Trick question! Saying the word, “librarian,” is a bit like saying the word, “lawyer.” The word by itself doesn’t tell you what that person does until you add a marker in front of it, such as, “environmental lawyer.” Even then, there is a lot of nuance and diversity within each role! Let’s get started on breaking down what law librarianship looks like in 2025 and how you can learn more about the field.

Introduction

The research librarians you know and love here at Zief are academic research librarians, but there are other kinds of research librarians that you’ll meet in your legal career. Librarianship is part of a field called information science, and are generally referred to as information professionals. Generally, a career in law librarianship will include, “researching, analyzing, and evaluating the quality, accuracy, and validity of sources; teaching and training; writing; managing; and procuring and classifying library materials” (American Association of Law Libraries). Continue reading to explore current trends and career resources!

Blogs and current trends

Check out what law librarians are up to!

1. Law and Technology Resources for Legal Professionals / llrx.com
   1. Stay up to date with current trends with this monthly e-journal and the accompanying blog, beSpacific.
2. In Custodia Legis, Law Librarians of Congress
   1. “…covers current legal trends, developments and enhancements to Congress.gov, issues in collecting for the largest law library in the world, legal history and arcana and a range of international perspectives” (About this Blog: In Custodia Legis).

Explore programs and careers

Law librarianship degree programs

People pursuing law librarianship often earn a Masters of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree, but more law librarianship-specific programs are gaining traction. These programs are often shorter, requiring one year instead of the traditional two to three, and are tailored to legal professionals with J.D.s.

1. Select “Law Librarianship/Legal Information Services” on the ALA-accredited programs search list. You can select other areas of librarianship you’re interested in and search by geographic location.

Careers

Interested in academic law librarianship? Or corporate? Or public? There are lots of paths to take within law librarianship. Explore the following resources to get a sense of what is out there!

1. Visit the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) Career Center website to look at current openings.
   1. The AALL is a professional organization to connect you with other legal information professionals, and there are more professional organizations that may speak to your identity or interests, such as:
      1. American Indian Library Association
      2. Asian Pacific American Libraries Association
      3. National Association of Government Archives and Records Administrators
      4. Public Library Association
      5. And more!
2. Read the Law Librarians blog post, “How to Become a Law Librarian” to learn more about skills needed for the profession, career paths, and where law librarians work.
3. Ask a Zief Law Librarian! Email lawlibrarians@usfca.edu or make an office hours appointment.