Loan Reference Technician
Current• Serves as an expert in the intricacies of the Library's many catalogs and retrieval tools. Uses an extensive knowledge of both online databases and manual files necessary to satisfy requests for material from many of the Library's collections. Performs searches in all the major and special catalogs for all types of materials to support the Library's primary programs, such as the Congressional loan, inter-library loan and loan to special borrower categories. Uses online and manual files, search and identify requested items that are vague or not readily found, using an extensive knowledge of bibliographic tools and procedures.• Serves as an expert in all of the custodial units for collections and for the flow of material from the time it arrives at the Library, until it is in its permanent location. Establishes liaisons in various areas of the Library where material might be found prior to its availability in the collections (e.g., Copyright, Acquisitions, Bibliographic Access).• Conducts initial reference interview and records telephone, email and other incoming requests from Members of Congress, congressional staffs, the White House staff, the Supreme Court, other executive offices, Foreign embassies, and other statutory or special borrowers and from libraries throughout the world. Clarifies vague requests and or assists the caller to formulate the request with greater accuracy or more precision. Serves as an expert and uses comprehensive knowledge of the Library's policies, organizations and collections to match requestor needs and available resources.• Assists requestors with the use of the library's resources including the use of the Library's bibliographic reference sources. Communicates with a wide variety of patrons with non-routine questions related to borrowing privileges and the location of material, and assists patrons with specialized questions specific to the material.
