Science Reference Librarian

Overview

ZAI is seeking two (2) Science Reference Librarians and/or Technical Information Specialist(s) to provide services in the Customer Services Unit (CSU) of a major federal agency’s scientific research library. The reference librarians will provide daily coverage of the reference service desk and chat service, monitor the online Lib Answers request queue, respond to email and telephone calls, and provide on-site researcher consultations as needed.

Reference librarians will also attend or provide training, update standard operating procedures (SOPs), and assist with FOI or bibliometric projects, as time allows. These positions are 1-year appointments and will be performed 100% on-site at a facility in Greenbelt, Maryland.

• Learn and search specialized print and online agricultural and food information resources and provide clear, authoritative, and appropriate responses to customers
• Become proficient with agency services and resources, databases, and platforms to provide customers with high-quality responses and service
• Support user experience for both physical and digital collections
• Follow all standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to CSU, reference, Lib Answers and all service desk issues
• Contribute to Lib Answers FAQ and recommend improved workflows, as needed
• Assist the CSU librarians with projects, as able
• Fulfill FOIA requests as assigned
• Support assigned bibliometric data calls or projects

• Master’s degree in Library Science or Library and Information Science (MLS or MLIS) OR 5+ years of experience in a specialized, technical, or science library and demonstrated knowledge of agriculture or adjacent disciplines.
• At least 1-5 years of experience in a scientific library performing reference and research work
• Strong background in agriculture, food, environmental science, or related disciplines.
• Deep understanding of literature searching and search string construction
• Experience searching scientific databases to provide a comprehensive response to reference and research requests
• Candidates should understand library bibliographic records, MARC records, and metadata.

ZAI is an equal opportunity employer. In compliance with Federal and State Equal Opportunity Laws, qualified applicants are considered for all positions applied for without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, veteran status or any other legally protected status.