Position: Reference Librarian
Location: Washington, DC
Posted: USAJobs
Salary: $70,623 – $91,815 per year

Duties

The Researcher Engagement and General Collection Division is seeking a service-oriented librarian to join the Researcher Experience Section. This position is responsible for facilitating a positive researcher experience with the extensive General Collections at the Library of Congress. The Researcher Experience Section provides 1) point-of-need researcher support for use of the General Collections in both the Main and Science & Business Reading Rooms 2) chat and online reference services, and 3) learning and instructional content through onsite and online modalities.  Researcher Experience librarians work closely and collaboratively with the other sections of the Division: Science, Business, History and Genealogy, Humanities and Social Sciences, Access Services, and Collection Services; and in coordination with other units throughout the Library.

The position serves as a librarian in the Researcher Engagement and General Collections Division within the General and International Collections Directorate (GICD), Researcher and Collections Services (RCS) within the Library Collections and Services Group (LCSG) at the Library of Congress (Library). The position reports to the supervisor of the Researcher Experience Section within the Division.

The librarian is responsible for facilitating research and reference instruction and support onsite and virtually; and coordinating library engagement and interaction with a large and diverse array of users and communities and collaborating with colleagues to build the collections of the de facto national library. The librarian provides support in developing new collections acquisitions and in the stewardship of existing collections. In the provision of reference and research services, the librarian utilizes traditional in-person methods in reading rooms and emerging technologies including social media and digital scholarship to assist researchers and other audiences in the use of library resources. The librarian serves as the division’s primary liaison with researchers, visitors, and communities of practice, raising awareness of our collections and resources and making them accessible to all.

Provides in-person and telephone reference services in a reading room setting and through reference desk rotation, including some weekend and evening hours. Utilizes technologies such as Ask-a-Librarian, email, chat, social media, and video conferencing to provide research and reference services. Responds orally or in writing to inquiries related to their assigned field of responsibility. Increases access to and convenience of online resources and services by assisting in preparing research guides, collection guides, and finding aids on specific topics of recognized research interest and demand using standard search strategies.

Provides reference and instruction to individual researchers and groups where needs are relatively easy to determine from standard research interviews, in-person or virtually, and the bibliographic source materials are of limited technical complexity. Identifies domestic and international analog and digital resources in a field of specialty to address user needs that are easily determined from interviews or written requests. Develops knowledge of resources in other institutions to provide informed referrals.

Collaborates with the Library’s programs for congressional outreach, visitor engagement, educational outreach, and exhibitions, and with other collections-based programs.

Assists with research facilitation, book discussions, tours, workshops, orientation sessions, author talks, workshops, consultations, displays, tutorials, and other means of engagement. Assists in developing content for traditional print outlets and social media platforms.

Enables access, discovery, dissemination, and use of collections and resources, current and historical, analog, and digital, for all users. Provides support for the identification and selection of sources for those engaged in routine research and maintains connections and life-long learning opportunities for casual users through the discovery and use of the Library’s resources.

Assists other 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.

Performs various other duties as assigned.

Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.

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Requirements

Qualifications

Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision.

Ability to provide reference and research services.**

Ability to use integrated library systems, applications, or other information technologies.**

Ability to engage and perform outreach activities.**

Ability to provide consultation or liaison duties.

 Ability to communicate in writing.

Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

Ability to develop and manage library collections.

Education

Basic Requirement:

All librarians must meet the requirements for professional education in library science or possess equivalent experience and education.

A.           Completion of 1 full academic year of graduate study in library science in an accredited college or university, in addition to completion of all work required for a bachelor’s degree;

or

B.           A total of at least 5 years of a combination of college-level education, training, and experience. To qualify on this basis, the applicant must establish conclusively that the education, training, and experience provided knowledge and understanding of the theories, principles, and techniques of professional librarianship; a knowledge of literature resources; and the knowledge and abilities essential for providing effective library and information services.

In addition to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements, applicants must have directly related education and/or specialized experience.

GS- 9

Two full years of progressively higher level graduate education or master’s in library science or equivalent graduate degree, e.g., LL.B. or J.D., related to the position.

You must submit a legible copy of your college/university transcripts to your online application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the time of application. Official transcripts will be required if selected. Failure to submit the required legible documentation at the time of application will result in disqualification of your application.

Foreign Education – Education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed equivalent to conventional/accredited U.S. education programs to be acceptable for Federal employment. If your college/university is outside the U.S., your transcripts must be accompanied by a report from a credential evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE). Failure to submit a foreign education evaluation report will result in disqualification of your application.