Reference and Research Librarian

State of Oklahoma

8d • $50,000 - $55,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL) is now accepting applications for the position of Research and Reference Librarian. Salary range is 50,000- 55,000 depending on education and experience. This position is posted at Librarian Level II/III. The hiring level will be determined based on the candidate’s education and experience. As the official state library of Oklahoma, ODL strives to ensure every Oklahoman has access to innovative, quality library and information resources and possesses the literacy skills needed to be successful in the global economy, to participate in democracy, and to accomplish individual life goals. Located in the State Capitol Complex at 200 NE 18th St in Oklahoma City, ODL serves the information and records management needs of state government, supports public library development, coordinates statewide library information technology projects, and serves the public through its specialized research collections, including state and federal document depositories and the State Archives. ODL has a collection of nearly 700,000 volumes and an annual budget of approximately $8.7 million. The Reference and Research Librarian provides reference and research services in support of all agency collections, delivering high-quality library assistance to state government employees, researchers, and the public. Serving as the State Library’s subject matter expert for law and legislative inquiries, this position delivers accurate and timely research related to historic and current statutory law, legislation, regulations, and state government structure. The Reference and Research Librarian supports the agency’s statutory reporting responsibilities by compiling and maintaining the annual list of state entities created or authorized by law or Executive Order, ensuring accuracy, thorough documentation, and compliance with established deadlines. In addition, this position contributes to a positive customer experience, supports the development and maintenance of the Cartwright Law Collection, participates in educational outreach and training efforts, and assists with special agency projects as needed.

Requirements

• Level II – Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a master's degree in library science from a program accredited by the American Library Association plus (2) two years of professional library experience.
• Level III – Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a master's degree in library science from a program accredited by the American Library Association plus (4) four years of professional library experience.
• Level II – Knowledge of the principles, practices, procedures and techniques of library science; of sources and methods used in reference and bibliographic research, including electronic resources and library cataloging tools; of integrated library systems and bibliographic utilities; of library automation and microcomputer applications; and of training principles and practices. Ability is required to search electronic databases; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; and to analyze situations and adopt an effective course of action.
• Level III – Knowledge of agency policies and procedures; of state and federal legislation related to assigned agency programs; of the principles, practices, procedures and techniques of library science; of research methods to perform independent research, including electronic resources and library cataloging tools; of integrated library systems and bibliographic utilities; of library automation and microcomputer applications; of equipment and materials used in conducting training; and of the use and management of grant funds. Ability to develop and implement library services and programs; to interpret technical, legal and/or complex materials to meet information requests; to search electronic databases; to plan, organize, conduct and evaluate professional development programs; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Nice To Haves

• Two or more years of professional experience providing advanced reference and research services in a government, law, academic, or special library environment.
• Proficiency with legal and government research tools, such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, HeinOnline, GovInfo, and Oklahoma legislative resources.
• Experience conducting legislative tracking, policy analysis, or preparing detailed annual or cyclical reports, demonstrating strong attention to accuracy and deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build collaborative relationships and present complex information clearly to diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Maintains a high-quality customer experience at the State Library, ensuring a welcoming environment, promoting all ODL services and resources, and ensuring adequate staffing at the main service desk.
• Provides accurate, timely, and confidential reference and research services to state government employees, researchers, and the general public.
• Serves as the subject matter expert for law and legislative inquiries while applying current research methodologies to improve service quality.
• Compiles the annual ABC List with accuracy and efficiency, reviewing all state legislative documents issued within the year to identify and track modifications to state entities, and strictly adhering to deadlines.
• Participates in the development, maintenance, budgeting, and evaluation of the Cartwright Law Collection to ensure resources meet user needs and fiscal responsibilities.
• Establishes and maintains partnerships with other libraries, organizations, and stakeholders to enhance service offerings and promote resource sharing.
• Develops and conducts educational training sessions or outreach programs to promote awareness and understanding of State Library services and materials among legislative staff.

Benefits

• A comprehensive health insurance package – medical, dental, vision, life insurance, dependent life insurance, and flexible spending accounts for health care expenses and/or dependent care
• A generous benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents
• Retirement plans: Defined Contribution Plan or Deferred Compensation Plan
• 15 days of annual leave per year, increasing after five, ten and twenty years of employment
• 15 sick leave days per year
• 11 paid annual holidays
• Longevity bonus after 2 years of service that increases every two years
• Employee discounts with a variety of companies and vendors
• Flexible work schedules and hybrid teleworking option

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees