Reference Librarian (CL)

Full Job Description

The Secretary of the Senate's Senate Library is seeking a Reference Librarian.

The complete vacancy announcement and application may be found on the United States Senate Career Page at https://sen.gov/YO0NL.

PHASE I – REFERENCE LIBRARIAN I – PAY BAND 8 PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT Work is performed in an office environment with exposure to everyday risks or discomforts, and requires the use of normal safety precautions.

Work requires frequent walking, standing, bending, and carrying items up to 25 pounds, as well as regular use of typical office equipment, software programs, and methods of communication such as a computer, email, telephone, and photocopier’s print, scan, and fax functions.

This position works on a rotational basis to support the Senate when in session and is therefore subject to the Senate floor schedule, requiring working extended and unscheduled hours two times per month as dictated by the Senate.

Regular, predictable, and punctual attendance is required for performance of duties. Work also requires physical presence in the office, except as otherwise required by the Office of the Secretary.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Work requires a master’s degree in library science from an ALA-accredited program and one to three years of professional reference experience, including the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: Ability to select and organize research data for patrons.

Basic knowledge of the Senate as an institution preferred, with a desire and willingness to learn more about the legislative process, as well as the history and operation of the Senate.

Knowledge of Congress, the legislative process and procedures, and congressional documents. Knowledge of the federal government, the U.S. legal system, U.S. politics, and U.S. history.

Knowledge of the resources, organization, and classification schemes of the Library of Congress. Knowledge of software and hardware tools, including web page editing software.

Ability to evaluate print and online research resources. Ability to work cooperatively and effectively in a team setting, both within the Library and outside of organizational lines.

Ability to set and manage project work requirements, multitask, and meet deadlines. Ability to provide prompt, responsive, and courteous customer service. Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. LICENSES, CERTIFICATION, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS None.

PHASE II – REFERENCE LIBRARIAN II – PAY BAND 9 PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT Work is performed in an office environment with exposure to everyday risks and discomforts, and requires the use of normal safety precautions.

Work requires frequent walking, standing, bending, and carrying items up to 25 pounds, as well as regular use of typical office equipment, software programs, and methods of communication such as a computer, email, telephone, and the photocopier’s print, scan, and fax functions.

This position works on a rotational basis to support the Senate when in session and is therefore subject to the Senate floor schedule, requiring working extended and unscheduled hours two times per month as dictated by the Senate.

Regular, predictable, and punctual attendance are required for performance of duties. Work also requires physical presence in the office, except as otherwise required by the Office of the Secretary.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Work requires a master’s degree in library science from an ALA-accredited program and four to five years of professional reference experience, including the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: Ability to select and organize research data for patrons.

Knowledge of the Senate as an institution. Knowledge of Congress, the legislative process and procedures, and congressional documents. Knowledge of the federal government, the U.S. legal system, U.S.

politics, and U.S. history. Knowledge of the resources, organization, and classification schemes of the Library of Congress.

Knowledge of software and hardware tools, including web page editing software. Ability to evaluate print and online research resources.

Ability to work cooperatively and effectively in a team setting, both within the Library and outside of organizational lines.

Ability to set and manage project work requirements, multitask, and meet deadlines. Ability to provide prompt, responsive, and courteous customer service. Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. LICENSES, CERTIFICATION, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS None. Major Duties:

This is a career ladder position in the Senate Library under the Secretary of the Senate.

An individual selected for the career ladder position will be placed into pay band 8 and will be on a training plan and provided opportunities for development and increased responsibility.

This is typically for a period of approximately twenty-four

to thirty-six

months.

Upon successful completion of the development and performance goals, the incumbent will be recommended for promotion to the position of Reference Librarian II and a promotional increase into pay band 9.

The Reference Librarian I is a professional position in the Senate Library.

Work involves providing reference, training, and research support services to Senate staff in a timely, confidential, and nonpartisan manner.

Work is bound by standard industry guidelines, Secretary of the Senate policies and procedures, the U.S.

Senate Handbook, and the Senate Ethics Manual, but requires independent judgment in setting priorities and handling assignments.