Considering Law Librarianship?
Introduction
Most law librarians work at law schools, law firms, corporations, state, county and court law libraries, and companies selling legal information products. According to data from the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL), about one-third of law librarians have a JD. An “overwhelming majority” have an MLS (master of library science). Some law school libraries are beginning to advertise positions for people who only have a JD or who have a JD and have started an MLS program, but AALL indicates those job openings are definitely the exception.
2009 AALL data shows average annual salaries for different types of law librarians. The range reflects the variety of professional positions available in each library, from generalist to director.
- Private firm/corporation librarians: $49,963 to $107,403 (with average annual bonuses ranging from $1,756 to $8,287)
- Academic librarians: $45,130 to $153,327
- State, county and court librarians: $45,471 to $92,080
Resources for Exploring Law Librarianship Drake Law LibrariansThe librarians are listed under Faculty. We’d be happy to talk to Drake law students about law librarianship. Feel free to stop by or e-mail.
Careers in Law Librarianship: Is a Career as a Law Librarian Right For You? This AALL site includes links to general information about law librarianship, job opportunities, educational requirements, scholarships, and more.
Update to Choosing Law Librarianship: Thoughts for People Contemplating a Career Move by Mary Whisner, Head of Reference Gallagher Law Library of the University of Washington
This article includes insights into what librarians do, their educational background, and the salary possibilities.
Serena Brooks,
Educating Aspiring Law Librarians: A Student's Perspective, 97 Law Library Journal 517 (2005).
This article explores how to best prepare to become a law librarian.
Law-Lib Responses on
Career Advice for Academic Law Librarians Law-Lib is an electronic discussion list for law librarians. This May 2006 post summarizes the advice other list members shared about academic law librarianship.
Resources for Exploring Librarianship in General Education and Careers The American Library Association (ALA) provides an overview of the profession with data on salaries and job availability and additional information on education and degrees, professional development, and employment opportunities.
Librarianship as a Career (from Robert Teeter)
This page offers a collection of links related to librarianship.
Placements and Salaries: 2010 Library Journal’s annual feature looking at librarian job placements and starting salaries.
“
How to Become a Librarian”
This 2005 Library Journal article discusses the variety of opportunities available in librarianship and the path to librarianship.
New Librarians This page offers a collection of Library Journal articles of interest to new librarians.
Just For FunAm I Geeky Enough to be a Librarian? Take the Librarian Avengers quiz and find out.
Read
Why You Should Fall to Your Knees and Worship a Librarian Enjoy this classic essay on the power of librarianship from Librarian Avengers.
Other Non-Traditional Options for JDs
Not convinced? Let the Library Help You Find Other Non-Traditional Options
