Description

Purpose of Role:

• Assists the Web Content Administrator in the management of the People’s Law Library (PLL) website. PLL, originally developed by Maryland public interest law groups and now managed by the Maryland Thurgood Marshall State Law Library (TMSLL), is the Judiciary’s primary method of providing legal information and referral assistance to self-represented litigants.
• Assists with technology development efforts, including upgrades to the content management platform, enhancements to accessibility, and web usability. The Web Services Librarian’s essential technology- related responsibilities include: developing directory and calendar optimizations to enhance delivery of material relevant to self-represented litigants; identifying and correcting coding errors within PLL pages; applying current accessibility standards and best practices to all site pages; coordinating with outside vendors on enhancements to content management systems; and working on other projects as directed.
• Assists in ensuring that PLL delivers reliable, accurate, and relevant content to users. Essential responsibilities include: identifying out of date and incorrect site content and taking remedial action, as directed; ensuring that legal services directory information is accurate and categorized; and responding to patron questions and suggestions for site improvements.
• Maintains and improves the TMSLL website. Essential responsibilities include: updating content; maintaining and evaluating website statistics; and assisting in selection and maintenance of future content management systems and internet domain name coordination.
• Participates in the provision of reference and research assistance to all segments of the Library’s user population, as needed.

Note: In addition to applying through the Maryland Judiciary Careers page (https://www.mdcourts.gov/careers), please send a resume and cover letter to claire.schatzle@mdcourts.gov. 

As part of the Maryland Thurgood Marshall State Law Library, you will be joining a progressive team of library professionals who are extremely excited about the future innovations of the State Law Library.  Planning is underway for a new Courts of Appeal building, which will include a new home for the State Law Library.  The selected candidate will play an integral role in the organization of the new library.

Requirements

Education:  Bachelor’s Degree

Experience:  Two (2) years of related work experience which must include library or legal writing experience.

Note: Substitutes for the two years of experience may include: a Master’s Degree in Library Science from a program that is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA); a Master’s Degree in a computer-related field; or a Juris Doctor from a law school that is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).

Preferred: Undergraduate or graduate degree in computer science, information systems, or library science. Spanish proficiency is preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

TECHNOLOGY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• MS Windows-based operating systems.
• MS Office Suite (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access).
• Adobe Acrobat.
• Experience with content management systems; expertise with Drupal 8 or 9, with associated modules, is strongly preferred.
• Various graphics programs (Photoshop, GIMP, MS Publisher, Paint Shop Pro, etc.).
• Knowledge of internet browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari).
• Knowledge of web authoring tools and standards, and page design principles.
• Knowledge of web programming in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript or a similar language.
• Knowledge of web design, including the use of content management systems.
• Knowledge of website design and management.
• Ability to keep abreast of web technology developments, particularly new developments in web content management systems.
• Knowledge of web programming in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript or a similar language.
• Knowledge and experience with the Drupal content management system is preferred.

LEGAL WRITING AND CLEAR WRITING

• Knowledge of office software applications, such as word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, and e-mail.
• Correct usage of business English, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• Understanding of how adults learn and retain information, especially in a web environment.
• Capacity to develop and implement quality control mechanisms for website content and maintenance.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

• Ability to work independently and to pay close attention to detail.
• Ability to establish priorities.
• Ability to collect and analyze data for evaluation of websites.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Ability to read and understand court documents, legal publications, and complex instructions.
• Ability to use required communication technologies.
• Ability to communicate well, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to use a computer for extended periods of time.