Position: Reference Librarian
Location: Library of Congress
Salary: $94,199 – $122,459

Full vacancy announcement available on USAJOBS.

Summary

This position is located in the African and Middle East Division, General and International Collections Directorate, Research and Collections Services.
The position description number for this position is 012537.
The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area.
This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position.
Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.

Duties

Reviews a wide variety of brochures, catalogs, journals, and other sources for new items and sources for possible acquisition in order to develop collections in areas of subject or geographic responsibility. Assignments may involve novel or obscure subject matter and the description and organization of material in multiple languages and writing systems.

Determines the quality and usefulness of materials acquired from worldwide sources. Interprets the contents and advises on the organization and presentation of both current and retrospective collections in a multiplicity of formats. Plans and executes a strategy for storage, preservation and service.

Provides comprehensive reference, research, advisory, evaluative and instructional services to individuals and groups. Responds to a full range of complex or difficult inquiries, including those in new or highly specialized fields of knowledge and those involving historical materials that are difficult to identify or locate.

Plans and implements acquisitions projects. Applies extensive knowledge of acquisitions policies and research trends to implement or modify standard library practices related to acquisitions of a wide variety of library materials.

Selects new materials in all formats for the collection. Makes authoritative evaluations and recommendations on new collection items and source selection in multiple subject areas and in all formats. Prepares justifications for acquiring new or additional materials. Determines the need for new subscriptions and renewals. Participates in efforts to acquire items by gift. Examines unsolicited materials to determine whether they should be added to the library’s collection.

Prepares research guides and bibliographic aids on specific topics of recognized client interest and in broad, multi-faceted subjects based on research and analysis in a recognized academic field or area of specialization. Responds to a full range of complex or difficult research inquiries.

Position: Public Services Assistant
Location: Library of Congress
Salary: $53,105 – $69,035

Full vacancy announcement available on USAJOBS.

Summary

This position is located in the Public Service Division, Global Legal Research Directorate, Law Library.
The position description number for this position is 435391.
The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area.
This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position.
The incumbent will work a fixed schedule (8:30am to 5:00pm) The work schedule will include Saturday reading room hours on a rotational basis.

Duties

The Public Services Assistant reports to the Law Library Reading Room Operations Officer, and is responsible for (1) providing a broad range of legal collections maintenance and management tasks, including shelving, shifting, processing, superseding, updating, filing pocket-parts and supplementary pamphlets, and maintaining the orderly appearance and arrangement of the Reading Room’s 70,000 volume reference collection; (2) providing basic information and equipment usage assistance to the Law Library Reading Room’s and Microform Room’s clients; and (3) assembling information packets and maintaining a stock of research guides for Reading Room clients.

Following library rules, procedures, and operations, maintains legal collections. Sorts, arranges, organizes, collates and re-shelves collections to various locations within the Law Library Reading Room, including public reference shelves, Desk reference shelves, and caged collections using standard shelving arrangement and local protocols.

Regularly shelf-reads and provides shelf-reading oversight of the Law Library Reading Room collections to ensure that (1) each item is in proper location on the shelf; (2) superseded, inappropriate or other problems with the collections are identified, addressed and resolved; and (3) the collections are neat and orderly in appearance.

Recognizes and solves problems, inconsistencies, and errors with the Law Library collections. Identifies and resolves problems associated with items being integrated into or being de-accessioned from the Law Library Reading Room reference collections. Withdraws materials in need of rebinding and re-labeling, forwarding them per instructions.

Assists in developing work methods to expedite loose-leaf filing ensuring their currency for reference and research purposes. Participates in the maintenance and/or oversees the maintenance of loose-leaf publications. Files loose-leaf pages in the proper binders according to printed instructions provided by the publisher. Substitutes revised pages or entire sections for outdated material or makes changes in filing sequence as specified by publishers.

Using judgment and following rules, procedures, and operations, accessions, de-accessions and otherwise processes law library collections. Distinguishes the type and nature of material, and separates and properly distributes all types of Law Library items for processing. Completes appropriate forms for and utilizes spreadsheet software to record and prepare statistical reports. Using large bibliographic databases, verifies holdings and assignments of Law Library collections.

Is responsible for enforcing the Library’s collection security policies by monitoring and ensuring collection processing work areas and caged collections are properly secured at all times. Participates in other collection security initiatives, including monitoring client usage of Law Library’s collections to ensure they are not damaged or otherwise compromised.

Observes and arranges for the secure handling of materials. Assists clients with the use of the library’s resources including the use of the library’s bibliographic reference sources.

