Collections Librarian

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 seek highly talented professionals to join a vibrant and collaborative community. Your work here will have lasting impact on the Library and its users well into the future.

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Duties

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The position serves as a Collections Librarian located in the Reference and Reader Services Section (RRS), Rare Book and Special Collections Division (RBSCD), Special Collections Directorate (SCD) within the Researcher and Collections Services (RCS) service unit in the Library Collections and Services Group (LCSG) at the Library of Congress (Library), and reports to the Supervisor, RBSCD. The incumbent is responsible for implementing collections projects, studies and surveys for RBSCD, concentrating in the areas of security, preservation, inventory control and space management.

The incumbent will have regular and ongoing access to gold and Platinum-level collections.

This position requires access and use of high value and top tier collections to perform the work of the position. This position requires a Public Trust background investigation at the Moderate risk level.

The position description number for this position is 470518.

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.

As the Collection Manager, you will:

• Execute or participate in projects consistent with the mission of RBSCD, especially relating to the organization, preservation, storage, and security of the collections. Projects include, but are not limited to, security needs, future space needs, or arrearage reduction projects.
• Manage and maintain vault collections and special book and archival collections providing guidance for their use in both internal and external exhibits. Sort and recommend printed and archival materials to be transferred to proper storage destinations, completing correspondence and coordinating with external divisions as necessary.
• Accession incoming collections to be cataloged including gifts, transfers, and purchases. Resolve routine problems and inconsistencies in the cataloging and accessioning process. Identify and recommend enhancements and improvements to the existing automated accession database. Maintain personal contacts and cooperative work relationships to provide or exchange information. Serve as a liaison and works with staff of the acquisitions and collections management and offsite storage divisions, especially Preservation, Conservation, the Exhibits Office, the Architect of the Capitol, the loading dock staff, and off-site storage staff in carrying out these tasks. Attend workshops and meetings in librarianship and other relevant fields for the purpose of professional development. Serve on division committees on issues related to preservation, collections management and security.
• Respond to requests received by email, LibAnswers, or in person for information concerning the Division's multi-lingual collections and refers specialized requests to specialists. Create, revise, and update research materials such as LibGuides, blog posts, and finding aids. Staff the Rare Book Reading Room reference desk as needed. Use standard techniques to search electronic database resources and RBSCD's collections. Lead search techniques and strategies for handling specific types of requests; carry out special searches for lost or misfiled materials from the collection.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

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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 Library. In 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.

Ability to develop and manage library collections.**

Ability to analyze and organize information and materials in a library setting.**

Ability to provide consultation or liaison duties.

Ability to provide research services.

Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

Education

There are no education requirements for this posting.

Additional information

Although it is the Library's 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 View email address on click.appcast.io. 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 position. The proof or disability/certification may be issued by the State Vocational Rehabilitation Office, Disability Services or Career Services office of the applicant's college or university, or the Department of Veterans Affairs. The letter must verify that the applicant has a severe disability and must be dated within three years of the date of the application. Certification from health care providers are not accepted. For more information contact the Library's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity at View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io. 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 units within 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.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.