Job Abstract

Research and Data Librarian

Description

The World Bank is one of the world's largest sources of development assistance and global expertise for developing countries. It consists of five institutions that specialize in different aspects of development: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the International Development Association (IDA), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).

With a mission to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet, the World Bank Group works across its membership to drive impactful and sustainable development, fight poverty, and improve quality of life. For each of its client countries, the World Bank works with public and private partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to pressing global, regional, and local challenges. About 17,000 professionals representing 182 nationalities and based in more than 150 offices worldwide deliver programs in countries, liaise with government, civil society and private sector, and work to increase understanding of development issues. For additional information, please visit http://www.worldbank.org.

The World Bank Group has undertaken an ambitious exercise to revise its mandate, products, and structure to adjust to the multiple, intertwined crises affecting the world today (see Evolution Roadmap). In the move to a better bank, a new Vision and Mission for the institution have been announced, and a new World Bank playbook along with several financial initiatives are underway.

Business Unit Overview: The mission of the Information and Technology Solutions (ITS) Vice Presidential Unit (VPU) is to leverage information and technology as a force multiplier to accelerate, deepen, and sustain development impact. The vision is to harness information and technology for a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information on ITS, check this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=VTFGffa1Y7w.

Background:

The World Bank Group Library provides services to approximately 24,000 WBG staff and consultants in Washington, DC and worldwide. The unit provides access to many eresources (databases, eBooks, eJournals, news etc.), reference and research services, training, and custom solutions for organizational information needs. The team is decentralized across regions to serve our mobile, global workforce from HQ, South and East Asia, Eastern Europe, and Africa.

The World Bank Group Library is looking for a dynamic, experienced Research Librarian with data proficiency to provide research and reference services, and operational data analytics to support the business of World Bank Group staff globally. Come build your career with us, a library supporting a worthy mission, to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet.

The WBG Library is a unit of ITS Library & Publishing (ITSLP) team, within the Information and Technology Solutions Knowledge and Information (ITSKI) department, which is part of the Information & Technology Solutions (ITS) Vice Presidency. ITSKI provides information services to the World Bank Group and to the public. As of July 1, 2024, the WBG Library will be part of a larger department of ITS Data and AI (ITSDO). Currently, in KI, the services are provided by two units: Library & Publishing (ITSLP) and Archives & Records (ITSAR). This position is in the World Bank Group Library which is in ITSLP. The WBG Library is also part of the Library Network, a group of libraries supporting the work of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund staff around the world. WBG Library is an institutional member of NISO and IFLA and participates in The United Nations Library Information Network for Knowledge Sharing (UN-LINKS).

Position Details

The WBG Library seeks a curious, innovative, service-oriented, and collaborative professional to serve as a Research & Data Librarian. The ideal candidate must have data science skills, experience with conducting in-depth research services and market data services such as Capital IQ, Bloomberg or similar, and a proven record of providing timely research and reference services to a diverse global audience.

Reporting to the Library Research Team Lead, the person in this position will provide innovative, scalable research solutions to Bank Group staff, working collaboratively with members within the Research team, and supporting the Rapid Response & Resource Sharing (RRRS) Team with Reference services both virtually and in person at WBG HQ. The selected candidate will also work with other WBG IT teams and WBG Library partners both internal and external, to deliver on the WBG Library Research mandate.

The ideal candidate is an experienced Research Librarian, with broad and current knowledge of library databases, data platforms and tools, client service, technology use including AI (Artificial Intelligence) in information delivery, digital fluency, and information management trends. The successful candidate will be joining a dynamic, international team based in HQ (Washington, DC) with an expectation to work in a hybrid environment (limited Home-Base-Work and majority in person at HQ).

Key Deliverables

•Perform in-depth research and alerting services. Research and alerting cover the broad development sectors and investment industries of the World Bank group targeted to provide relevant and just in time information for efficient project execution, investment implementation, and supervision in the field.

•Ability to use and deliver responses using market data sources such as Capital IQ and similar key resources.

•Perform data analytics to inform client service insights and focus on AI (Artificial Intelligence) for Research.

•Deliver high quality reference and document delivery service to WBG staff.

•Contribute to peer-to-peer learning, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.

Main functions and responsibilities:

•Conduct research and deliver responses including electronic responses and literature searches to Library clients in HQ and Country Offices within the specified Service Level Agreements.

•Support the Rapid Response and Resource Sharing (RRRS) Team, including daily shifts at the RRRS front desk, answering Ready Reference questions, and providing document delivery services (journal articles, papers, chapters).

•Use knowledge of Open Access or academic search engines resources to support Library client requests.

