[Job] Reference Librarian (Southeast Asia)

Not archaeological, but may be of interest to readers. Southeast Asia specialist librarian at the Library of Congress. Job is open primarily to US citizens. Closing date is 6 December 2019.

The divisions in General and International Collections are the Library’s primary gateway to the collections and reference services dealing with the non-English-speaking world. Reference librarians in these divisions provide assistance to researchers in the culture, history, literature, politics, political structure, economies, humanities, and social sciences of these countries and regions. Clients include Congress, foreign and U.S. Government agencies, national and international academics and scholars, research and scientific institutions, the professional and business communities, and the general public. Librarians respond to inquiries that are received in person, by telephone, by correspondence and by electronic media.

Reviews various brochures, catalogs, journals, and other sources of items for possible acquisition to develop collections in areas of subject or geographic responsibility. Uses standard methods, techniques, concepts, and principles to perform assignments, which may involve materials in multiple languages and writing systems.

Assists senior reference staff in determining the quality and usefulness of collection materials. Assists in developing strategies for the organization, storage, preservation, and service of materials.

Monitors the condition of collection materials to ensure adherence to established preservation standards and specifications. Brings deteriorating items and those with special needs to the attention of division management. Orients users and explains procedures and regulations governing use and handling of materials in the collection.

Provides reference and instruction to individual researchers and groups where needs are relatively easy to determine from client interviews in person or over the telephone, or from written requests, and the bibliographic source materials are of limited technical complexity and are readily-accessible, i.e., found in the Library’s collection or can be located within a database by use of standard search procedures.

Provides in-person and telephone reference services in a reading room. Responds orally or in writing to inquiries related to assigned field of responsibility. Searches standard databases where the information is relatively stable, such as for bibliographic citations of a general nature. Seeks assistance for locating materials that are not readily accessible.

Develops knowledge of resources in other agencies or institutions to provide informed referrals. Assists patrons with specialized collections under the direction of senior staff.

Source: USAJOBS – Job Announcement