Librarian

Position Description:

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) is a nonprofit organization that manages and operates the NRAO under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. The Observatory is a hub for technological and scientific collaboration, operating state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. The Observatory has been instrumental in the study of black holes, galaxies, and the early universe.

At NRAO, we are currently recruiting for a part‑time (50%-20 hours a week) Librarian. This position is responsible for selecting, acquiring, cataloging, classifying, circulating, and maintaining library materials and the NRAO Library’s integrated library system. The librarian will ensure both staff and public interfaces are working as intended in support of discovery and self‑service. The selected candidate will also be answering reference questions from users and creating training documentation.

The position will be based at our headquarters on the University of Virginia grounds in Charlottesville, Virginia.

What You Will be Doing:

• Updates the catalog including improving existing records, reviewing linked media through URL checker results, testing search efficacy, and adjusting integrated library system (ILS) settings and the online public access catalog (OPAC) layout as needed.
• Performs original and copy cataloging using the Library of Congress classification scheme and subject headings in both the ILS and OCLC per Anglo American Cataloging Rules.
• Performs physical collection maintenance, processes all incoming materials, and manages library bindery.
• Performs circulation duties including check-ins and check‑outs, holds, patron accounts, overdue items and renewals.
• Stewards the physical collection including monographs, journals, publications from other observatories and institutions, reference items, proposal coversheets, and DVD/CD-ROM materials.
• Maintains internal holdings and external OCLC holdings.
• Locates and obtains resources through Interlibrary loans (ILL) and monitors their usage.
• Runs reports to inform management of library practices and usage metrics, and to evaluate the continued service of the ILS annually.
• Reviews, selects, and acquires books and resources, informed by routine evaluations of new materials in keeping with acquisition policy.
• Creates and maintains ILS and cataloging training and procedures documentation.
• Works with EOS and OCLC to identify concerns and suggestions for each vendor's suite of tools.
• Processes invoices for assigned vendors or projects.
• Answers reference questions from internal and external users alike.
• Processes donations of NRAO Publications, documents, and reference items from staff.
• Ensures the library makes use of and supports interlibrary loans through OCLC's WorldShare in compliance with Commission on New Technological Uses of Copyrighted Works (CONTU) guidelines.
• Stays abreast of current copyright law and serves as the NRAO resource for copyright matters.
• Proactive compliance with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in own work area is expected.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Work Environment

Work is mission-driven, team-oriented, and typically performed in a library office setting within a research or development environment.

Who You Are:

• You have a Master's degree in library science (or equivalent) from an ALA accredited Library Science program.
• Two years of related experience in original cataloguing, circulation processes, and acquisitions.
• Working knowledge of principles and practices in library science and MARC21 and AARC.
• Knowledge of reference materials, techniques, and practices and skilled in retrieving, organizing, and disseminating information and research methods.
• Knowledge of book selection principles. OCLC proficiency required.
• Working knowledge of current copyright law.
• Maintain membership in a professional librarian association, (i.e., Special Libraries Association), and participate as appropriate in Association activities. Maintain membership in the AstroLib and PAMNet listservs.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent organizational and communication skills combined with attention to detail.
• Computer skills applicable to working in both a UNIX and PC environment required, including knowledge of the Internet and the Web, Microsoft Office, database management, text editing software, and specialized library software.

Physical Requirements

The employee is required to bend, reach, climb a step stool to shelve books, and must have finger dexterity to label and manipulate books, periodicals, etc. The employee is required to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. The employee is frequently required to communicate in person, by email, and by telephone. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Additional Requirements

Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this position.

Total Rewards:

Compensation

The starting salary for this position is between $33,489.00 - $40,540.00 Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.

Benefits:

Associated Universities, Inc (AUI) offers a comprehensive benefits package addressing the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment, subject to eligibility requirements. AUI provides:

• Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days)
• Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment.
• AUI’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution.
• Click Total Rewards for more information.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to View email address on click.appcast.io. PM20