Job Type
Full-time
Salary Description
$26.66 – $28.71 hourly range
Description
ABOUT US
For more than a century, the Oregon Historical Society (OHS) has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of objects, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms, educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history open and accessible to all.
The OHS Research Library seeks an experienced, collaborative, innovative, and service-oriented Reference Librarian with solid knowledge of history to join our team of dedicated professionals committed to broadening access to the unique and varied collections that the library holds. This onsite public service position reaches a wide constituency through direct in-person and remote reference services, instruction and outreach. We welcome researchers of all skill levels and with wide-ranging interests onsite in our downtown Portland location and provide remote reference to researchers from around the globe. This position will furthermore advance the educational mission of OHS to the general public, educators, and high school and post- secondary students through instruction in the use of primary sources and library resources, and other outreach projects.
OHS’s research library is committed to providing broad access to its collections and online resources for teaching, learning, and research, both onsite in our renovated downtown Portland library space and online through robust digital collections and digital history websites. The library holds the largest collection of archival and published materials relating to the history of Oregon, including the historical regions of the Oregon Country and the Oregon Territory. Our collections serve as a foundation for scholars, teachers, students, and the general public to research and reflect on our state and regional history. The resources and staff of the research library play a significant role in fulfilling OHS's mission to "preserve our state's history and makes it accessible to everyone in ways that advance knowledge and inspire curiosity about all the people, places, and events that have shaped Oregon."
The Oregon Historical Society practices and promotes inclusiveness. We honor the diverse strengths, needs, voices, and backgrounds of all members of our community and are committed to the equitable treatment of all people and the elimination of discrimination in all its forms. We are, furthermore, committed to building a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from diverse candidates.
BENEFITS
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
· Health insurance (medical, vision, alternative care, prescription)
· Dental insurance
· Generous paid time off
· 4% matching 401(k) retirement plan
· Flexible spending accounts
· Long-term disability insurance
· Life insurance
· Employee assistance program
· Museum admission and lectures, programs and gift shop discount
HOW TO APPLY:
Submit the following required materials at: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/
· Cover letter addressing how your library or archive experience in reference, instruction, and outreach, and your knowledge of history has prepared you to serve the OHS mission and advance public service delivery as a refence librarian in our research library.
· Resume
Employment is contingent on passing a background check.
SUMMARY
The Reference Librarian provides reference and instructional services for a wide variety of researchers and learners served by the OHS research library. As a public-facing member of the library team, the Reference Librarian demonstrates exceptional interpersonal skills and creates a genuine, welcoming environment for all visitors. This position provides direct research assistance at the public reference desk and remote services for all library collections, conducts in-depth research, and creates and delivers instruction and programs to diverse audiences. This position works on-site and is part of the OHS collective bargaining unit.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Provides reference and information assistance to external and internal research library users for all types and formats of library materials, including but not limited to maps, government documents, rare books, photographs, manuscripts, sound recordings, and audiovisual materials. Provides bibliographic instruction in research methods and electronic resources use, and remote reference services.
2. Conducts in-depth research in all library collections.
3. Develops and delivers instruction, outreach projects and materials, and public programs to inform students and the general public about the use of library resources, primary sources, and other topics of interest and relevance to the institutional mission and constituent needs and that support the promotion of the collections and library services.
JOB DUTIES
· Ensures that courteous, efficient, accurate, and knowledgeable assistance is provided to OHS Research Library users through public contact, telephone, written, and electronic means. Creates a genuine, welcoming environment for visitors of all cultural backgrounds, beliefs, abilities, identities, and orientations.
· Assists Reference Services Manager in operation of the reference service, including: developing and organizing print and online reference tools and materials, maintaining and scheduling service of specialized library equipment, and developing and implementing policies and procedures.
· Provides assistance in placing photo orders and other duplication services offered by the library. Produces reference scans and photocopies as needed.
· Maintains reference collections including but not limited to books, serials, microfilm, government documents, digital, video & audio materials, and biography and subject files.
· Reports progress and statistics to Reference Services Manager on a monthly and as-needed basis.
· Serves on departmental and institution-wide committees, and contributes to social media and web content to promote the use of library collections and the understanding of Oregon history.
· Supports institutional projects as directed by the Reference Services Manager and Library Director.
· Conducts training for OHS staff in using the resources of the OHS Research Library.
· Makes presentations at public conferences and other public venues, as needed.
· Participates in professional development activities in order to maintain knowledge of current library practices and historical scholarship.
· Guided by OHS's mission in daily work, and aspires to enact the Society's values of integrity, invitation, equity and inclusion, cultural humility, accessibility, and learning. Adheres to OHS policies and professional standards of the American Library Association and Society of American Archivists.
· Maintains punctual, regular and predictable attendance.
· Works collaboratively in a team environment with a spirit of cooperation.
· Displays excellent communication skills including presentation, persuasion, and negotiation skills required in working with coworkers, visitors and volunteers and including the ability to communicate effectively and remain calm and courteous under pressure.
· Respectfully takes direction from supervisor.
· Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
· Master's degree in Library and Information Science, History, Archival Management, or related area or equivalent academic training and/or experience, with direct reference experience.
· Two years' direct reference experience in addition to education and training.
· Knowledge of United States, Pacific Northwest, and Oregon history.
· Knowledge of current principles and methods of archival and professional library service; current library organization; and current reference and special collections procedures, including preservation, and security.
· Knowledge of U.S. copyright law as it pertains to library materials.
· Knowledge of MARC cataloging and demonstrated facility with library catalogs, archival finding aids, and online reference resources required.
· Demonstrated instruction and public speaking experience. Knowledge of information literacy concepts and teaching with primary sources. Demonstrated experience utilizing online learning and presentation tools.
Preferred education and experience includes:
· Knowledge of and experience with arrangement and description of archival materials.
· Experience with genealogical research and in using online genealogical tools such as Ancestry.com.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public. Ability to understand and apply highly complex policies and procedures.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
COMPUTER SKILLS
Job requires specialized computer job skills. Must be adept at using various applications including database, spreadsheet, report writing, word processing, presentation creation/editing, communicate by e-mail and use scheduling software. Must be adept at using various applications including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, Access, PowerPoint, etc.), specialized databases, and basic scanning software. Proficiency with using online searching techniques, and with resources such as with search engines, WorldCat, and archival finding aids required. Familiarity with social media formats.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Valid driver's license.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds unassisted. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to work near moving parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles such as dust.
Must be willing and able to work a flex schedule to meet the demands of the position, including Saturdays.
This position will work as needed in the OHS facility in downtown Portland and the Gresham Support Facility (GSF) as assigned. Travel between the two facilities may occasionally be required.
COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENT
The OHS has adopted a policy where all employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Employees may request an exception from vaccination because of a disability or sincerely held religious beliefs from the HR Department. New employees must submit proof of vaccination or a valid exception request by their first day of work.
