Library Science/Information Science - National Transportation Library Fellow
A complete application consists of:
- An application
- A current resume/CV
- Transcripts – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. Selected candidate may be required to provide proof of completion of the degree before the appointment can start.
All documents must be in English or include an official English translation. If you have questions, send an email to SciEdPrograms@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.
How do we connect users with information beyond chat and text reference tools? What's happening in the development of research data services in libraries? What is the future of information management in federal libraries and information centers? We want you and your ideas to help build and increase the reach of the National Transportation Library’s programs and services! From virtual reference to data curation to transportation consortia operations/support to digital libraries to policy development and implementation, the National Transportation Library (NTL) is continually improving operations and performance. Do you thrive in a collaborative work-environment developing new services and programs like these? Join us in Washington, DC as a National Transportation Library (NTL) Fellow.
The NTL Fellows Program offers a broad-based experience with exposure to research and reference, digital library operations, consortia operations, data services, and networking and outreach supporting the NTL and its parent agency, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. As a foundation, the NTL Fellow will support reference and research activities for a portion of his/her time engaging with intramural and extramural researchers and stakeholders to inform other projects. After rotation through NTL’s major programs, the Fellow will have the opportunity to collaborate with librarians, the data curator, and library staff on existing or new projects and initiatives supporting NTL’s legislative mandate. Previous successful projects have led to policies and activities that have become a regular part of the products and services of the NTL.
Who are we? We are the National Transportation Library at U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). The BTS is the Principal Federal Statistical Agency that provides objective, comprehensive, and relevant information on the extent and use of the Nation’s transportation system, how well the system performs, and the effects of the system on society and the environment. Within BTS, NTL is part of the Office of Information and Library Science, which also houses the Stakeholder Engagement program. NTL was established to provide national and international access to transportation information, coordinate information creation and dissemination, and provide reference services for DOT employees and stakeholders. NTL's reference staff provides (1) research and reference services to USDOT and Congressional requesters and (2) basic reference and referral services to the public and other customers. To meet the requirements outlined in its legislative mandate, NTL collects across transportation, specifically focused on information from US DOT, state DOTs, and other transportation organizations. NTL hired a Data Curator to strengthen and formalize a Data Services program in 2016. Data Services enable good data management as a component of data science. NTL works across transportation, federal, and national information and library science communities accomplish its mission.
Participant Benefits
The selected candidate will receive a stipend as support for living and other expenses during this appointment. Stipend rates are determined by DOT officials and are based on the candidate’s academic and professional background. The candidate may also be eligible to receive a health insurance allowance and reimbursement for travel expenses. This appointment is full-time for one year and may be extended in increments of up to one year, contingent upon project needs and funding availability.
Nature of the Appointment
Participants will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, the DOT, or any other office or agency. Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.
The successful applicant has received a Master's degree in Library Science, Information Science, or related field.
The ideal candidate will have a combination of the following:
- Coursework and/or experience in cataloging, metadata, data services, indexing, information literacy, instructional technology, services to special populations, outreach, marketing, and/or communications
- Demonstrated ability to meet established deadlines with products that reflect professionalism
- Knowledge of and/or familiarity with STEM fields is a plus, but not required
- Experience with program evaluation, project management, and/or needs assessments
- Demonstrated ability to transform information and data into documents, reports, and similar products that tell a compelling story
- Experience analyzing data to identify patterns and trends
- Experience presenting results in a clear, effective, and attractive manner to inform next steps
- Strong written and verbal communications skills
- Excellent communication, organizational, and analytical skills
- Ability to work across various offices, work units, and organizations to obtain information, collaborate on data-related projects, and validate findings and conclusions
- A self-starter with the ability to perform work with limited supervision and changing outcome goals
ORISE GO
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