Elvira Embser-Herbert ('09) is an experienced Circulation Librarian. As a Fellow, she develops reference and research skills. As a first year student, she appreciated moral support from the librarians and upper class Library Fellow.
The Hamline University School of Law Library Fellowship program offers a unique opportunity for outstanding law students who hold a masters degree in library science or are enrolled in the J.D./M.L.I.S. joint degree program, and who are interested in exploring a career in law librarianship. Fellows are awarded a $3,000 stipend each fall and spring semester (for a total of $6000 each academic year) and gain valuable experience engaging in a variety of professional duties alongside Hamline Law Library's highly skilled and dedicated full-time staff.
During the first year of law school, Law Library Fellows work ten hours per week in the library. In the second and third years, fellows work fifteen hours per week. All fellows participate extensively in reference work and special projects within the public services department. Depending on individual interests, fellows also may rotate through other library work groups in the public services and technical services departments and gain exposure to various aspects of law librarianship. Through all phases, the Law Library Director assures appropriate progress toward fellowship goals.
Karen Westwood ('07) served as Head of Public Services at the Minnesota State Law Library before entering law school. "The Law Library Fellowship offers a great opportunity to work while in school and to maintain library skills. But by far the greatest aspect ot the position is working with the Hamline Law Library staff. Their constant encouragement and professionalism make law school enjoyable."
How Fellows Benefit
Law Library Fellows enjoy a head start in professional networking by developing positive one-on-one relationships with working law librarians. This interaction, when coupled with demonstrated patron service and skill development, can open doors to significant opportunities in academic, government, and private law libraries. For those fellows who ultimately pursue the practice of law, there are immediate applications for the research and writing skills developed through their fellowship experience. Since the fellowship program was founded in 2001, participants have distinguished themselves in many contexts. For example, Deja Weber ('04) served as Executive Director, Legal Assistance of Olmstead County in Rochester, MN from 2006 to 2007, and is currently in private practice. Kimberly Holst ('05) recently joined the Law School's Legal Writing faculty.
Kimberly Holst ('05) earned her J.D. and M.L.I.S. through the Law School's dual degree program with the College of St. Catherine. Her fellowhip experience was a highlight of her legal and library education.
Becoming a Library Fellow
The Law Library selects one Law Library Fellow from each law school class. Applicants must first be accepted to the Hamline University School of Law and then submit a letter of interest to the Law Library Director who will arrange an interview with qualified candidates.
Fellowships are awarded to those students who hold a masters degree in library science or who are enrolled in the joint degree progam, and who best demonstrate potential for a significant career in law librarianship. Specific selection factors include but are not limited to work experience in the library field; law library or legal work experience; commitment to law librarianship as a career; outstanding research skills; customer service orientation; technology skills; and strong written and oral communication skills.
Law Library Fellow status continues for up to three years while the fellow remains in good academic standing and meets work expectations.
For more information on the Law Library Fellowship Program, e-mail Grace M. Mills, Director of the Law Library, or call her at (651) 523-2119.