Job Description

Library Technician – Reference Paraprofessional

McLean, VA (on-site)

Position Summary: The Library Technician – Reference Paraprofessional will provide library operations, research assistance, and reference support to professional librarians, Government analysts, and authorized personnel. The position requires experience in a library setting with a focus on reference services, commercial database research, circulation, digital resource maintenance, and customer service.

Essential Duties:

• Staff the Library Reference Desk from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays, unless otherwise directed.
• Perform opening and closing procedures for the library vault in accordance with security requirements.[LM1] 
• Provide Ready Reference services, conduct reference interviews, assess patron needs, and assist or refer to requests as appropriate.
• Conduct research using commercial databases such as ProQuest, LexisNexis, EBSCO, JSTOR, and other approved resources.
• Apply advanced search methods, including Boolean operators, fielded searches, controlled vocabularies, citation chaining, and metadata filters.
• Assist analysts with access to academic, trade, scientific, technical, and open-source publications, including government reports, think tank publications, and patent information.
• Locate information from Government sources, including Congressional Research Service (CRS) reports, the Federal Register, and the Code of Federal Regulations.
• Assist patrons with database access, paywalls, acquisition requests, and approved access procedures.
• Manage circulation, routing, tracking, and retrieval of physical library holdings.
• Process interlibrary loans and acquisition requests and maintain accurate tracking records.
• Conduct collection maintenance, including inventory, shelf management, and preparation of authorized weeding and disposition actions.
• Maintain database access lists, verify links, correct duplicate entries, and update resource information.
• Support the development and maintenance of searchable digital publication catalogs, including metadata, vendor title lists, and publication additions and removals.
• Assist with maintaining digital library access tools, including OneSearch, vendor-collection search resources, and related user instructions.
• Develop and update library resource guides and assist with subject-specific research materials in coordination with professional librarians.
• Provide library orientations, onsite tours, database demonstrations, and instruction on available library resources to staff and contractors.
• Assist with training materials and provide instruction on effective database searching and information retrieval.
• Document research requests, circulation activities, database updates, and other library services in designated tracking systems.
• Maintain records and provide activity information to support routine library reporting and performance requirements.
• Maintain professional and courteous relationships with customers, demonstrate excellent customer service, and assist in resolving research and resource access issues.

Requirements:

• Active Top Secret (TS) clearance.
• Ability to obtain SCI access and successfully complete a Full Scope Polygraph.
• Ability to work onsite in a secure Government environment.

Work Location:

• McLean, Virginia
• Onsite, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., excluding federal holidays, unless otherwise directed.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma and a minimum of five (5) years of experience in an academic, public, or research library.

OR

• Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of three (3) years of experience in an academic, public, or research library.

• Broad understanding of world politics, geography, and international relations.
• Strong knowledge of library methodologies, organizational structures, reference services, and circulation procedures.
• Experience conducting reference interviews, identifying patron research needs, and providing appropriate research assistance.
• Ability to conduct commercial database research and apply advanced search techniques.
• Experience using and instructing others on research databases such as ProQuest, LexisNexis, EBSCO, and JSTOR.
• Ability to perform internet research and locate Government, academic, scientific, and technical publications.
• Familiarity with electronic library resources, digital catalogs, metadata, and database maintenance.
• Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, prioritize assignments, and work effectively under pressure.

Benefits:

• 15 days paid time off per year
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Medical, Dental & Vision
• 401(k) Plan with matching
• Tuition assistance
• Disability insurance
• Referral Bonuses

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