Utilizing public service skills, provides operational information to clients about specialized programs, reader registration procedures, physical layout, and directions to other library locations.

Utilizing registration software, verifies the credentials of clients using the Law Library Reading Room when placing orders for materials from the closed stacks, and monitors clients usage to ensure materials are properly handled and not damaged.

Position: Research Librarian (Energy and Environment)
Location: Library of Congress
Salary: $78,592 – $102,166

Full vacancy announcement available on USAJOBS.

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) seeks a Research Librarian to join its Resources, Science, and Industry Division, which supports the work of Congress in issue areas including earth sciences, natural resources, environmental policy, energy and minerals, agriculture and food, science, technology, transportation, and industry.

Duties

The Research Librarian will provide reference and research services to CRS policy analysts and congressional clients, focusing primarily on the areas of energy and environmental policy. Candidates with a Master of Library Science (MLS) or equivalent degree and background in energy and environment are encouraged to apply. Outstanding candidates will also have a background in data science and/or public policy.

CRS works exclusively for the United States Congress, providing policy and legal analysis to committees and Members of both the House and Senate, regardless of party affiliation. As a legislative branch agency within the Library of Congress, CRS has been a valued and respected resource on Capitol Hill for more than a century.

CRS is well known for analysis that is authoritative, confidential, objective, and nonpartisan. Its highest priority is to ensure that Congress has immediate access to the nation’s best thinking on public policy issues of interest to its Members and committees.

Research Librarian duties include:

Analyzes and solves research problems within designated policy research areas. Factors that affect the complexity of these problems include novelty, the difficulty in locating authoritative information, and the specialized nature of the subject area.

Responds to congressional and internal requests for information related to issues requiring in-depth knowledge of the context/background of the issue, and for information that is difficult to find and/or requires filtering/synthesis. Utilizes specialized knowledge to prepare responses to requests and develop and execute research methodologies for specialized topics.

Develops and maintains knowledge of research resources. Identifies, tests, and evaluates new, specialized research resources; performs market analyses on competing resources; and recommends specialized information resources and research materials for purchase or renewal.

Provides orientation and training/instruction to congressional clients, colleagues, and peers on research methods and research resources.

The position description number for this position is 336982.
The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area.
The incumbent of this position may work a flextime or compflex work schedule.
The tour of duty for this position is full-time.
This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position.
Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.

Position: Reference Librarian
Location: Library of Congress
Salary: $64,957 – $84,441

Full vacancy announcement available on USAJOBS.

Summary

This position is located in the Hebraic Section, African and Middle East Division, General and International Collections Directorate, Researcher and Collections Services.
The position description number for this position is 012535.
The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area.
This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position.
Candidates with reading knowledge of Yiddish are encouraged to apply.

Duties

Reviews various brochures, catalogs, journals, and other sources of items for possible acquisition to develop collections in areas of subject of geographic responsibility. Uses standard methods, techniques, concepts, and principles to perform assignments, which may involve materials in multiple languages and writing systems.

Assists senior reference staff in determining the quality and usefulness of collection materials. Assists in developing strategies for the organization, storage, preservation, and service of materials.

Monitors the condition of collection materials to ensure adherence to established preservation standards and specifications. Brings deteriorating items and those with special needs to the attention of division management. Orients users and explains procedures and regulations governing use and handling of materials in the collection.

Provides reference and instruction to individual researchers and groups where needs are relatively easy to determine from client interviews in person or over the telephone, or from written requests, and the bibliographic source materials are of limited technical complexity and are readily-accessible, i.e., found in the Library’s collection or can be located within a database by use of standard search procedures.

Provides in-person and telephone reference services in a reading room. Responds orally or in writing to inquiries related to assigned field of responsibility. Searches standard databases where the information is relatively stable, such as for bibliographic citations of a general nature. Seeks assistance for locating materials that are not
readily accessible.

Coordinates the acquisition of items of limited technical complexity, or those easily acquired. Consults acquisition policies to determine whether items are appropriate for purchase, copyright claim, exchange, gift, or other type of acquisition. Examines recommendations to identify processing and custodial requirements and to identify out-of-scope materials.

Maintains liaison with recommending officers and subject specialists to coordinate acquisition of materials. Provides proper purchasing information and correct bibliographic identification to dealers, subscription agents, vendors, overseas offices, exchange partners, etc. Reviews and approves invoices for payment for all formats of material.

Assists in preparing research guides and finding aids on specific topics of recognized client interest using standard search strategies. Assists senior librarians in revising or updating research materials.

