Job Announcement: ART REFERENCE LIBRARIAN
Art Information Resources at the Smithsonian American Art Museum seeks a
reference librarian to serve as an assistant to the manager of the Ask Joan
of Art digital reference desk.
Launched in 1993, the Ask Joan of Art reference desk specializes in
providing information on the subject of American art and artists, and more
generally, the liberal arts. Approximately 400-600 questions are received
each month. Ask Joan of Art works cooperatively with national digital
reference initiatives, including The Virtual Reference Desk Project and 24/7
Reference, a project of the Metropolitan Cooperative Library System (MCLS).
Ask Joan of Art also participates in a pilot project with QuestionPoint,
recently developed by the Library of Congress and OCLC.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Answers reference questions submitted from
patrons of all ages (elementary to post-graduate), with varying levels of
art expertise. Performs literature searches using a variety of print and
electronic resources. Evaluates resources for authority, reliability,
accuracy, and age-level and selects the best resources to provide
ready-reference assistance to a broad spectrum of patrons. Composes timely,
informative, articulate responses to questions received, paying particular
attention to questions asked, age/educational level of customer, and the
most relevant resources for answering specific questions. Compiles
art-specific bibliographies, finding aids, and FAQ (Frequently Asked
Questions) files-- with an emphasis on Web resources--to supplement the
services of the Ask Joan of Art reference desk.
QUALIFICATIONS: M.L.S. or at least completion of one full academic year of
graduate study in library science, plus a knowledge of art history
sufficient to provide effective reference service to customers at all
levels. American art expertise is desirable. Professional knowledge of the
theories, principles, and techniques of librarianship in general, and more
particularly with the affect of new technologies on traditional library
services. Familiarity with art library resources and procedures, such as
basic reference tools; multiplicity of formats (slides, exhibition
catalogues, auction catalogs); art resources on the Internet; issues
concerning image copyright and licensing; and specialized thesauri.
Knowledge of the Internet, as it relates to using general and specific
search engines to locate information; saving and downloading documents;
searching library catalogues and specialized databases; using Web-based
CD-ROM titles. Excellent language and writing skills as demonstrated in
clear, concise, and informative letter-writing. Knowledge of computer
applications, including word processing and scanning required.
TO APPLY: For full job description and application requirements, see
announcement #03CR-1151 Librarian (Reference) at:
http://www.sihr.si.edu/job.htm. Please note that applications must be
received by May 6, and must reference the selective and quality factors in
that announcement. The Smithsonian is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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