Reference and Research Librarian

We offer an excellent benefits package, including: 

• A comprehensive health insurance package – medical, dental, vision, life insurance, dependent life insurance, and flexible spending accounts for health care expenses and/or dependent care 
• A generous benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents 
• Retirement plans: Defined Contribution Plan or Deferred Compensation Plan 
• 15 days of annual leave per year, increasing after five, ten and twenty years of employment 
• 15 sick leave days per year 
• 11 paid annual holidays 
• Longevity bonus after 2 years of service that increases every two years 
• Employee discounts with a variety of companies and vendors 
• Flexible work schedules and hybrid teleworking option 

Job Summary:

The Reference and Research Librarian provides reference and research services in support of all agency collections, delivering high-quality library assistance to state government employees, researchers, and the public. Serving as the State Library’s subject matter expert for law and legislative inquiries, this position delivers accurate and timely research related to historic and current statutory law, legislation, regulations, and state government structure.

The Reference and Research Librarian supports the agency’s statutory reporting responsibilities by compiling and maintaining the annual list of state entities created or authorized by law or Executive Order, ensuring accuracy, thorough documentation, and compliance with established deadlines. In addition, this position contributes to a positive customer experience, supports the development and maintenance of the Cartwright Law Collection, participates in educational outreach and training efforts, and assists with special agency projects as needed.

Job Duties:

• Maintains a high-quality customer experience at the State Library, ensuring a welcoming environment, promoting all ODL services and resources, and ensuring adequate staffing at the main service desk.
• Provides accurate, timely, and confidential reference and research services to state government employees, researchers, and the general public.
• Serves as the subject matter expert for law and legislative inquiries while applying current research methodologies to improve service quality.
• Compiles the annual ABC List with accuracy and efficiency, reviewing all state legislative documents issued within the year to identify and track modifications to state entities, and strictly adhering to deadlines.
• Participates in the development, maintenance, budgeting, and evaluation of the Cartwright Law Collection to ensure resources meet user needs and fiscal responsibilities.
• Establishes and maintains partnerships with other libraries, organizations, and stakeholders to enhance service offerings and promote resource sharing.
• Develops and conducts educational training sessions or outreach programs to promote awareness and understanding of State Library services and materials among legislative staff.

Minimum Qualifications:

Level II –

• Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a master's degree in library science from a program accredited by the American Library Association plus (2) two years of professional library experience.

Level III –

• Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a master's degree in library science from a program accredited by the American Library Association plus (4) four years of professional library experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two or more years of professional experience providing advanced reference and research services in a government, law, academic, or special library environment.
• Proficiency with legal and government research tools, such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, HeinOnline, GovInfo, and Oklahoma legislative resources.
• Experience conducting legislative tracking, policy analysis, or preparing detailed annual or cyclical reports, demonstrating strong attention to accuracy and deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build collaborative relationships and present complex information clearly to diverse stakeholders.

Knowledge and Skills:

Level II –

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, procedures and techniques of library science;
• of sources and methods used in reference and bibliographic research, including electronic resources and library cataloging tools;
• of integrated library systems and bibliographic utilities;
• of library automation and microcomputer applications; and
• of training principles and practices.
• Ability is required to search electronic databases;
• to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;
• to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; and
• to analyze situations and adopt an effective course of action.

Level III –

• Knowledge of agency policies and procedures;
• of state and federal legislation related to assigned agency programs;
• of the principles, practices, procedures and techniques of library science;
• of research methods to perform independent research, including electronic resources and library cataloging tools;
• of integrated library systems and bibliographic utilities;
• of library automation and microcomputer applications;
• of equipment and materials used in conducting training; and
• of the use and management of grant funds.
• Ability to develop and implement library services and programs;
• to interpret technical, legal and/or complex materials to meet information requests;
• to search electronic databases; to plan, organize, conduct and evaluate professional development programs;
• to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; and
• to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.