Library Assistant

Council on Foreign Relations; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 44,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

On-site fitness center

Generous leave policies

Wellness program

Job summary

The Council on Foreign Relations ( CFR ) is seeking a Library Assistant for the Washington, DC office. This part-time role (20 hours per week) requires onsite presence four days a week.

You will retrieve research materials, assist with database access, and support digitization and resource guides to aid CFR researchers and staff. Qualified candidates will have a high school diploma (some library coursework preferred) and strong customer service, communication, and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; some college coursework in library science preferred.
• Familiarity with bibliographic databases and library catalogs.
• Previous library or similar experience is a plus.
• Basic understanding of content management systems and online research tools.
• Strong customer service, administrative support, or research assistance experience.

Responsibilities

• Retrieve and deliver research materials in print and digital formats to CFR researchers.
• Test and maintain access to intranet, databases and online resources.
• Contribute to digital projects, digitization initiatives, and new technologies.
• Evaluate resources and assist with collection management projects.
• Compile data on library usage and update access lists for staff.
• Develop and maintain library resource guides.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Organizational skills

Time management

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma

Some college coursework in library science

Tools

Library catalogs

Article databases

Content management systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Summary

The Library at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) offers comprehensive access to a wide range of books, journals, and databases to support the organization's research initiatives. The Library Assistant plays a crucial role in retrieving and managing these materials, ensuring timely delivery to CFR staff. Additionally, the Library Assistant contributes to various library projects, enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the library's operations.

This position is a part time (20 hours per week) role based in CFR’s Washington, DC office at least four days per week. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are considered institutional anchor days where all staff are required to be onsite. CFR’s remote working schedule is subject to change.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• Retrieve and deliver research materials in both print and digital formats for CFR researchers, ensuring timely and accurate document delivery.
• Assist library staff in testing and maintaining access to intranet, databases, and online resources.
• Participate in the development and implementation of digital projects, including digitization initiatives and the integration of new technologies.
• Assist library staff with evaluating research resources and collection management projects.
• Compile data related to library usage; regularly update subscription services by removing departed staff from access lists.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of library resource guides.
• Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned or required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent; some college coursework in library science or related field preferred.
• Familiarity with bibliographic databases (library catalogs, article databases, etc.).
• Previous experience in a library or similar environment is a plus.
• Basic understanding of content management systems and online research tools.
• Demonstrated competency and prior experience in providing customer service, administrative support, or research assistance.

Related Skills & Other Requirements

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong problem-solving skills and persistence in providing excellent service.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to interact effectively with staff, researchers, and the public.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to stoop, kneel, bend, crouch, and lift up to 20 pounds.

Compensation and Benefits

• The full-time annual compensation range for this position is $30.00 per hour - $32.00 per hour, depending on experience.
• In addition to competitive salaries, the Council on Foreign Relations offers a benefits package that is among the best offered by nonprofit institutions today, including an award-winning health and wellness program, an on-site fitness center, and generous leave policies and health insurance programs.

About CFR

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is committed to fostering a foreign policy community in the United States that is more representative of American society, recognizing that diverse backgrounds and perspectives contribute to broader, more informed participation in the foreign policy debate and lead to an enhanced understanding of the world and the United States’ role therein. To that end, CFR is dedicated to continuing to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout its work and workplace by building a more diverse membership and staff, producing and dispensing thoughtful analysis on a broad range of foreign policy issues, and developing relevant, wide-reaching programming that also serves to expand the foreign policy talent pipeline to underrepresented populations.