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How to Become a Law Librarian

Librarians are classified into groups depending on where they work, thus a law librarian is simply someone who works in a law library. These can be found at law firms, law schools, government agencies, and other corporations. Within that, most librarians specialize further into one of three areas: user services, technical services, or administrative services.

Required Education for a Law Librarian
You first need to obtain a bachelor's degree. Although the exact doesn't matter, one in criminal justice or the law can help a great deal when it comes time to find employment. Otherwise you could major in library science and then simply take additional courses in the law. Afterwards, you need to complete a library science graduate program, which can take 1-2 years. The American Library Association accredits 56 of these programs throughout the U.S.

Your coursework should include:
  • Automated circulation systems
  • History of books and printing
  • Intellectual freedom and censorship
  • Reference systems
  • Research methods and strategies
  • Selection and processing of materials
  • The role of libraries and information in society
Along with a Master's in Library Science, most law librarians earn a further master's, doctoral, or professional degree in law. This could come from attending law school or by earning a Ph.D. in legal studies or criminal justice.

Law Librarian Salaries
The average librarian earns an annual wage of $54,700, but those with specialized skills do have the chance to earn far more. The top 10 percent of librarians, for example, earn over $80,000 a year. And librarians who work for the federal government average $76,110 annually.
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