•Use the Library Case Management System to receive, create cases and respond to clients including follow-up questions.

•Create and publish Web content including topical research guides which align with the WBG’s knowledge verticals per the WBG Knowledge Compact.

•Assist staff by delivering research and reports, and help evaluate and validate information, especially data or information generated by AI to advance information integrity in the WBG’s development and investment work.

•Provide regular reports and analysis to the Research Team Lead.

•Work effectively, as a team member, supporting library services, such as Content and Access Management (procurement, acquisitions) and Outreach and Promotions (training, marketing) teams.

•Perform big data analytics and draw client and business insights from Research services including supporting staff with APIs for their Research needs.

•Respond to industry and market data-related questions that require tools such as Capital IQ and related.

•Actively contribute to and readily apply WBG’s body of knowledge for internal and/or external client solutions.

•Work independently with teams across ITS and within ITSKI particularly focusing on automation, training, and outreach efforts.

•Provide expert professional advice on library and information management especially in the context of developing countries including advice on creating digital Libraries.

•Collaborate with external partners in finding and providing relevant information to support WBG business and client countries capacity building.

•Test/pilot library-related web services and products and provide feedback to WBG Library Web Point of Contact.

•Able to present and train others in library services and resources, when required, e.g., formal presentations and ad-hoc one-on-one sessions with clients.

•Demonstrate the ability to work in, and with, a diverse global workforce.

•Mentor, motivate and provide direction, guidance, and training to junior team members in carrying out the defined work program.

•Participate in day-to-day development and maintenance of information resources and services and provide quality control.

•Contribute to the formulation and implementation of Library policies, standards, guidelines, and procedures.

•May coordinate or supervise other library team members or small groups or lead Library projects.

•May serve on volunteer committees or task forces to contribute to departmental or organizational initiatives.

•Prepare and present statistical usage reports, periodically, or when required.

Selection Criteria

•Bachelor’s or Master's degree (preferably MLS or equivalent) with 2 years relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

•Knowledge and proficiency of Research tools such as EMIS Intelligence (Emerging Markets Information Service), Lexis/Nexis, Factiva, Fitch, Capital IQ, and other relevant development and investment related databases required.

•Experience working as a Research Librarian with solid Library client service orientation.

•Excellent command of English (both spoken and written).

•Knowledge of other languages a plus.

Minimum Requirements

•Proven knowledge and understanding of information management and library processes, procedures, and practices, including relevant databases, general and emerging technology.

•Proficiency in library and electronic databases and software packages including proficiency using Integrated Library Systems (ILS) such as Primo/Alma (Ex-Libris).

•Knowledge of Springshare and LibGuides.

•Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.

•Knowledge of expert Web searching and browsing.

•Experience using a Case Management System to answer and monitor library requests.

•Proven ability to work under pressure, including responding to multiple requests simultaneously, balancing immediate client needs with overall service requirements while also managing partnerships.

•High degree of tact, judgment, initiative, resourcefulness, and motivation.

•Well-developed conceptual, analytical, and evaluative information skills.

•Proficiency with Open Access, Open Data, Open Science, and other academic search engine resources.

•Excellent written and oral communication skills to facilitate internal collaborations, client business relationships, and prepare and communicate research findings and insights.

•Ability to work in, and with, a diverse global workforce.

Desirable Requirements:

•Curiosity with emerging and innovative technologies and a willingness to investigate, learn and apply AI and other emerging technologies in Library service provision.

•Experience with data science, data analytics and visualizations.

•Experience with providing Research to a diverse global audience.

•Experience using library databases such as JSTOR, PubMed, EconLit, ScienceDirect, etc.

•Experience using research tools such as Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Kopernio, Lazy Scholar, Lean Library, etc. to search and locate references and materials.

•Knowledge of Web searching and browsing to locate and expertly retrieve development and investment information efficiently.

•Experience serving a large virtual widely dispersed global workforce.

•Knowledge of information needs for both the public and private sectors.

•Familiarity with ILL (Inter Library Loan) platforms such as OCLC, Docline, Reprints Desk and other tools for fulfilling client information requests Knowledge of, or familiarity with, copyright, intellectual property and other library compliance matters including ethical use of information.

•Experience using communications tools such as Webex and Microsoft Teams.

•A willingness to learn from other experts or through attending webinars or conferences and to share and apply knowledge with the WBG Library team as part of staff Peer to Peer Learning.

Competencies

•Excellent communication and presentation skills.

•Strong problem-solving skills.

•Strong project management skills.

•Solid collaborative and negotiation skills.

•Ability to work productively both independently and within a team.

•Excellent client engagement skills.

•A self-starter who is proactive, shares knowledge and is open to learning.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.