Cleared Library Technician

PTFS; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

PTFS in McLean, VA is seeking a Library Technician – Reference Paraprofessional to provide library operations, reference support to librarians, analysts, and authorized personnel. The role emphasizes database research, circulation, digital resource maintenance, and superior customer service.

You will staff the Reference Desk, perform security procedures, assist with access to government and academic publications, interlibrary loans, and metadata maintenance.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma and 5 years library experience
• Bachelor's Degree and 3 years library experience
• 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 and providing research assistance
• Experience using ProQuest, LexisNexis, EBSCO, and JSTOR
• Familiarity with digital catalogs, metadata, and database maintenance
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications

Responsibilities

• Staff the Library Reference Desk 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
• Perform opening and closing procedures for the library vault
• Provide Ready Reference services and conduct reference interviews
• Conduct research using commercial databases such as ProQuest, LexisNexis, EBSCO, JSTOR
• Apply advanced search methods and metadata filters
• Assist analysts with access to publications including government reports
• Locate information from Government sources including CRS reports and CFR
• Assist patrons with database access and acquisition requests
• Manage circulation, routing, tracking, and retrieval of holdings
• Process interlibrary loans and acquisition requests
• Maintain database access lists and update resource information
• Support development of searchable digital catalogs and metadata
• Assist with training materials and instruction on database searching
• Document research requests and library activities in tracking systems
• Maintain records for routine reporting and performance requirements

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Problem-solving

Organization

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Database research tools

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Cleared Library Technician

Full Time Direct McLean, VA, McLean, VA, US

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.

• 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:

• Ability to obtain SCI access and successfully complete a Full Scope Polygraph.
• Ability to work onsite in a secure Government environment.

Work Location:

• 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.