Duties
Performs special searches of various online catalogs and databases to locate and/or verify bibliographic or acquisitions data supporting various library functions, related to the development of the general and special collections of the Library of Congress via copyright deposits.
Performs complex searches to identify the relationship of the piece in hand to the collection as a whole. Follows all pertinent instructions concerning the recognition and comparison of dates, authors, titles, etc. Performs extensive and comprehensive searches to establish copyright facts needed to make written demands for library materials in assigned formats.
Analyzes search results, and interprets bibliographic relationships and status of materials to be acquired. Also searches the Library's stacks, and Copyright Office unprocessed materials to determine holdings in the collections and/or receipt of deposit copies in the Copyright Office.
Refers difficult queries to appropriate individuals in the division.
Conducts research to establish copyright facts needed to make written demands for Library materials in assigned areas.
Under supervision, plans and carries out many procedures to acquire library materials. Carries out acquisition assignments involving a wide variety of interrelated steps and procedures.
Performs rudimentary searches of reference sources which may include print and internal and external databases. Communicates with Library of Congress employees, members of the publishing community and individual Copyright claimants and attorneys to provide or clarify information and acquire library material for the collections.
Creates original bibliographic and acquisition records and appropriate correspondence such as mandatory deposit demand notices and letters related to acquiring copyright deposits in all formats.
Assists in determining material requiring follow-up notices and issues appropriate claims to publishers. Processes cancellations and adjustments to acquisition records.
Uses appropriate input/update techniques to create and update records in an online environment.
Receives, sorts, and processes copyright deposits in all formats. Reviews materials to ensure accuracy and completeness; to ensure all regulations are met and all copyright registration elements are present; and takes appropriate subsequent actions, including annotating and/or updating all files. Routes materials as appropriate within the Copyright Office or for the Library's collections.
Ensures library property is properly handled and kept secure to avoid loss or damage. This may include responsibilities requiring use and knowledge of bar coding and linking materials to online records.
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 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.
GS-07
Knowledge of deposit acquisition, bibliographic records, and processing procedures for library materials.**
Ability to use information systems and equipment.**
Ability to attend to details.**
Ability to work in a team environment, plan work, and meet deadlines.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
GS-08
Knowledge of deposit acquisition, bibliographic records, and processing procedures for library materials.**
Ability to use information systems and equipment.**
Ability to attend to details.**
Ability to work in a team environment, plan work, and meet deadlines.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
GS-09
Knowledge of deposit acquisition, bibliographic records, and processing procedures for library materials.**
Ability to use information systems and equipment.**
Ability to attend to details. **
Ability to work in a team environment, plan work, and meet deadlines.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
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: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 ADA@loc.gov. 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 spp@loc.gov. 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.
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.
Review our benefits
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.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
The Library of Congress evaluates applicants through an applicant questionnaire and a structured interview. Applicants may also be screened for some jobs through licensing, certification, and/or education requirements, a narrative/application review, and/or a preliminary telephone interview. The knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) that are marked with a double asterisk (**) in the vacancy announcement and the applicant questionnaire are considered the most critical for a position. To be considered for final selection, applicants must demonstrate fully acceptable experience in these designated KSAs in the narrative/application review, preliminary telephone and/or full structured interview. The various assessment tools listed above are designed to verify or explore applicants' experience, knowledge, and training directly related to the job in order to identify the best qualified applicants for selection.
You may preview questions for this vacancy.
Required Documents
Current or former federal employees must submit their most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50 or equivalent).
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. The program does not accept certification from health care providers. For more information contact the Library's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity at 202-707-6024 or email spp@loc.gov. FAILURE TO SUBMIT YOUR CERTIFICATION WILL CAUSE YOUR APPLICATION TO NOT BE CONSIDERED UNDER THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT PROGRAM.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.