Description

Overview

The University of Wisconsin Law Library seeks an energetic and intellectually curious professional to join our team as the Student Success and Reference Librarian. This newly restructured position is responsible for instructional outreach and coordinating services to our diverse student body. The position is a unique opportunity for self-starters with a passion for working with students.  Individuals skilled in outreach to different types of stakeholders, such as administrators and student organizations, are well-suited for this position.  We are looking for an individual with initiative and excitement for creating partnerships in the law school and on campus, positioning the Law Library to best ascertain and meet the needs of our students.

In addition, the Student Success and Reference Librarian will join a team of reference librarians dedicated to providing high-quality reference, research, instructional, and outreach services to the UW Law School community and beyond. This position works regularly scheduled hours at the reference desk, which may include occasional weekend or evening hours. There is an opportunity for some remote work.

All Law Library staff members work closely together to create a learning and working environment that supports diversity, equity, and belonging for all students, staff, faculty, and public patrons.

Located in the city of Madison on an isthmus between two scenic lakes, providing ample opportunity for sailing, kayaking, and water sports in summer and hiking, ice skating, and snow sports in winter, the law building is just a short walk from Lake Mendota, the Wisconsin State Capitol, and the pedestrian-only State Street with its shops, restaurants, and bistros. Madison is frequently ranked as one of the nation's most livable cities with its many parks, green spaces, and miles of dedicated walking and biking trails. It is affordable, vibrant, and welcoming to newcomers. 

Key Job Responsibilities

• Designs, develops, delivers, and assesses instruction in a variety of formats to faculty, staff, students, and other patrons
• Serves as a liaison to academic disciplines and/or other campus units providing information on collections, instructional and research support, and library services
• Develops or coordinates specialized projects or programs
• Initiates and solicits input to modify policies, procedures, and assessment tools to improve workflows and/or user experiences
• Develops, curates, and manages collections

Additional Unique Responsibilities

• Provides specialized reference and research services in American, foreign, and international law through in-person, chat, and email reference, including regular service at the reference desk and occasional evening or weekend hours
• Leads student outreach through email, social media, student organizations, and collaboration with Student Affairs, Student Success, the Academic Enhancement Program, and other campus partners to support student success and wellbeing
• Participates in collection development by selecting print and electronic resources in assigned subject areas, serving on the collection development committee, soliciting faculty and staff input, and promoting collections and services that support teaching and scholarship.

Requirements

Required Education:

• ALA-accredited Master's degree in library and information science or significant progress toward degree - required
• JD or significant progress toward degree - required

Required Qualifications:

• Experience working in an academic or law library
• Familiarity with legal research tools and resources
• Experience delivering instruction to groups and individuals through courses, guest lectures, or similar settings
• Ability to develop and/or improve library instruction programs and services
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities and to meet deadlines in a complex work environment
• Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences
• Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Commitment to user-centered service

Additional Information:

Target start date for this position is on or around January 1, 2027, but start date is flexible depending on the successful candidate's availability.

Applicants must submit cover letter and resume through the Jobs at UW website: https://jobs.wisc.edu/jobs/student-success-and-reference-librarian-madison-wisconsin-united-states by the full consideration date of August 17, 2026. In your cover letter, please explain how your education, skills, and professional experience meet each of the required qualifications and address any preferred qualifications for which you have relevant experience.

Please feel free to contact Search Committee Chair Liz Manriquez at emanriquez@wisc.edu with any questions you have about the position or working at UW Law.  Additionally, Liz will be attending the AALL Annual Meeting along with several of our law librarians. All are excited to discuss this rare opportunity to join a team committed to providing pioneering services for our faculty and students. Look for our purple "We are Hiring" ribbons!