Librarian

About the role

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. The Observatory is a hub for technological and scientific collaboration, operating state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. At NRAO, we are currently recruiting for a part-time (50%–20 hours a week) Librarian based at our headquarters on the University of Virginia grounds in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Responsibilities

• Select, acquire, catalog, classify, circulate, and maintain library materials and the NRAO Library’s integrated library system.
• Ensure both staff and public interfaces are working as intended in support of discovery and self-service.
• Answer reference questions from users and create training documentation.
• Update the catalog including improving existing records, reviewing linked media through URL checker results, testing search efficacy, and adjusting ILS settings and OPAC layout as needed.
• Perform original and copy cataloging using the Library of Congress classification scheme and subject headings in both the ILS and OCLC per Anglo American Cataloging Rules.
• Perform physical collection maintenance, process all incoming materials, and manage library bindery.
• Perform circulation duties including check-ins and check-outs, holds, patron accounts, overdue items, and renewals.
• Steward the physical collection including monographs, journals, publications from other observatories and institutions, reference items, proposal coversheets, and DVD/CD-ROM materials.
• Maintain internal holdings and external OCLC holdings.
• Locate and obtain resources through Interlibrary loans (ILL) and monitor their usage.
• Run reports to inform management of library practices and usage metrics, and to evaluate the continued service of the ILS annually.
• Review, select, and acquire books and resources, informed by routine evaluations of new materials in keeping with acquisition policy.
• Create and maintain ILS and cataloging training and procedures documentation.
• Work with EOS and OCLC to identify concerns and suggestions for each vendor’s suite of tools.
• Process invoices for assigned vendors or projects.
• Process donations of NRAO publications, documents, and reference items from staff.
• Ensure the library makes use of and supports interlibrary loans through OCLC’s WorldShare in compliance with CONTU guidelines.
• Stay abreast of current copyright law and serve as the NRAO resource for copyright matters.
• Proactively comply with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in own work area.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in library science (or equivalent) from an ALA-accredited program.
• Two years of related experience in original cataloging, circulation processes, and acquisitions.
• Working knowledge of principles and practices in library science and MARC21 and AACR2.
• Knowledge of reference materials, techniques, and practices and skilled in retrieving, organizing, and disseminating information and research methods.
• Knowledge of book selection principles.
• OCLC proficiency required.
• Working knowledge of current copyright law.
• Maintain membership in a professional librarian association and participate as appropriate; maintain membership in the AstroLib and PAMNet listservs.

Skills

• Excellent organizational and communication skills combined with attention to detail.
• Computer skills applicable to working in both UNIX and PC environments, including knowledge of the Internet and the Web, Microsoft Office, database management, text editing software, and specialized library software.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to bend, reach, climb a step stool to shelve books, and manipulate books and periodicals.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
• Frequent communication in person, by email, and by telephone.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Additional Requirements

• Authorization to work in the United States; the Observatory cannot sponsor H-1B visas for this position.

Pay

The starting salary is between $33,489.00 and $40,540.00 per year. Factors that may affect starting pay within this range include education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.

Benefits

• Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days).
• Medical, dental, and vision plans effective on the first day of employment.
• AUI’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution.