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The Historical Society of Washington, D.C., is a community-supported educational and research
organization that collects, interprets, and shares the history of our nation’s capital. Founded in
1894, it serves a diverse audience through its collections, public programs, exhibitions, and
publications. Washington is known throughout the world as a monumental federal city. Less
well-known are the stories of Washington’s many diverse and vibrant communities. The Society
helps make this local history easily accessible to the public to promote a sense of identity,
place, and pride in Washington and to preserve this heritage for future generations.
The Kiplinger Research Library at the Historical Society of Washington, D.C. has an immediate
opening for a full-time Research Services Librarian.
The Historical Society is a small, dynamic team of staff and volunteers, and the Research
Services Librarian is an integral part of this collegial network. The Research Services Librarian
serves the public by providing access to the collections of the Kiplinger Library, by staffing
library orientations and research programs, and by responding to in-person, phone, email and
letter queries. The Research Services Librarian will report to the Library & Collections Director
but will work directly with all Historical Society staff, reference volunteers, and members of the
Collections Committee.
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and list of three references to Anne McDonough, Library
& Collections Director at amcdonough@dchistory.org by Friday, June 19th for consideration. No
phone calls please. The anticipated start date for the position is July 1, 2015.
For more information on the Historical Society of Washington, D.C., please visit
www.DCHistory.org. The Historical Society’s blog can be accessed at www.DCHistory.org/blog.
QUALIFICATIONS

ALA accredited master’s degree in library or information science with a concentration in
archives.

Knowledge of current principles and methods of providing access to Special Collections.

Demonstrated reference experience, including both in-person and remote reference.
Volunteer and internship position experience welcome!

Demonstrated ability to work well with a team of diverse professionals and volunteers
to produce a high quality outcome on time.

Demonstrated ability to work efficiently and meticulously.

Demonstrated problem solving skills.

Knowledge of current trends, tools, and protocols in special collections.

Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Competency in computer applications, including Microsoft Word and Excel; digital
imaging applications, including Adobe Photoshop; and social media platforms such as FaceBook
and Twitter.
The ideal candidate will possess the above qualifications, and must be able to multitask and
interact well with different constituents as the Historical Society’s researchers run the gamut
from elementary school students to professors, from hobbyists to professional researchers. The
candidate must be able to thrive in an exceedingly fast-paced environment. While performing
the duties of this job, the Research Services Librarian is regularly required to lift and/or move
up to 40 pounds unassisted, carry large/awkward map and print folders, and climb and reach
on step stools.
DUTIES

The Research Services Librarian welcomes, registers, and assists library patrons
according to outlined procedures.

Answers researcher queries and reference questions in person, and via phone, email,
and mail, using professional techniques for analyzing questions and searching resources within
the library, including all Special Collections formats and electronic resources.

Monitors the behavior and conduct of library patrons and ensures that library
procedures are followed, especially in regards to the security and preservation of library and
archival materials.

Instructs patrons in the use of all manner of library resources.

Pulls and re-shelves requested photographs, books, manuscripts, maps, vertical files and
other collections materials; fulfills copy orders.

Manages orders for image reproduction; conducts permissions research for publication
requests; and manages paperwork and data entry for library services transactions.

Manages paperwork and data entry for library services transactions.

Collects user information and statistics, and identifies ways to improve the research
experience for library patrons.

Works with staff and interns to advance the Society’s social media presence according
to established guidelines to regularly promote the library and collections.

Helps preserve collections by handling materials according to preservation guidelines.

Opens and closes the Kiplinger Research Library on researcher days.

Carries out other tasks as assigned to contribute to the success of the Historical Society.
Additional duties may include coordinating projects as needed, serving as the staff liaison to
Washington History, the Society’s bi-yearly journal; providing administrative support such as
monitoring the exhibit space, addressing way-finding, etc.
HOURS & AVAILABILITY
As currently scheduled, the Research Services Librarian works a Monday-Friday shift, generally
8:30-4:30, with occasional Saturday and evening hours. On weeks when a Saturday shift is
scheduled, the Research Services Librarian will take a flex day the following Monday. Staff is
expected to attend most Historical Society public programs and events for donor cultivation
and stewardship purposes.
SALARY & BENEFITS
This position is exempt; the salary range is $37,500-$40,000. Vacation and sick time shall be
allocated to this position and accrual starts following an initial ninety (90) days of full time
employment. Group insurance benefits are available for this position. There is a voluntary
403(b) Savings and Investment Plan.