Library Research Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Description

LAC Federal is seeking a dynamic and service-oriented Marketing and Outreach Librarian to support a federal library in the Silver Spring, MD area in promoting scientific library resources, services, and collections to researchers, scientists, analysts, and staff. This position supports a federal scientific library environment and plays a key role in increasing awareness, engagement, and utilization of library services through outreach, instruction, training, and communications initiatives. This is a one-year full-time (40 hours a week; Monday to Friday) benefited contract position. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop instructional and promotional content highlighting library services, collections, databases, and digital resources
• Create and maintain outreach materials including newsletters, research guides, web content, email communications, presentations, and social media content
• Assist with planning and execution of outreach campaigns and user engagement initiatives
• Conduct trainings, webinars, demonstrations, workshops, and presentations related to library resources and services
• Participate in NOAA staff meetings, outreach events, exhibits, and all-hands gatherings to promote library services
• Support demonstrations and outreach activities related to government-provided installations such as Science on a Sphere
• Develop and distribute surveys, feedback forms, and user needs assessments to evaluate library services and collections
• Assist with usability testing and evaluation of library web pages and digital services
• Collect and analyze outreach metrics including attendance, engagement statistics, web analytics, and customer feedback
• Provide reference and customer service support as needed
• Coordinate with federal library staff to ensure outreach activities align with NOAA mission objectives and communication standards
• Prepare reports summarizing outreach activities, engagement metrics, accomplishments, and recommendations for improvement
• Ensure all content and instructional materials comply with Section 508 accessibility requirements

Requirements

• 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 developing outreach, instructional, or promotional materials for library or information services
• Experience conducting trainings, webinars, presentations, or user instruction sessions
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience using online research databases, library discovery systems, and digital information resources
• Experience creating web-based content and instructional materials
• Ability to analyze user feedback and engagement metrics to improve services
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and common collaboration tools 
• Experience supporting scientific, technical, academic, or federal libraries
• Experience with web analytics tools such as Google Analytics
• Familiarity with Section 508 accessibility requirements
• Experience with social media outreach and digital communications
• Experience supporting user needs assessments or usability testing initiatives
• Familiarity with NOAA, environmental science, or federal research environments

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, and operate standard office equipment and computer systems for extended periods while developing outreach materials, conducting research, and supporting library services and communications initiatives. 
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, transport, and set up outreach materials, presentation equipment, exhibit supplies, and library materials weighing up to 25 pounds for meetings, trainings, outreach events, and library programs. 
• Ability to travel throughout the library or event spaces to support meetings, trainings, exhibits, presentations, and outreach activities in a professional office or library environment.

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.