Research Specialist Jobs in Missouri

INTRODUCTION

Provides research assistance by consulting print, electronic, and audiovisual resources in areas including law, business, general news, science and technology; compiles bibliographies; and coordinates interlibrary loans of materials from external sources.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducts a thorough reference interview with each end user to determine the scope of the request, billing information, time frame and financial constraints.

• In providing these services, evaluates the complexity of the request, available resources, financial constraints and due date and provides the service in an accurate, complete, cost effective and timely manner.

• Assembles and coordinates delivery of research materials to maximize comprehension and use of material by the end user.

• Supports internal department collaboration and promotion of "best practices" by contributing to Library Reference Zone TeamLink site.

• Uses a computer and communications software to access commercial research databases to conduct complex searches and generate reports.

• May work with attorneys and firm professional staff to perform cite checking duties on briefs submitted to the law library; ensures that citations are "good law", properly formatted and include accurate quotations.

• Stays abreast of current trends in research databases, products and services by professional reading and attendance of seminars and conferences.

• Conducts library orientations, as requested, through presentation of library services.

• Ensures the delivery and operation of electronic/print resources are received in a timely manner and that databases function as expected; troubleshoots as needed.

• Participates in presentations to timekeepers in order to inform, educate and promote library services.

• Routinely keeps track of time in specified intervals and submits time records as requested.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

Master's degree in library science (M.L.S.) or its equivalent; or four to ten years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Ability to work effectively with internet resources, treatises, legal citations and local software currently used in legal research and library science, and is comfortable with learning new electronic resources. Ability to understand legal terminology and proceedings.