Reference Librarian, U.S. Senate, (Washington D.C.)

Posted March 19, 2026

Job Description

This is a career ladder position in the Senate Library under the Secretary of the Senate. An individual selected for the career ladder position will be placed into pay band 8 and will be on a training plan and provided opportunities for development and increased responsibility. This is typically for a period of approximately twenty-four (24) to thirty-six (36) months.
Upon successful completion of the development and performance goals, the incumbent will be recommended for promotion to the position of Reference Librarian II and a promotional increase into pay band 9.
PHASE I – REFERENCE LIBRARIAN I – PAY BAND 8
The Reference Librarian I is a professional position in the Senate Library. Work involves providing reference, training, and research support services to Senate staff in a timely, confidential, and nonpartisan manner. Work is bound by standard industry guidelines, Secretary of the Senate policies and procedures, the U.S. Senate Handbook, and the Senate Ethics Manual, but requires independent judgment in setting priorities and handling assignments.

Essential Functions

Provide specialized reference and research assistance to patrons. Respond to a full range of inquiries, including legal and legislative questions, requests for historical materials and statistical data, and complex research involving difficult-to-locate materials using a wide range of subscription databases, Congress.gov, Library collections, and other materials.
Monitor legislative activities and current events to support patron inquiries and requests. Assist in the development and maintenance of the Library collections by reviewing print and electronic resources to recommend materials for acquisition, replacement, or withdrawal.
Teach patrons about research tools through one-on-one or class instruction. Teach patrons about the services of the Senate Library by conducting tours and leading class demonstrations of research databases. Collaborate with Senate staff on developing search strategies in database and print resources. Maintain knowledge of research tools by attending vendor and library-related classes and webinars.
Present and promote Library services to Senate offices. Contribute to Library outreach efforts such as new staff orientations, National Library Week events, Library tours, promotional materials, and Library display cases. Develop and maintain web content for the Senate’s public website (Senate.gov), the Senate intranet, and the Library’s website.
Maintain current knowledge of the Senate Library’s Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and Continuity of Operations (COOP) plan; participate in periodic exercises and drills.
Provide all customers with the highest level of customer service.

PHASE II – REFERENCE LIBRARIAN II – PAY BAND 9
The Reference Librarian II is a senior professional position in the Senate Library. Work involves providing reference, training, and research support services to Senate staff in a timely, confidential, and nonpartisan manner. Work is bound by standard industry guidelines, Secretary of the Senate policies and procedures, the U.S. Senate Handbook, and the Senate Ethics Manual, but requires independent judgment in setting priorities and handling assignments.

Essential Functions

Provide specialized reference and research assistance to patrons. Respond to a full range of inquiries, including legal and legislative questions, requests for historical materials and statistical data, and complex research involving difficult-to-locate materials using a wide range of subscription databases, Congress.gov, Library collections, and other materials. Mentor new reference librarians and impart specialized knowledge to members of the reference team through regular information sharing meetings.
Monitor legislative activities and current events to support patron inquiries and requests. Assist in the development and maintenance of the Library collections by reviewing print and electronic resources to recommend materials for acquisition, replacement, or withdrawal.
Work with the outreach and instructional services librarian to develop and refine curriculum materials used in library instruction. Participate in instructor evaluation and training. Disseminate information about research tools and services offered to Senate staff and enhance the development of their research skills through one-on-one or class instruction. Teach Senate staff about the services of the Senate Library by conducting tours and leading class demonstrations of research databases. Collaborate with Senate staff on developing search strategies in database and print resources. Maintain knowledge of research tools by attending vendor and library-related classes and webinars.
Present and promote Library services to Senate offices. Contribute to Library outreach efforts such as new staff orientations, National Library Week events, Library tours, promotional materials, and Library display cases. Develop and maintain web content for the Senate’s public website (Senate.gov), the Senate intranet, and the Library’s website.
Maintain full knowledge of the Senate Library’s Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and Continuity of Operations (COOP) plan; perform remote check-in functions for the department in the absence of the Office Emergency Coordinator (OEC); and participate in periodic exercises and drills.
Provide all customers with the highest level of customer service.

Minimum Qualifications:

PHASE I – REFERENCE LIBRARIAN I – PAY BAND 8

Work requires a master’s degree in library science from an ALA-accredited program and one to three years of professional reference experience, including the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Ability to select and organize research data for patrons.
Basic knowledge of the Senate as an institution preferred, with a desire and willingness to learn more about the legislative process, as well as the history and operation of the Senate.
Knowledge of Congress, the legislative process and procedures, and congressional documents.
Knowledge of the federal government, the U.S. legal system, U.S. politics, and U.S. history.
Knowledge of the resources, organization, and classification schemes of the Library of Congress.
Knowledge of software and hardware tools, including web page editing software.
Ability to evaluate print and online research resources.
Ability to work cooperatively and effectively in a team setting, both within the Library and outside of organizational lines.
Ability to set and manage project work requirements, multitask, and meet deadlines.
Ability to provide prompt, responsive, and courteous customer service.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

PHASE II – REFERENCE LIBRARIAN II – PAY BAND 9

Work requires a master’s degree in library science from an ALA-accredited program and four to five years of professional reference experience, including the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Ability to select and organize research data for patrons.
Knowledge of the Senate as an institution.
Knowledge of Congress, the legislative process and procedures, and congressional documents.
Knowledge of the federal government, the U.S. legal system, U.S. politics, and U.S. history.
Knowledge of the resources, organization, and classification schemes of the Library of Congress.
Knowledge of software and hardware tools, including web page editing software.
Ability to evaluate print and online research resources.
Ability to work cooperatively and effectively in a team setting, both within the Library and outside of organizational lines.
Ability to set and manage project work requirements, multitask, and meet deadlines.
Ability to provide prompt, responsive, and courteous customer service.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Hours and Compensation

Pay Band 8: $85,358-$132,302
Pay Band 9: $92,879-$143,956
Full Time

How to Apply

To learn more information about the position and apply see the website here: https://saa.csodfed.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/883?c=saa&cfdd[0][id]=2&cfdd[0][options][0]=3

Deadline: 3/26/2026 at 7:00pm EST