The Empirical Research Law Librarian. Part 2: Developing the Role

Abstract

For several years, the Reference Department of the Lillian Goldman Law Library at Yale Law School had witnessed a growing demand for empirical research support services. This increase mirrored broader trends in librarianship. Data and empirical specializations are on the rise, as reflected in the Library Journal's 2013 placements and salaries article, "The Emerging Databrarian." As the article explains, many libraries are creating stand-alone positions in these growth areas, and still more are folding "databrarian" skills into traditional job descriptions, such as reference librarian. That is, library directors are seeking individuals who can fill reference, technical service, or rare books roles while incorporating their knowledge of digital curation, e-learning, or social science statistics into their daily work. As described in Part I of this series, our law library followed this route when advertising for an empirical addition to the Reference & Instructional Services department. Data from that librarian's first year on the job illustrates this hybrid service model in action.