Cataloging Specialist (Problem Resolution Officer)

Summary

The Library of Congress shares its vast collections of books manuscripts photographs maps audiovisual materials and priceless artifacts to cultivate curiosity and spark imagination. We engage inspire and inform Congress and the American people with a universal and enduring source of knowledge and creativity.

We seekhighly talentedprofessionals to join a vibrant and collaborative community. Your work here will have lasting impact on theLibraryand its users well into the future.

Duties

This position is located in the Collections Management Division (CMD) Preservation Directorate (PRES) Discovery and Preservation Services (DPS) within the Library Collections Services Group (LCSG) at the Library of Congress. The position serves as the Cataloging Specialist/Problem Resolution Officer (CS/PRO) for CMD. The Cataloging Specialist/Problem Resolution Officer works under the very general administrative guidance of the Assistant Chief consults with the Assistant Chief on matters of policy or changes in procedures and regularly reports to the Chief on the status of projects.

As the Cataloging Specialist/Problem Resolution Officer you will:

• Serve as a cataloging expert in a subject area or format.
• Solve highly complex problems impacting access to the general collections and other collections as assigned utilizing cataloging expertise. Problems to be addressed are identified through a variety of sources including incumbents own projects and studies; referral from units Library-wide (CMD continues to serve as a clearing house for retrievability problems); and through Inventory Control Programs.
• Create and revise bibliographic holding and item records.
• Identify items which require cataloging; items which are out of scope; and items for which a record already exists.
• Participate in studies of proposed changes in cataloging policies and practices and the introduction of new technology.
• Develop innovative methods of cataloging to provide quality access to bibliographic holding and item records in a timely and efficient manner.
• Organize develop and implement plans for specific projects.
• Direct and shape the character and overall nature of projects.
• Oversee projects from conception through development production and introduction to the intended audience.
• Participate in planning the work of a unit including formulating goals and objectives and identifying opportunities for improvements in methods and procedures.
• Manage a variety of functions simultaneously and with flexibility to work under competing demands and deadlines.
• May serve on committees and other groups involved in investigating new technologies and their possible application to library programs.
• Initiate establish and maintain professional relationships with librarians and other specialists in order to share resources and information as well as to coordinate workflow within the Library.
• Offer suggestions and advice on issues related to access and cataloging practices throughout the Division.
• As a consultant makes recommendations regarding major changes in program areas.
• Explain or present specialized or technical information to individuals or groups with varying backgrounds or levels of experience.
• Maintain professional standing through a variety of methods including participation in professional organizations which may include presenting papers at conferences seminars or meetings in librarianship and other relevant fields.
• Prepare articles for publication. Represents the organization at conferences seminars and exhibits.
• May collaborate on projects both inside and outside the Library.
• Assist clients in developing complex projects.
• Organize develop and schedule training projects for a wide variety of programs related to cataloging and collections access primarily for the 100 staff members in CMD.
• Develop realistic goals for the training session.
• Develop prepare and present classroom instruction that is well conceived and effective.
• Design develop and provide a wide variety of training tools aimed at a diverse audience of LC staff.
• Develop individualized training plans and training manuals.
• Provide technical guidance to staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The position description number for this position is 013198.

The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area.

The incumbent of this position will work a Flexitime work schedule.

This is a non-supervisory bargaining unit position.

Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

Conditions of Employment

Library of Congress employees are prohibited from using illegal drugs including marijuana. The Library is part of the Federal Government and abides by federal law so regardless of individual state or District of Columbia laws marijuana use is illegal considered criminal activity and can affect your employment at the addition past or current drug use and activities (e.g. selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment.

Qualifications

Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision.

Knowledge of the principles concepts and techniques of cataloging and inventory management.**

Ability to use integrated library systems applications or other information technologies.**

Ability to analyze cataloging problems that impact retrievability of collections and take corrective action to resolve issues.**

Ability to plan develop and execute library programs and projects.

Ability to interact collaboratively with others to provide consultation and liaison services.

Ability to develop and provide training.

Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

Additional information

Althoughit is the Librarys policy to afford the maximum pay benefit to employees when setting rates of pay a new appointee who has had no previous Federal service will generally be paid at step one of the grade.

The Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer.

Applicants must submit a complete application package that is received by the closing date of this announcement.

Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation. For more information please see: Vetting Process

This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process please email The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants with disabilities may be considered under special hiring procedures and must submit an appropriate certificate of eligibility when applying for this proof or disability/certification may be issued by the State Vocational Rehabilitation Office Disability Services or Career Services office of the applicants college or university or the Department of Veterans Affairs. The lettermust verify that the applicant has a severe disability and must be dated within three years of the date of the from health care providers are not more information contact the Librarys Office of Equal Employment Opportunity at or email FAILURE TO SUBMIT YOUR CERTIFICATION WILL CAUSE YOUR APPLICATION TO NOT BE CONSIDERED UNDER THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT PROGRAM.

The Library of Congress is the national library of the United States and is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. As such all positions are in the excepted service.

The Library reserves the right to fill a lesser or greater number of vacancies indicated during the life of this vacancy announcement.

Initial permanent appointments to the Library of Congress require completion of a one-year probationary period. Probationary periods served at other Federal agencies do not count toward this requirement.

The Library of Congress may offer repayment for all or part of federally insured student loans. However not all service unitswithin the Library of Congress participates in the repayment of federally insured student loans. Therefore determination to repay a federally insured student loan is subject to approval by the appropriate service unit.

A Not to Exceed (NTE) status is used to identify an appointment with a specific ending date. However the Library has the right to separate a NTE employee at any time due to either performance issues or budget constraints.

Are you a veteran Please indicate the type of veterans preference you are claiming in your application materials and/or applicant profile and provide the appropriate supporting documentation to validate your claim. Those applying for 5-point preference must submit Member Copy 4 of your DD 214. Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out an SF-15 (click here for the form) and provide the required documentation listed on the back of the form. If required supporting documentation is not attached Veterans Preference will not be considered in the application process.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government passionate about the ideals of our American republic and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Required Experience:

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