Identifies foreign and international print and electronic resources in a field of specialty to address user needs that are easily determined from interviews or written requests. Provides reference and research services of limited technical complexity. Prepares and updates standard guides to specialized collections and resources.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Position: Collections Librarian
Location: Library of Congress
Salary: $78,592 – $102,166

Full vacancy announcement available on USAJOBS.

This position is locate in the Metadata and Stewardship Section, Geography And Map Division, Special Collections Directorate, Researcher And Collections Services.
The position description number for this position is 435970.
The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area.
The incumbent of this position will work a fulltime flextime work schedule.
This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position.

Duties

The position requires a knowledge of a specialized subject or field of endeavor. In addition, since materials in libraries are often in foreign languages, applicants must have a proficient knowledge of one or more foreign languages. For such positions, applicants must meet requirements that are directly related to the subject matter or language of the specialization. These requirements are in addition to the basic professional library science requirements that apply to all positions. However, these requirements may be included in or supplemental to those specified for all positions. The following specializations are authorized: cartography, geography, and the Arabic, Persian, Russian, Slavic, Germanic, Oriental, Semitic, or Romance languages.

The position serves as a Collections Librarian located in the Metadata and Stewardship Section (MSS), Geography and Map (G&M) Division, Special Collections Directorate (SCD) within the Researcher and Collections Services (RCS) service unit in that Library Collections and Services Group (LCSG) at the Library of Congress (Library), and reports to the Supervisor, MSS.

The incumbent is responsible for implementing collections projects, studies and surveys for G&M, concentrating in the areas of security, preservation, inventory control and space management. Provides bibliographic control of the Library’s collections and leadership to the Library and information communities in the development of archival materials cataloging theory and practice; and catalogues a variety of materials including atlases, maps, microforms, relief models, globes, manuscripts and archives, electronic resources, in many different languages and in an electronic environment. Performs assignments consistent with the mission of MSS, especially relating to the organization, preservation, storage, and security of the collections.

Projects include, but are not limited to, security needs, future space needs, or arrearage reduction projects. Working with higher graded staff, implements plans for the accomplishment of archival collections and Encoded Archival Description (EAD) management. Performs work in maintaining vault collections and special archival collections. As assigned, sorts cartographic and archival materials to be transferred to proper storage destinations, and may recommend transfer to storage destinations; completes routine correspondence and performs routine coordination with other staff. Performs tasks in accessions of incoming collections to be cataloged including gifts, transfers, and purchases. Resolves routine problems and inconsistencies in the cataloging and accessioning process.

With supervision, establishes personal and corporate names for inclusion in the name authority file. Uses Machine Readable Cataloguing (MARC) format and other current technologies to create preliminary bibliographic records and upgrade those records to full-level descriptions for archival collections. Analyzes and organizes specialized information to determine its subject content and relationship to the existing collections in order to determine the appropriate primary and secondary access points. Assigns appropriate subject headings. Performs assignments in developing inventories and definitive analytical finding aids for special collection holdings to maintain, service and secure unique and valuable records in cartography, geography, and geographical systems in a variety of languages and scripts.

Examples of records include, but are not limited to, early, rare and manuscript cartographic resources such as Mediterranean portolan charts, Medieval maps and the Mappa Mundi, and early American Revolution and Civil War maps. Participates in surveys of internal collections, identifying and inventorying groups of materials.

Analyzes, determines, and prioritizes preservation needs. Assesses collections and archives acquired by the library, with regard to condition, contents, scope, storage history, and other aspects pertinent to the preservation and long-term survival of the material. Monitors the quality and consistency of preservation and digital copies to ensure adherence to established archival standards and specifications. Identifies equipment and supplies required for conducting the preservation program, and develops specifications for their procurement. Coordinates with the library’s preservation research staff on the archival evaluation and testing of materials and procedures used in preserving the division’s materials.

Provides reference and research service in response to requests for information about collections on specialized subjects. Assists others inside and outside the Library with language, subject, or cataloging problems. Collaborates on projects both inside and outside the Library.

Position: Research Analyst
Location: Steptoe & Johnson LLP

Full vacancy announcement available on AALL Career Center.

Steptoe & Johnson LLP, a Washington, DC-based Am Law 100 law firm, is seeking a Research Analyst to join its Research & Information Services Department. The position is based in the Washington, DC office.

The Research Analyst will be responsible for incoming reference and research requests and will participate in the general professional research services program of the Department.

