Reference Librarian

The Orange County Public Law Library seeks a collaborative, detail-oriented, and self-directed Reference Librarian.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide reference assistance to patrons at the reference desk and over the telephone, e-mail, and chat
• Create and maintain research guides and finding aids
• Provide instruction and guidance for use of library resources
• Assist in the direction and training of paraprofessional staff
• Participate in collection development and management
• Engage in professional development activities

Other duties:

• Participate in evaluating and implementing new policies and procedures
• Provide circulation assistance when needed
• Interpret and explain law library rules and procedures to patrons

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Library Science (or related field) from an accredited institution
• Two years of increasingly responsible experience as a professional librarian, preferably within a law library
• Knowledge of the operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive law library
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of professional library work
• Knowledge of legal research techniques and resources
• Ability to address conflict appropriately

Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience, currently within the range of $78,948-96,031. Benefits include pension, health, paid holidays, and annual leave. Non-managerial staff are governed by a collective bargaining agreement with the Orange County Employees Association.

Candidates are asked to submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references to Mr. Brendan Starkey, Director, at applications@ocpll.org. References will not be contacted until farther along in the hiring process, and only after approval from the candidate. The deadline for submission is May 22, 2026.

Orange County Public Law Library is a state-chartered comprehensive public library in Santa Ana, CA that provides legal information materials and research assistance to the legal community and public of Orange County (pop. 3.2 million) and beyond.  Its collection of 387,000 volumes and volume equivalents makes it one of the larger public law libraries in the state.