Job Description

Perkins Coie LLP has an immediate opening for a Director of Library and Research Services. This role is responsible for the successful operation of a firm-wide, centralized research services department. Library & Research Services is a strategic service, valued by the firm for the responsiveness and quality of its work. The Director manages all aspects of the department including long-range strategic planning, awareness and understanding of new legal research technology, budget development and control, cost recovery initiatives, personnel management and professional development, and active support of the information needs of attorneys and administrative departments. The Director of Library & Research Services manages vendor relations and keeps abreast of innovative offerings in the marketplace and available technologies, including researching and identifying industry trends. As a member of the Technology Leadership Team, the Director may be called upon to contribute to Technology department efforts.

Essential Functions:

• Develop and empower a team of high-level managers to establish and implement short- and long-term plans, procedures and policies in support of the firm’s business strategies, and support and contribute to all essential functions.
• Effectively communicates at senior levels of the organization to enhance understanding, share ideas, garner support, resolve differences, address challenges, and build relationships.
• Foster communications and develop strategic alliances with attorneys in all offices to ensure that the various practice groups are receiving the services and resources needed to support their practices.
• Develop, manage and monitor department budget, and maintain financial controls for library expenditures across departments, including cost recovery options and revenue generating work product. Provide oversight of the collection development process and manage library space planning in conjunction with local office administrators.
• Evaluate databases and coordinate and facilitate the procurement process.  Manage online services, including evaluation, installation, implementation, and training plans. Monitor terms of contracts and license agreements to assure compliance.
• Market and promote the library through seminars, workshops and training for legal and administrative staffs to maximize effective use of electronic and print research tools and related technologies.
• Coordinate the development and application of library technology. Monitor new technology developments as they affect the Firm’s delivery of information resources and make recommendations for new purchases.
• Support and guide a strong team with a commitment to responsiveness, excellent customer service, and high-quality work supporting the research needs of attorneys and related staff. Recruit, mentor, and guide professional and administrative library personnel, including ongoing coaching and evaluation.
• Develop and maintain business processes to ensure request distribution and recording of research using Service Now and increased access to resources via SydneyEnterprise or other tools.
• Network with professional colleagues through seminars, conferences, meetings, and be in the forefront of developments that affect law firm management. Contribute to professional organizations through active participation.
• Perform other duties, as assigned.

Travel:
This position may require travel.

Required Skills:

• Significant hands-on experience managing all aspects of a Global, multi-office law firm library, including automation and technology, reference and research services, collection and digital resources management, and human resource management.
• Ability to work with attorneys and staff at all levels within the firm, function effectively as a team player, and exercise independent judgment and diplomacy when handling difficult situations.
• Experience with outreach initiatives based on a thorough understanding of the information needs of the firm, and the active support of all practice group and department projects.
• Experience with contract negotiation and fostering productive relationships with vendors.
• Fiscal management experience, including the acquisitions and budgeting processes, and all aspects of law firm financial management.
• Knowledge of information technology, including integrated library and workflow systems, and enterprise applications, and experience working collaboratively with technology departments to implement systems and programs.
• Working knowledge of a wide-range of legal, business, competitive intelligence, and general information resources in all media.
• Proven leadership skills, including the ability to lead by example, train, motivate and mentor staff, foster a collaborative environment and delegate assignments fairly.
• Ability to prioritize projects rapidly and efficiently, be proactive, flexible, adaptable, and detail-oriented.
• Possess creative and pragmatic problem-solving abilities, demonstrate a proactive, flexible and adaptable management style and good judgment in decision-making and project management.
• Excellent writing, presentation, communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• A commitment to providing quality service with a high degree of responsibility and professionalism.

Education & Experience:
An MLS degree from an ALA-accredited library or information science program is required. Requires a minimum of 10 years’ experience, with at least 5 years on a management level.

Application Link:
https://perkinscoie.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/perkinscoieexternal/job/Seattle/Director-of-Library-Services_R0002167

How to Apply

Job Categories: Equal Opportunities. Job Types: Full-Time.

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