Science Reference Librarian

LAC Federal

Science Reference Librarian delivering high-quality scientific information services to scientists and researchers at NOAA. Collaborating with federal staff to enhance research and information accessibility.

Posted 6/24/2026full-timeSilver Spring • Maryland • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $70,000 - $85,000 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Tableau

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Respond to reference and research inquiries from NOAA staff using in-person, email, telephone, and virtual service channels
Conduct complex literature searches and information retrieval using scientific and technical databases, repositories, and library systems
Perform reference interviews to clarify research needs and identify appropriate resources and search strategies
Develop research products including literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, research summaries, and briefing materials
Assist with bibliometric analysis projects using tools such as Web of Science, Scopus, EndNote, and other analytical resources
Support information discovery and access across NOAA library collections, databases, institutional repositories, and external information sources
Provide training, instruction, and demonstrations on library resources, databases, and research tools
Create research guides, instructional materials, and outreach content promoting library services and collections
Track and report reference and research metrics, service activity, and customer engagement statistics
Support interlibrary loan and document delivery services as needed
Assist with collection development activities and user needs assessments
Maintain awareness of emerging scientific information resources, library technologies, and federal research trends
Ensure all work products meet applicable Section 508 accessibility requirements and NOAA standards

Requirements

What you’ll need

Master’s Degree in Library Science (MLS/MLIS) from an ALA-accredited institution
2–3 years of equivalent full-time experience as a professional librarian
Experience conducting reference and research services in academic, scientific, technical, or federal library environments
Experience using scientific and technical databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, EBSCO, or similar platforms
Strong research, analytical, and information retrieval skills
Experience developing search strategies and synthesizing research findings
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong customer service and user engagement skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and common online collaboration tools
Experience supporting federal scientific or technical libraries
Experience conducting bibliometric or citation analysis
Experience creating instructional materials, research guides, or library training content
Familiarity with institutional repositories and digital library systems
Experience with data visualization or reporting tools such as Tableau or Power BI
Familiarity with Section 508 accessibility standards

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
Short Term & Long-Term Disability
Training & Development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

bibliometric analysisinformation retrievalsearch strategiesliterature reviewsannotated bibliographiesresearch summariesdata visualizationcitation analysiscollection developmentuser needs assessments

Soft Skills

research skillsanalytical skillswritten communicationverbal communicationcustomer serviceuser engagementtraining skillsinstructional designoutreach skillsinterpersonal skills

Certifications

Master’s Degree in Library Science (MLS/MLIS)ALA-accredited institution