research to attorneys, practice groups, marketing, and firm leadership.
• Evaluate and implement research tools, databases, and technology solutions to enhance service offerings.
• Collaborate with attorneys and practice groups to tailor research and knowledge management solutions that support client matters and business development.
• Oversee the acquisition, management, and curation of digital and print research resources, ensuring cost-effective and strategic use of materials.
• Negotiate contracts and subscriptions with vendors to optimize pricing and service levels.
• Maintain relationships with legal research vendors and industry partners to ensure the firm remains at the forefront of legal research capabilities.
• Ensure compliance with licensing agreements and copyright regulations related to research and library materials.
• Design and deliver research training programs for attorneys, paralegals, and staff to maximize the effective use of research tools and library resources.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in legal research and information management, sharing insights with firm leadership.
• Responsible for the oversight, leadership, performance management and coordination of Library and Word Processing staff.
• Establish Library budget, review and approve invoices for timely payment, and negotiate with service vendors.
• Maintain confidentiality of client and Firm information, and adheres to all of the Firm’s policies and procedures.
• Flexibility to work extended hours as needed to meet deadlines and project goals.
• Uphold the firm’s reputation as the premier source for sophisticated legal counsel by delivering superior outcomes, service, and value to every client and matter.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

Qualifications and Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Legal Studies, Information Science or Library Science required.
• Minimum 7 years’ experience in legal research, law libraries, or knowledge management, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Prior department management/supervisory experience preferred.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, solid command of the English language, demonstrated understanding of correct grammar, spelling and punctuation; excellent proofreading skills.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, flexibility, and a willingness to adapt to change.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships while work effectively and cooperatively with all levels of professional and support staff.
• Ability to act with integrity and professionalism, and to maintain confidentiality.