Library Technician (Collections Specialist)
The position serves as a Collections Specialist in the Inventory Management and Document Fulfillment Section (IMDF), Collection Management Division (CMD), Preservation Directorate (PRES), Discovery and Preservation Services (DPS) in the Library Collections and Services Group (LCSG) at the Library of Congress (LC). The position supports an array of programs in support of collections retrieval and collections integrity. In the area of collections retrieval, incumbent is assigned the most difficult special search requests which could not be resolved satisfactorily by other staff in the Division or Library. The search requests emanate originally from many sources, including Members of Congress and their staff, researchers, Government agencies, the courts, foreign embassies, research organizations, educational and learned institutions, LC staff, and other libraries.
The Collections Specialist must possess an in-depth understanding of the Library of Congress classification scheme, expert familiarity with the locations of LC materials, and excellent knowledge of the organization and structure of the Library of Congress. In the area of collections integrity, the incumbent independently performs a variety of database searching, basic record creation, update, and maintenance functions in support of database maintenance and inventory control of monographic and serials material published in a variety of languages. Incumbent supports critical inventory programs such as the Collection Holdings Inventory Improvement Program and other Library inventory initiatives, ensuring efficient workflow and throughput.
Receives requests with difficult bibliographic problems, or that may involve highly specialized and scholarly research demands. Determines how far a search should go, the sources to be checked and possible alternative sources to obtain the item.
Searches for requested items that are vague or not readily found, using an extensive knowledge of bibliographic tools and procedures. Locates items not readily available on the shelf. Completes special searches in all major and special catalogs for general and special collections of all types of materials, including hard-to-find items. Checks shelf to locate material. Checks to determine if the item has been charged outside the library or to a location within the library. Verifies entry in the library's manual and online files. Consults the full range of technical library science tools, reference and bibliographic sources of all types, and the entire spectrum of printed and computerized catalogs and files to determine accuracy of information provided by requester.
Responds electronically to readers and others who have requested a special search on the availability of the material requested. Routinely consults other sources to determine locations for items not located in the Library. Contacts requester to ascertain additional information or help as required. Repeatedly searches for materials not yet located. When an item is found, forward a report to the requester and the item is placed on reserve.
Using an expert knowledge of the Library's many databases, completes complex manual and computerized searches in multiple systems. Databases to be checked include all LC ILS modules; OCLC; RLIN; and the National Union Catalog, among others. Searches and transcribes information from these computerized and manual files as they support the identification and locating of requested items.
Performs independently a variety of database searching, basic record creation, update, and maintenance functions in support of database maintenance and inventory control of monographic and serials material published in a variety of languages. Resolves selected inventory control problems discovered by contractors during the Retrospective Holdings Integrity Program (RHIP) inventory process, or other inventory programs, seeking technical assistance for only the most difficult and unusual work.
Performs other duties as assigned.
"This position may be converted to a permanent position if permanent position becomes available, and incumbent is eligible. "
The position description number for this position is 137514.
The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area.
The incumbent of this position will work a compflex or flextime 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
The work requires some physical exertion such as long periods of standing; or recurring activities such as bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching; pushing loaded book trucks; or recurring lifting of moderately heavy items such as boxes of books or journals. A physical examination is required every three (3) years to perform the work of the position. After an offer of employment has been made and before commencement of duties, the selectee MUST be physically qualified by the Library’s Health Office.
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 process and maintain materials in library collections. **
Ability to use integrated library systems, applications, or other information technologies. **
Ability to work collaboratively as a team member. **
Ability to retrieve material from collections.
Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
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:
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 [email protected]. 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 202-707-6024 or email [email protected]. 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 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.
- Benefits
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. .
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.
Conditions of 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 process and maintain materials in library collections. **
Ability to use integrated library systems, applications, or other information technologies. **
Ability to work collaboratively as a team member. **
Ability to retrieve material from collections.
Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
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:
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 [email protected]. 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 202-707-6024 or email [email protected]. 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 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.