About the Role:

The State of Arizona Research Library is looking for a Lead Reference Librarian, eager to make a difference for those researching Arizona’s people, places, history, and government. If you thrive in a culture of curiosity, learning, customer service, and information access, please consider joining the State of Arizona Research Library team at the Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records.

The Lead Reference Librarian plays a critical role within the State of Arizona Research Library team to ensure patrons have expedited, accurate, and relevant access to both physical and online collections that tell the story of Arizona's history and government.

The librarian will:
• Develop a broad knowledge of Research Library collections.
• Answer reference questions and assign specialized inquiries to our subject experts.
• Partner with the Lead Reference Archivist to seamlessly support researchers needing materials from both Library and Archival collections.
• Collaborate with collection managers to create and improve findings aids that help patrons navigate our resources.
• Manage Reading Room appointments, gather needed materials, and supervise and support researchers in the Reading Room.
• Help train Reading Room desk associates and staff.

Additional responsibilities include creating and scheduling social media posts, blog posts, and other content that showcase our collections.

This position is a part of the State of Arizona Research Library team at the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, reporting to the Research Library Administrator. This position must work collaboratively with Research Library team members, as well as other Library Services and Archives staff.

Job Duties:

Reference and Research Supports. Develop a broad knowledge of Research Library collections. Provide in‐depth research and reference assistance for patrons in person, and via phone and email. Coordinate with Lead Reference Archivist and Research Library collection managers as necessary. Participate in and co-lead trainings for the Reading Room desk associates and other library and archives staff, as needed. Set appointments, gather materials, and monitor researchers in the Reading Room. Create, evaluate, and update research supports such as finding aids, LibGuides, and website content

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge:
· Knowledge of Arizona and Southwest history, literature, government and/or geography
· Knowledge of online library content tools (such as Polaris Leap, Vega Discover, and Springshare), practices, and search methods

Skill:
· Skilled with working with researchers to determine their needs, and finding appropriate materials
· Skilled with creation of finding aids to assist with discovery
· Skilled with writing online content for social media platforms
· Skilled with the use of Microsoft office, spreadsheets, databases, content management systems, web design tools and online platforms
· Skilled with the management of library system workflows

Ability:
· Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment with diverse groups of people, including both technical and non-technical staff
· Excellent verbal and written communication
· Ability to lift, carry and pull up to 30 pounds

Selective Preference(s):

AZ Driver’s License
MA in Library Science, History, or related degree is required.
Library experience, including customer service and reference and research assistance, is preferred.
Previous experience working in a special or academic library is preferred