Research Librarian US Supreme Court of the United States Washington, DC

Full Job Description

Duties

Research Librarians provide in-depth, comprehensive legal and multidisciplinary research for Chambers, law clerks, Court Officers, staff, and others. Utilizing resources in multiple formats and fields of inquiry, they serve as research experts in culling through the wide array of available materials to provide thorough responses to questions. Research Librarians work under intense time pressure and tight deadlines while determining efficient and effective search strategies to meet the research needs and expectations of Chambers and law clerks. They develop and create new formats and resources for the assembly, organization, and delivery of research results to Chambers and other Court constituencies. They perform collection development through selection responsibilities and resource evaluations. Research Librarians provide training and orientations to law clerks and new employees regarding Library resources and services. They participate in the design and maintenance of a complex relational database for research inquiries. In addition, they have broad programmatic responsibilities for long-term projects that influence the overall effectiveness of the Research Department and the Library.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

  • Expert knowledge of research and reference services and methodologies, legal principles and terminology, court structure and procedure, and legal and non-legal research and related bibliography.
  • Demonstrated expertise in research in legal and non-legal subject areas, including advanced skills with and knowledge of the major electronic resources.
  • Understanding of technology and databases sufficient to use and maintain existing resources and to assist in the design and development of new resources.
  • Ability to quickly become familiar with and comfortable using new databases, web resources, and emerging technologies needed to support research functions and services.
  • Ability to initiate, plan, manage, and complete complex projects.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple projects under intense time pressures while maintaining the appropriate attention to detail.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively across organizational lines.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the work.

 

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Meet Experience Requirements (see Qualifications)
  • Employment is subject to successful completion of a security background check.
  • If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See: www.sss.gov

Qualifications

At least three years of professional experience in law library setting, performing legal research, general reference, and legislative and historical research in both print and electronic formats and resources, required. Experience with major legal and non-legal databases, including, but not limited to, Westlaw, Lexis, HeinOnline, Bloomberg Law, PACER, Proquest, and JSTOR, required. Experience in the research and literature of one non-legal subject area, such as empirical research, history or business, highly desired. Knowledge of a foreign language desired.

Education

MLS/MLIS (or equivalent) degree from an ALA-accredited institution required. JD degree from an ABA-accredited institution strongly preferred.

Additional information

Working for the Supreme Court of the United States offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. Additional benefits include flexible spending accounts, long-term care insurance, and the SmartBenefits transit subsidy.

  • Benefits

     

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How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

We will review and assess your application package in comparison with the posted qualifications for the position.

    • Benefits

       

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    • Required Documents

      As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have – whether you’re a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you’re eligible under their policies.

      The following documents are required:

      • A cover letter
      • A resume

 

  • How to Apply

    You must upload the cover letter and resume. These two documents are required and must be received by the closing date, 06/18/2024, in order to be considered. Please submit only these documents unless you have prior federal and/or military experience. In that case your most recent SF-50, Statement of Service, and/or DD-214 will also be required.

    • To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJobs account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJobs resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
    • Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package.
    • It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
    • To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJobs account, https://www.usajobs.gov, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
    • To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJobs account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJobs account or your application will be incomplete.

     

    Agency contact information

    Human Resources Office

    Phone

    (202) 479-3404

    Email

    hr@supremecourt.gov

    Address

     

    Supreme Court of the United States
    1 First Street NE
    Washington, DC 20543
    US

    Next steps

    Upon submission, you will receive an e-mail acknowledging receipt of your application. Please be advised that your application will not be considered complete unless all of the required documents have been received. All applicants will be notified once a selection has been made.

  • Fair and Transparent

    The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

    • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
    • Criminal history inquiries
    • Reasonable accommodation policy
    • Financial suitability
    • Selective Service
    • New employee probationary period
    • Signature and false statements
    • Privacy Act
    • Social security number request

Required Documents

The following documents are required:

  • A cover letter
  • A resume

 

Help

This job is open to

  • The public

    U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.