How to become a law librarian

Is becoming a law librarian right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do law librarians do?

Still unsure if becoming a law librarian is the right career path? to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become a law librarian or another similar career!

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How to become a Law Librarian

Becoming a law librarian involves a combination of education, experience, and professional development. Here are the steps you can take to pursue a career as a law librarian:

  • Bachelor's Degree: Start by obtaining a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. While there is no specific major requirement, a background in library science, law, information science, or a related field is beneficial.
  • Master's Degree: Pursue a Master's Degree in Library Science or Library and Information Science with a focus on law librarianship. Look for programs accredited by the American Library Association (ALA).
  • Law Library Internships or Assistant Positions: Gain practical experience through internships or assistant positions in law libraries. This hands-on experience is crucial for understanding the unique demands and nuances of law librarianship.
  • Specialized Courses and Certifications: Take specialized courses in law librarianship during your MLIS program. These courses may cover legal research methodologies, legal bibliography, and information resources specific to law. Consider earning certifications such as the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) Certification for Legal Information Professionals (CLIP) to enhance your credentials.
  • Networking and Professional Involvement: Join professional organizations such as the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL). Attend conferences, workshops, and events to network with law librarians and stay informed about industry trends. Participate in regional or local law library associations and engage with colleagues to build a professional network.
  • Law Library Positions: Look for entry-level positions in law libraries, legal information centers, or related institutions. Positions such as Law Library Assistant or Research Assistant can provide valuable experience.
  • Gain Experience in Different Settings: Seek opportunities to work in different types of law library settings, such as academic law libraries, law firms, government agencies, or court libraries. This exposure will broaden your understanding of diverse legal environments.
  • Advanced Degrees (Optional): Consider pursuing advanced degrees such as a J.D. (Juris Doctor) if you are interested in working in academic law libraries or law firms. While not always required, having a law degree can enhance your qualifications.
  • Stay Informed and Updated: Stay informed about developments in law, legal research tools, and information technologies. Subscribe to legal information and library science journals to stay current in the field. Engage in continuous professional development by attending workshops, webinars, and training programs offered by professional associations and organizations.
  • Build a Professional Portfolio: Develop a portfolio that showcases your academic achievements, relevant coursework, certifications, and practical experience. Highlight any research projects, presentations, or publications related to law librarianship.

Helpful Resources
Law librarians can access a variety of resources to stay informed, enhance their skills, and connect with the legal information community. Here are some helpful resources for law librarians:

  • American Association of Law Libraries (AALL): AALL is the premier professional organization for law librarians. It offers resources, networking opportunities, and professional development.
  • Law Librarians' Society of Washington, D.C. (LLSDC): LLSDC provides resources, events, and networking opportunities for law librarians in the Washington, D.C. area.
  • Westlaw and LexisNexis: Leading legal research platforms that provide access to comprehensive legal databases, statutes, case law, and other legal materials.
  • Bloomberg Law: Another prominent legal research platform offering a wide range of legal resources and tools for law librarians.
  • Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Law and Political Science Section: ACRL's section focuses on academic law librarianship, offering resources and professional development opportunities.
  • Law Library Journal: Published by AALL, this journal covers scholarly articles and practical information on law librarianship.
  • In Custodia Legis (Law Library of Congress Blog): Features posts on legal research, collection highlights, and updates from the Law Library of Congress.
  • SCCLL Blog (State, Court, and County Law Libraries Special Interest Section): AALL's blog covering topics relevant to state, court, and county law libraries.
  • Legal Information Preservation Alliance (LIPA): LIPA offers webinars and resources related to the preservation of legal information.
  • AALL Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Catalog: AALL's catalog provides access to webinars and educational resources for law librarians.
  • Legal Information Institute (LII): Based at Cornell Law School, LII provides free access to legal resources, including statutes and case law.
  • FindLaw: Offers legal information and resources for legal professionals, including articles, case law, and legal forms.
  • Law-Lib Listserv: A longstanding discussion forum for law librarians, facilitating information exchange and professional discussions.
  • CALL Archives (Canadian Association of Law Libraries): An online community for law librarians in Canada and beyond, providing a platform for sharing information and resources.