The Judges of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit invite applications from qualified persons for the position of Circuit Librarian.
The Judges of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit invite applications from qualified persons for the position of Circuit Librarian.
This job uses the Judiciary Salary Plan (Court Unit Executive) JSP/15-16. Please see "Clarification from the agency" for more information.
Starting salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. The Court anticipates that the Circuit Librarian will enter on duty in August 2025 to provide a brief overlap with incumbent, who retires at the end of September 2025. This announcement is open until filled. Applicants must be United States Citizens or eligible to work in the United States to apply to this posting.
The Circuit Librarian is responsible for the administration of the Fifth Circuit Library System and related services for the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
The Fifth Circuit Library System consists of the headquarters library in New Orleans and eight branch libraries located across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Its primary mission is to serve the information needs of all federal judges, chambers staff, and other court personnel throughout the Circuit. In addition to serving the federal courts, the library provides limited services to other federal agencies, state and local courts, the legal community, and the public.
Responsibilities
The Circuit Librarian manages the operation of all library locations and is responsible for long-range strategic planning, policy development and implementation, budget oversight, human resource management, library automation, acquisition of legal subscriptions and publications, development and delivery of electronic tools and resources, planning and managing of library space and facilities, and overseeing the provision of legal research in all information formats and the training of library users in all research sources.
As a unit executive of the court of appeals, the Circuit Librarian also participates in making upper-level policy and management decisions involving library operations and employees.
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Candidates must have a minimum of three years of specialized experience that provided an opportunity to acquire a thorough knowledge of the basic principles, polices, practices, and theories of supervisory library management. At least ten years of legal library experience, with demonstrated management and supervisory skills in public service or business which provided a thorough understanding of organizational, procedural, and human aspects in managing a complex organization, is preferred. A comprehensive understanding of library operations and management concepts is essential, including experience using an integrated library system (such as SIRSI), Westlaw, Lexis, and Bloomberg Law. Additional desirable qualifications include specialized education in public or judicial administration, training in court management, knowledge of automated systems, analytical skills, polished oral and written communication skills, creativity, and initiative.
Candidates must have an M.L.S./M.L.I.S. from an ALA-accredited program. A J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school is desirable but not required.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
The court will also conduct an evaluation of each applicants' qualifications and materials after receipt of a complete application packet.
A complete applicant's packet must include: a cover letter, resume, salary history, and three professional references.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, salary history, and three professional references, via email (as a single PDF only) to: court_vacancy@ca5.uscourts.gov
Due to the volume of applications received, only applicants who are selected for interviews will be contacted by the court.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
