Research Librarian (Natural Resources, Energy, and Earth Science)

Duties

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) seeks a Research Librarian to join its Resources, Science, and Industry Division, which supports the work of Congress in issue areas including earth sciences, natural resources, environmental policy, energy and minerals, agriculture and food, science, technology, transportation, and industry.

The Research Librarian will provide reference and research services to CRS policy analysts and congressional clients, focusing primarily on the areas of natural resources, energy, and earth science. Candidates with a Master of Library Science (MLS) or equivalent degree and background in issue areas including natural resources, energy, and earth science are encouraged to apply. Outstanding candidates will also have a background in data science and/or public policy.

CRS works exclusively for the United States Congress, providing policy and legal analysis to committees and Members of both the House and Senate, regardless of party affiliation. As a legislative branch agency within the Library of Congress, CRS is a valued and respected resource on Capitol Hill.

CRS is well known for analysis that is authoritative, confidential, objective and nonpartisan. Its highest priority is to ensure that Congress has immediate access to the nation's best thinking on public policy issues of interest to its Members and Committees.

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that ensures the Service is well positioned to anticipate and meet the information and analytical research needs of a 21st-century Congress.

Research Librarian duties include:

Analyzes and solves research problems within designated policy research areas. Factors that affect the complexity of these problems include novelty, the difficulty in locating authoritative information, and the specialized nature of the subject area.

Responds to congressional and internal requests for information related to issues requiring in-depth knowledge of the context/background of the issue, and for information that is difficult to find and/or requires filtering/synthesis. Utilizes specialized knowledge to prepare responses to requests and develop and execute research methodologies for specialized topics.

Develops and maintains knowledge of research resources. Identifies, tests, and evaluates new, specialized research resources; performs market analyses on competing resources; and recommends specialized information resources and research materials for purchase or renewal.

Provides orientation and training/instruction to congressional clients, colleagues, and peers on research methods and research resources.