Cleared Library Technician

PTFS; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

PTFS seeks a Library Technician – Reference Paraprofessional to deliver research assistance and reference support to librarians and analysts in a secure government setting. The role emphasizes database searching, catalog maintenance, and customer service, with a focus on efficient information retrieval.

The position is on-site in McLean, VA and requires experience in libraries, strong research skills, and the ability to obtain SCI access.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma with 5+ years library experience OR Bachelor's Degree with 3+ years library experience.
• Strong knowledge of library methodologies, reference services, and circulation procedures.
• Experience with reference interviews and research assistance.
• Ability to conduct commercial database research and use advanced search techniques.
• Experience with research databases (ProQuest, LexisNexis, EBSCO, JSTOR).
• Familiarity with electronic library resources, metadata, and digital catalogs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, customer service and problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Staff the Library Reference Desk and assist patrons with research requests.
• Conduct commercial database searches and assist with government and academic publications.
• Maintain and update library catalogs, metadata, and publication lists.
• Manage circulation, interlibrary loans, and acquisitions requests.
• Provide library orientations and instruction on database searching and information retrieval.
• Document activities in tracking systems and support routine reporting.

Skills

Communication

Customer service

Problem solving

Organization

Teamwork

Multitasking

Prioritization

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree

High School Diploma

Tools

Microsoft Office

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.

• 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.