Library Associate Jobs in Columbia, MD (NOW HIRING)

Description

LAC Federal is seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Library Technician / Paraprofessional to support a federal scientific library in providing library operations, collection maintenance, circulation, document delivery, and customer service support within a federal scientific library environment. This position supports researchers, scientists, analysts, and staff by ensuring that library collections, records, and public service operations remain organized, accessible, and responsive to user needs. The successful candidate will assist with physical collection maintenance, circulation services, interlibrary loan support, digitization activities, inventory control, and general library operations.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Process physical library materials including barcodes, spine labels, security tags, and property stamps 
• Shelve, shift, and maintain library collections using Library of Congress Classification (LCC) or local filing systems 
• Conduct shelf-reading and collection maintenance activities to ensure filing accuracy and retrievability 
• Create and update patron records using the government-provided integrated library system (ILS) 
• Perform circulation activities including check-in, check-out, renewals, recalls, and holds 
• Support interlibrary loan (ILL) and document delivery services by processing requests, retrieving materials, scanning      documents, and coordinating shipments 
• Assist with inventory control and collection tracking activities using government-provided databases and systems 
• Support digitization projects by preparing materials, scanning documents, creating tracking lists, and performing quality checks on digital files 
• Assist with archival processing, records management, and metadata support activities as assigned 
• Provide front-line customer service and assist users with locating materials and accessing library resources 
• Support library outreach activities, exhibits training sessions, and events as needed 
• Assist with opening and closing library facilities and maintaining orderly public and staff spaces 
• Track and report circulation, usage, and service statistics 
• Identify and report facilities, equipment, or electronic access issues to federal staff 
• Support emergency response and collection protection activities during facility or environmental incidents 
• Assist with physical inventory of library equipment and property 

Requirements

• Associate's degree from a recognized college or technical school; May substitute experience for degree
• Minimum of one (1) year of relevant library, archives, records management, or information services experience 
• Experience using library systems, databases, or inventory tracking systems 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail 
• Strong customer service and communication skills 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a professional environment 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and standard office software 
• Ability to follow detailed procedures and maintain accurate records 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting scientific, technical, academic, or federal libraries 
• Familiarity with Library of Congress Classification (LCC) 
• Experience with integrated library systems (ILS) and circulation operations 
• Experience supporting interlibrary loan, digitization, or archival activities 
• Familiarity with metadata or document management systems 
• Experience supporting inventory or property accountability functions 
• Familiarity with Section 508 accessibility requirements

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, reach, and use hands and fingers for extended periods of time in a library or office environment. 
• Ability to frequently lift, carry, move, shelve, and transport books, boxes, files, library materials, and equipment weighing up to 30 pounds. 
• Ability to travel throughout library, storage, and office areas, including pushing carts, retrieving materials, and operating standard office and scanning equipment for prolonged periods.

Benefits

• 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

EEO Statement

The company and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate the population of differences and does not discriminate in its hiring/hiring practices, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Nothing in this job specification restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. 

Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. 

To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. 

Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.