The Head of Reference Services in the Hispanic Reading Room is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Section, supervising the staff, and serving as a lead reference in matters dealing with the countries, languages, and regions within the Section's geographic areas of responsibility. Under the guidance of the Division Chief, the incumbent assures the provision of timely and accurate reference service to the Congress and other Library patrons, directs the development and maintenance of the Library's collections pertaining to the region, facilitates access to these collections for scholars, researchers, and others worldwide, and manages the development of digital technology to advance the Section's goals.

The incumbent plans and produces educational programs, exhibits, seminars, and colloquia to bring attention to research developments and collections of interest to scholars and the general public. The incumbent may be responsible for cultivating relations with potential donors, securing funds for new initiatives, acquiring new collections, and establishing new services. In addition, the incumbent may also be assigned to perform general administrative duties for the division and to serve in lieu of the chief as required.

Supervises the work of the Section's staff. Plans the work of the Section, including formulating goals and objectives and identifying opportunities for improvements in methods and procedures. Supervises and participates in the preparation of reports, translations, bibliographies, exhibits, web pages and other information products of the Section.  Performs the administrative and human resource management functions relative to the staff supervised. Establishes guidelines and performance expectations for staff members, which are clearly communicated through the formal employee performance management system.

Plans, establishes, and directs a library reference program to provide information about the region. Oversees all reference service provided by the section's staff. On assignment, supervises staffing of the division's reading room and administers the policies and regulations concerning security and access to the collections.  Collaborates with other Library staff and outside partners in the U.S. and abroad in developing and providing access to library resources through the web and by other means.

Makes significant recommendations to change, interpret, or develop important or innovative policies affecting the process and funding of acquisitions from and relating to the area of the section's responsibility.  Oversees staff making authoritative recommendations for the acquisition of material in all languages, formats, and subjects of relevance to the study of the region, including legal, audiovisual, and electronic items.

Plans and produces public programs, exhibits, seminars, and colloquia on the region, bringing attention to research developments and collections of interest to both scholars and the general public. Under the guidance of the Division Chief, may be responsible for cultivating relations with potential donors and securing funds for acquisitions, public programs, exhibits, and other activities related to the section's geographic area.

Reviews and analyzes major issues in information research and dissemination as they apply to providing information about the region. Provides highly specialized research for the use of Congressional clients, the courts, national security agencies and other researchers inside and outside the Library.

Performs various other duties as assigned.