Responsibilities

• Perform legal and legislative research in support of the firm’s diverse practices, ensuring that questions and projects are understood, that best sources are consulted, and that research is conducted cost efficiently and effectively.
• Perform non-legal, factual background research – on corporations, industries, individuals, events, etc. – cost efficiently in support of cases and firm matters.
• Analyze research results and exercise professional judgment about relevance of research materials and their inclusion in the results delivered to requesting attorneys.
• Communicate results in a targeted, concise response (oral or written), appropriate to each particular request.
• Participate in additional departmental initiatives including monitoring and current awareness service, training of attorneys and staff, collection and database evaluation, and other special projects as needed.
• Provide deliverables to clients, directly, on request, including newsletters and regular updates.
• Operate successfully as a member of the RIS team, working on projects both independently and jointly, as appropriate; delegating secondary tasks to paraprofessionals; offering assistance and guidance where necessary; and following departmental protocols and policies.
• Participate in the shared rotation of reference duties.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library Science or equivalent work experience.
• JD preferred.
• Knowledge of standard legal research and specialized sources.
• Strong writing skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

Success Factors

• Good problem-solving skills.
• Self-management skills.
• Intellectual curiosity

Work Environment

• Non-smoking environment.
• Able to work in a hybrid work environment. Two days a week in the office from 9:00 – 5:30pm, Monday through Friday.
• Must be available to work beyond regular hours, including some weekends and evenings
• Must be accessible remotely.
• Must be able to work under tight deadlines and stressful situations
• Must be able to lift and carry 25 pounds
• Must be able to comply with all safety requirements in our workplace, which may include provision of proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 and adherence to other safety protocols implemented

Please apply here: https://steptoeapply.viglobalcloud.com/viRecruitSelfApply/ReDefault.aspx?FilterREID=6&FilterJobCategoryID=17&FilterJobID=422

Steptoe & Johnson LLP is an equal opportunity employer EOE/AA/Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, or any basis proscribed by applicable statutes.

Position: Senior Research Analyst
Location: Vinson & Elkins

Full vacancy announcement available on AALL Career Center.

As part of the Research & Knowledge Services department, the Senior Research Analyst position is responsible for providing high-level research on legal and non-legal topics to attorneys and staff in all locations, training attorneys and staff on electronic resources, evaluating the value and benefit of current and proposed resources, leading departmental initiatives, and creating, adding and organizing content on the firm’s intranet.

Duties and Responsibilities

Primary

• Conduct all facets of legal and non-legal research using appropriate print and online sources. Work together with other Research Analysts to provide quality coverage to all offices.
• Lead special projects and initiatives as assigned by the Director of Research & Knowledge Services.
• Train attorneys and staff on cost-efficient use of electronic resources.
• Lead formal orientations of department services to new hires.
• Schedule regular individual and group trainings on firm resources. Alert users to changes and enhancements in the products.
• Create online research guides on various subjects. Organize and enhance content to assist users in finding information on the firm’s intranet and ILS portal.
• Assist practice groups with the organization of documents and links on their intranet sites.
• Evaluate new products as necessary and make recommendations for the purchase of resources based on the needs of practice areas and business development.
• Work with RKS Operations Manager to identify possible new acquisitions, changes to print needs, and assist with the weeding and maintenance of office libraries.
• Assist with maintaining subscription access information and ensuring complaince with license agreements.
• Keep abreast of new technologies and resources, particularly those dealing with artificial intelligence and document automation.
• Work with contract and part-time assistants to ensure print resources are maintained.

Secondary

Perform additional duties and responsibilities as may be assigned.

• Working Conditions
• Job is performed in a typical office environment, but is subject to time pressures and constraints, and is often dependent on input from others.
• Occasional overtime is required.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Master of Library Science or Information Studies from an accredited university.
Experience: Five years of research experience in a law firm, corporate or academic law library.
Special Knowledge: Understanding of legal, business, electronic information sources and research methods. Knowledge of online legal and non-legal services, service providers, and library operations.
Technical Skills: Familiarity with library catalog software, legal research resources, and SharePoint. Proficient in Westlaw, Lexis Advance, Bloomberg Law, Capital IQ, Intelligize, VitalLaw, and Deal Point Data.
Attributes: Ability to answer requests in a timely manner; gather analyses and deliver information quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively; capable of working with a diverse client base and practice group changes; ability to manage multiple projects at one time and to prioritize and organize effectively; excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Other Qualifications: Ability to work well and deal tactfully with people in high-pressure situations.

Position: Librarian
Location: DC History Center
Salary: $64,000 – $68,000

Originally posted on the SLA Career Center.

