136 · SPEC Kit 296
Duke University
Duke University Libraries
Position Description
POSITION: Research Services Librarian
LIBRARY: Research Services Department
Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library (RBMSCL)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: As a member of the Research Services staff, the Research
Services Librarian provides reference services for RBMSCL materials that come in a variety of
languages and formats, ranging from ancient papyrus to modern advertising and video tapes.
Responsibilities also include oversight of the department’s responses to remote users, including
Interlibrary Loan, and support for the department’s web pages. Particular strengths of the
library’s collections include the history and culture of the American South, Great Britain and the
British Empire, Wesleyana and British Methodism, American literature, materials supporting
women’s studies and African American studies, the history of economic thought, and modern
advertising.
DUTIES:
• Provides reference service in the reading room. Conducts reference interviews appropriate
for researchers in primary source materials. Interprets the library's finding aids and holdings
for researchers and assisting them in identifying materials related to their topics.
• Answers reference inquiries received from remote users (e-mail, telephone, FAX, mail),
providing limited research services and prompt replies. Trains the Reference Intern in
procedures for answering queries from remote users and monitors incoming queries to the
Department to see that users receive timely responses.
• Receives requests from Interlibrary Loan for RBMSCL materials and makes decisions about
appropriate duplication methods.
• Monitors and evaluates Research Services Department pages, public and staff-only, on the
RBMSCL web site. Contributes to content of web pages.
• Performs searches using computer-based sources and appropriate searching skills teaching
such skills to researchers.
• Provides circulation services as needed and helps monitor security in the research room.
• Assists researchers with research room equipment such as copiers, video players, and
microform readers.
• Assists in conceptualizing and mounting exhibits related to the library’s holdings. Helps
publicize, organize, and create publications and events related to exhibits.
• Participates actively in departmental planning meetings to set goals and priorities, develop
policies, and maximize services to users.
• Acquires a general knowledge of RBMSCL manuscript, rare book, and other holdings and
keeps current with new acquisitions.
• Updates skills and knowledge by attending workshops, conferences, or other appropriate
learning opportunities.
Duke University
Duke University Libraries
Position Description
POSITION: Research Services Librarian
LIBRARY: Research Services Department
Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library (RBMSCL)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: As a member of the Research Services staff, the Research
Services Librarian provides reference services for RBMSCL materials that come in a variety of
languages and formats, ranging from ancient papyrus to modern advertising and video tapes.
Responsibilities also include oversight of the department’s responses to remote users, including
Interlibrary Loan, and support for the department’s web pages. Particular strengths of the
library’s collections include the history and culture of the American South, Great Britain and the
British Empire, Wesleyana and British Methodism, American literature, materials supporting
women’s studies and African American studies, the history of economic thought, and modern
advertising.
DUTIES:
• Provides reference service in the reading room. Conducts reference interviews appropriate
for researchers in primary source materials. Interprets the library's finding aids and holdings
for researchers and assisting them in identifying materials related to their topics.
• Answers reference inquiries received from remote users (e-mail, telephone, FAX, mail),
providing limited research services and prompt replies. Trains the Reference Intern in
procedures for answering queries from remote users and monitors incoming queries to the
Department to see that users receive timely responses.
• Receives requests from Interlibrary Loan for RBMSCL materials and makes decisions about
appropriate duplication methods.
• Monitors and evaluates Research Services Department pages, public and staff-only, on the
RBMSCL web site. Contributes to content of web pages.
• Performs searches using computer-based sources and appropriate searching skills teaching
such skills to researchers.
• Provides circulation services as needed and helps monitor security in the research room.
• Assists researchers with research room equipment such as copiers, video players, and
microform readers.
• Assists in conceptualizing and mounting exhibits related to the library’s holdings. Helps
publicize, organize, and create publications and events related to exhibits.
• Participates actively in departmental planning meetings to set goals and priorities, develop
policies, and maximize services to users.
• Acquires a general knowledge of RBMSCL manuscript, rare book, and other holdings and
keeps current with new acquisitions.
• Updates skills and knowledge by attending workshops, conferences, or other appropriate
learning opportunities.
