Job Description

Class Definition

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The State Library is a unit within the Department of State that works to ensure that information about Rhode Island government and history is easily available and readily accessible to all Rhode Islanders. This position supports the State Library in a way that enables the Department of State to achieve its mission: to engage and empower all Rhode Islanders by making government more accessible and transparent, encouraging civic pride, enhancing commerce and ensuring that elections are fair, fast, and accurate.

The Government Documents & Reference Librarian oversees the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) and is responsible for acquiring, processing, and providing access to federal documents received through the United States Government Publications Office and provides subject expertise in accessing federal government resources online. The Government Documents & Reference Librarian takes primary responsibility for patron reference service to all State Library collections and State resources by providing direct reference services and promoting research services through research guides and other outreach.

The Government Documents & Reference Librarian is a hard-working individual who is dedicated to connecting Rhode Islanders with accurate, timely, and responsive information about their government records and in a prompt and professional manner. They have a passion for excellence and innovation. They demonstrate a strong commitment to providing the highest level of customer service to patrons to create a welcoming and helpful experience for all visitors to the State Library, both in person and online.

Illustrative Examples of Work Performed

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Administrative: Performs office work directly related to the State Library and its policies, goals, and objectives. The Government Documents & Reference Librarian performs various duties, including but not limited to:

Acquire materials received through the FDLP and coordinate with the Technical Services Librarian to ensure materials are cataloged; Advise the State Librarian on document selection and FDLP issues; Maintain the FDLP agreement and ensure the State Library stays compliant, including participating in the Biannual Survey of Depository Libraries; Promote and provide reference support and research expertise of federal government publications and data in both print and online; Take lead on providing high-quality customer service to the public, state legislators, legislative staff, and other state employees through in-person, telephone and virtual reference assistance; Create and maintain research guides for State and federal resources and research topics; Highlight new acquisitions, promote research services and provide instruction and outreach to State Library users upon request of the State Librarian; Take lead on tracking visitor and reference statistics; Participate in collection maintenance, project planning for digital projects and setting cataloging standards; Participate in supporting daily State Library tasks; Leads guided tours of the Rhode Island State House upon request of other divisions within the Department of State; Remain engaged and up to date with current issues in federal and state government organizational structures; and Perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications for Appointment

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EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Master's Degree in Library Science accredited by the American Library Association, or any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the previously described education and experience.

Supplemental Information

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KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIESKnowledge of the philosophy and techniques of library service. Knowledge of government information sources at federal, state and municipal levels. Knowledge of library cataloging best practice and classification standards for special libraries and government publications. Experience with a wide range of library technologies and ability to adapt to changing technologies within the field. Strong customer service skills and desire to meet and serve the needs of State Library patrons. Ability to multi-task and work in a dynamic, time restricted environment. Ability to work under pressure with good humor. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both in writing and verbally, with the public, supervisors, colleagues, and state agency staff. The individual must be an inclusive collaborator and able to prioritize workloads. Ability to lift and carry boxes weighing 30 - 40 pounds.

Please be advised, the Rhode Island Department of State is unable to provide work visa sponsorship.