Research Librarian

Job Description

Knowledge Services/Research Librarian Professional

The MIT Lincoln Laboratory Knowledge Services Group comprised of the Laboratory’s Research Library and Laboratory Archives invites applications for the position of Research Librarian.  This position is a creative opportunity for a service-oriented librarian to participate in science and technology research and information delivery services in a complex and dynamic Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC.) This is an excellent position for an early career library/information science professional who is facile with information resources in science and technology areas and who will be committed to creating and improving research and information delivery services with an eye to the future.

Job Description

The Research Librarian will participate in and play a critical role in MIT Lincoln Laboratory Knowledge Services’ Research Library Team by participating in the delivery of research, reference, and mediated search services in science and engineering fields, including staffing a service desk and performing circulation duties. Study committee service, library liaison activities, and participation in collection development decisions are key components to the position. In addition, the selected candidate will engage with colleagues in exploring, planning for, and implementing technological innovations to facilitate and improve library research in areas of interest to the Laboratory. The position requires an incumbent with curiosity and initiative to explore technological innovations to improve these operations and to contribute to the Research Library’s efforts to remain abreast of information resources, technologies, and services.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide general and specialized research assistance for the sciences, engineering, computer science, and related disciplines reflecting the interests of the Laboratory, including staffing a service desk.
• Cultivate partnerships and collaborate with Library and Laboratory personnel on projects including technical studies, programs, and other undertakings
• Analyze trends in the research programs and programs of assigned divisions; keep current with trends in the literature and scholarship of the disciplines themselves, and use this knowledge to build and manage the Research Libraries' collections and alerts in assigned disciplines
• Maintain and develop “collaborative” subject pages and alerts to support and enhance staff use of information resources
• Develop and lead orientation and related outreach presentations. Contribute to the development of online learning resources and tools

Minimum Qualifications

• Master of Science in Library and Information Science from an ALA accredited institution and 1-4 years of professional experience with a focus on scientific and technical librarianship.
• Knowledge of and/or experience with all aspects of Library Science including electronic resources, collaborative technologies, research/reference, acquisitions and collection development, and metadata control.
• Strong focus on digital librarianship and technical aptitude is required in addition to a keen interest and desire to work within the dynamic and changing special library/information services environment.
• Teamwork capabilities are required along with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Successful candidates must have the ability to take initiative, be self-directed, and motivated.
• Candidates must be able to demonstrate analytical and problem-solving skills with an aptitude for complex and detailed work.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required to maintain communication channels with customers, management, and other Knowledge Services personnel in a team-oriented environment.
• Strong service orientation to customers and to co-workers is a must.
• U.S. citizenship and an ability to acquire a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance are required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a Sci/Tech environment and/or a degree in Engineering or Science.
• Professional understanding of collaboration technologies, taxonomies, ontologies, content management systems.
• Understanding of collection development practices related to the scientific, technical and report literature.