Law Librarianship
Law librarianship combines an emphasis on legal
information sources and services and law library management with
a general preparation for professional librarianship. With this
academic background, a graduate might pursue a career with a private
law firm, a government agency or court system, a special library,
or a law school library. Some law librarians hold degrees both
in law and in library/information science. While not necessary
for many positions in law libraries, a law degree is frequently
required for administrative positions in academic and research
legal collections.
The CUA School of Library and Information Science
offers a variety of courses that focus on law librarianship. Each
student will take four required core courses along with appropriate
mid-level and advanced courses. The student will consult with
his/her advisor to determine which courses will best meet his/her
personal and professional needs. Required core courses for all
students are:
In addition to the required core courses,
students can build a concentration in law librarianship. Recommended
elective courses for law librarianship are:
Suggested specialty courses for law librarianship
are:
Joint degree program:
The CUA School of Library and Information Science
offers a joint degree program with the university's Columbus School
of Law, enabling students to combine study in both law and library
science. The student is required to earn 27 credits toward the
M.S. in L.S. degree; up to 12 credits from library and information
science may be applied to the J.D. degree. Students must apply
to both programs simultaneously and be accepted by both schools.
For further information about the Columbus School of Law, contact
its Admissions Office at 202/319-5151.
Associations of interest to students
in law librarianship
Professional associations for law librarians
are important sources of information about the profession, continuing
education opportunities, scholarship support, and networking.
Most have student membership rates. For further information contact:
American Association of Law Libraries (AALL)
53 W. Jackson Boulevard, Suite 940
Chicago, IL 60604
Phone: 312/939-4764 Fax: 312/431-1097
Law Librarians' Society of Washington, D.C.
(LLSWDC)
699 South Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 703/683-5107
Virginia Association of Law Libraries (VALL)
c/o Virginia State Law Library
Supreme Court Building
100 N. 9th Street, 2nd Floor
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 804/786-2075
Publications of interest to students
in law librarianship
Law Library Journal
(published by the American Association of Law Libraries)
Law Library Lights
(published by the Law Librarians' Society of Washington, D.C.)
Government Information Quarterly
Revised, February 1997
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