About the DC History Center

Established in 1894 and located at the Carnegie Library in Downtown, the DC History Center is a community-supported nonprofit organization, which deepens understanding of our city’s past to connect, empower, and inspire. It collects, interprets, and shares the history of our nation’s capital through research and scholarship, adult programs, youth education, and exhibits. We seek to do this work as a welcoming and inclusive community that fosters curiosity and nurtures civic engagement to strengthen the District for all. For more information visit dchistory.org.

Position Summary

The DC History Center is operated by a full-time staff of 10, who work closely with the Board of Trustees, students, and volunteers. The Librarian serves the public by providing access to the non-circulating collections of the DC History Center. They are responsible for leading library and research programs and managing reference services. The Librarian reports to the Deputy Director and works in close collaboration with the Collections Manager, the Education Manager, and the Program Manager (who also report to the Deputy Director). This position is Monday – Friday, with some weekend and evening hours for DC History Center or Library programs.

Requirements

Primary Responsibilities

Manage the Kiplinger Research Library

• Open and close the Kiplinger Research Library on researcher days, prepare the library for other events and programs.
• Welcome, register, and assist library researchers according to outlined procedures.
• Instruct researchers in the use of library resources.
• Ensure that library procedures are followed, specifically to ensure the security and preservation of library and archival materials.
• Manage paperwork and data entry for library services transactions.
• Collect user information and statistics and identify ways to improve the research experience for library researchers.
• Identify and acquire newly published books for the library
• Manage the expense and revenue budget for the library.
• Support fundraising for library-based initiatives.

Manage Research Services

• Answer researcher queries and reference questions in person, email, and phone, using professional techniques for analyzing questions and searching resources within the library, including all Special Collections formats and electronic resources.
• Responsible for day-to-day management of reference volunteers and interns, overseeing reference services work and long-term projects.
• Pull and re-shelve requested photographs, books, manuscripts, maps, vertical files and other collections materials; fulfill copy orders.
• Manage orders for image reproduction; conduct internal and external copyright permission research for publication requests; and manage paperwork and data entry for library services transactions.

Maintain Public Access to Library and Collections

• Create and manage the creation of library resources and research guides.
• Assist in the fulfillment of the DC History Center’s collection commitments.
• Support updates to the collection management database to ensure up-to-date and accurate information about collections.
• Develop content for and teach library orientations and related programs for various audiences.
• Support staff and interns to advance the DC History Center’s social media presence according to established guidelines to regularly promote the library and collections.

General

• Participate in strategic thinking and DEIA practices.
• Collaborate with the Education and Program managers to support educational and other programs as they intersect with library and collections.
• Assist with “all hands” events, such as DC History Center fundraising events.
• Attend staff meetings and program meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Library Science from a graduate library school accredited by the American Library Association with at least a year of related work experience; OR related graduate degree with experience in special collections libraries and archival theory and
• A minimum of two years of hands-on experience with archival or library collections.
• Experience or demonstrated interest in combating archival erasure, restorative collection description practices, and other tenets of critical librarianship/archival practice strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with Pastperfect software is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to train and supervise volunteers and part-time staff required.
• Excellent reference skills and ability to relate to researchers of all ages.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills.
• Social media experience.
• Comfort with public speaking and instruction with high school audiences and above.
• Demonstrated ability to work self-directed yet with a collaborative style.
• Ability to climb ladders, bend and stoop to access and move collection enclosures and lift archival boxes weighing up to 40 lbs.
• Skill in all typical computer applications and equipment required; facility with Google workspace preferred; understanding of new and emerging technologies expected.
• Demonstrated experience with local history collections, and with DC history specifically, desired.

Scheduling

The DC History Center is on a hybrid schedule, with on-site presence required two-three days per week, including Tuesday and Thursday, which is also when the Kiplinger Research Library is open for appointments. The Librarian may work remotely for two-three days per week. Some evening and weekend work is required, typically for public programs.

Compensation and Benefits

The starting salary is $64,000 – $68,000 depending on experience. Competitive benefits package includes health, dental, and vision insurance; life and short-term and long-term disability insurance; and 403(b) plan with employer match. The DC History Center also offers vacation, sick, personal, and limited paid parental leave. Central downtown location easily accessible from all Metro lines.

Applications and Inquiries

Applicants should submit a letter of interest including salary requirement and resume at www.dchistory.org/about/employment/. The position is open until filled. No phone calls or walk-ins please.

The DC History Center is an equal opportunity employer