COURT SYSTEM OFFERS LAW LIBRARY POSITIONS

Need Clerks At $34G; 'Para' Job Pays $38G; Filing to End Sept. 8 For Exams; $1,300 Downstate Bonus

Filing is open until Sept. 8 for exams leading to Law Library Clerk and Law Library Assistant jobs, the Office of Court Administration said.

The written multiple-choice tests are scheduled for Nov. 18. The starting salary for Law Library Clerk is $34,199. Starting pay for Law Library Assistant is $38,360. Appointees in New York City, Suffolk, Rockland, Nassau, and Westchester counties will receive $1,302 in annual location pay. There is a $25 non-refundable filing fee for each exam.

Job Requirements

To qualify for Law Library Clerk, by the date of the written exam candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and two years of clerical experience in a library setting.

The written exam will test candidates' abilities preparing written material, library name and number checking and recordkeeping, and using bibliographic records. The passing score is 70.

Clerks may be in charge of an entire law library that serves five or more judges, other clerks, and attorneys. To qualify for Law Library Assistant, by the date of the written exam candidates must have a certificate from an ABA-approved paralegal program. Individuals who have an associate's degree with two years of clerical experience working directly with a legal collection or with an automated library system can also apply. Various other education and work-related experience is also considered qualifying; candidates should consult the exam notice for a complete listing.

What Test Measures

The written exam will test candidates' abilities to prepare written material and keep library records; their knowledge of legal terminology and of legal reference materials and online searches. Candidates will also be asked about library technical services and bibliographic records. The passing score is 70.

Library assistants perform a variety of paraprofessional duties, such as operating specialized computerized research and cataloging systems, organizing and maintaining the reference collection, applying library policy, and reviewing and evaluating requests for information. They also must obtain loaned resources by finding the location of each resource. In addition, they supervise law library and other clerical personnel and perform related administrative duties.

OCA is also accepting applications for a promotion exam leading to Law Library Assistant jobs. To qualify, by the date of the written exam candidates must be working as Law Library Clerks.

For both titles, military veterans are eligible for extra credit and will have points added to their scores after they pass the exam.

Further information and copies of the exam notices can be obtained online at www.courts.state.ny.us under the career section.