Library of Congress Asian Division: Reference Librarian (Japanese)

Summary

This job is open to

• The public

  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

The librarian is responsible for building the collections of the de facto national library; 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. The librarian helps balance new collections acquisitions with responsible stewardship of existing collections while building a more diverse and inclusive record for future generations. 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.

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.

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. Provides support of limited technical complexity in evolving forms of digital scholarship. Assists users with specialized collections under the direction of senior staff and seeks assistance for locating materials that are not readily accessible.

Provides in-person and telephone reference services in a reading room setting and through reference desk rotation. 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 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. Assists senior librarians in revising or updating research materials.

Assist with reviewing 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.
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.

Orients users and explains procedures and regulations governing use and handling of materials in the collection. Coordinates the acquisition of items of limited technical complexity, or those easily acquired, through the online acquisition process. Examines recommendations to identify processing and custodial requirements and to identify out-­of-scope materials. Maintains liaison with other recommending officers and subject specialists to coordinate acquisition of materials within and across divisions.

Under the direction of senior staff, the incumbent liaises with current and potential researchers and users. Collaborates with others to develop, promote, facilitate, present and evaluate programs to meet the expressed and anticipated needs of researchers and other user communities. Assists with different audiences to achieve a variety of outcomes.

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.

Collaborates with the Library’s programs for congressional outreach, visitor engagement, educational outreach, and exhibitions, and with other collections-based programs. Represents and attends workshops, conferences, seminars, or meetings in librarianship and other relevant fields for the purpose of professional development.

Performs various other duties as assigned.

NOTE: This position has a language requirement. The incumbent for this position must have at least college-level competency in reading, writing, speaking, and translating Japanese.