Duties
This position serves as a Library Technician and reports to the supervisor of the General Collections Conservation Section in the Conservation Division (CD). The CD is located in the Preservation Directorate (PRES), in Discovery and Preservation Services, within the Library Collections and Services Group (LCSG) at the Library of Congress (LOC). The incumbent assures long-term access to the Library's general collections by assessing the condition and preservation needs of new acquisitions and retrospective collections, performing a range of remedial treatments and constructing protective enclosures. CD offers consultation on a wide range of topics related to the storage and research use of the Library's extensive general collections in addition to providing treatment and housing for these materials.
Uses knowledge of technical methods in conservation and preservation to perform established work procedures and carry out defined projects that involve a variety of specialized activities. Work is assigned with on-going responsibility under the direction of the supervisor who outlines objectives, priorities and deadlines. The Technician obtains guidance from the supervisor when dealing with complex or unfamiliar situations.
Implements defined procedures and methods to treat a wide range of book and paper based library collections. Creates a wide range of custom collection housing using automated box making machinery and commercially available rehousing products. Stays abreast of box making program updates and modified procedures for creating, saving files, and operating on this equipment. Assesses the deficiencies of any existing enclosures and determines object vulnerability in determining housing strategies.
Completes a range of conservation treatments including surface cleaning, sewing and spine repair, paper mending, humidification and flattening, spine replacement, board attachments, mold removal or re-casing of damaged volumes. Works independently to execute Association of Research Libraries (ARL) rated treatments of both 1 (15 minutes or less) and 2(15 to 60 minutes). Uses a scanner and color printer and photo editing software to produce archival facsimiles of brittle book pages and as replacements for damaged covers, end sheets, or pages within general collections items as dictated by workflow.
In addition to the Collections Management Division (CMD) workflow, the incumbent serves as a liaison to one Custodial Division or Reading Room within LCSG. Works independently to assess the needs of the Division's reference collection items and plan for preservation actions to address those needs. Works with Division staff to address longer-term projects focusing on improving the condition of larger collections taking a more holistic approach to collection preservation.
Independently completes a sequence of detailed routines in searching online databases and Integrated Library System (ILS) to verify call number, barcode or other bibliographic information. This includes searching newly received materials to determine which titles are already covered by entries contained in the ILS database. Determines and enters bibliographic information into the database following policies and guidelines for serials and monographs.
Uses specialized computer programs; develops and maintains a good working knowledge of computer operations and of designated microcomputer software packages for word processing, database management, graphic design, statistical compilations, and bibliographic production. Creates tables, charts, word documents and presentation materials using Microsoft Office Suite programs and image editing and processing software.
Uses an automated box-making system to construct custom-fitted enclosures for library materials for which binding, repair, or other physical treatments are appropriate. Measures items using a scanning device. Determines optimum use of archival board in box making. Assembles and labels completed boxes. Other equipment used may include board shears, book presses, mounting press, ultrasonic or heat-welding equipment.
Participates in staff meetings, task forces, and individual and group discussions. Also participates on Library committees such as the Library-wide disaster preparedness and response efforts. Responds to questions from custodial divisions. Makes very limited brief and uncomplicated oral presentations.
Corresponds with others via e-mail. Drafts simple letters and memos requiring standard answers to common queries from library staff including assigned liaisons.
The position description number for this position is 422994.
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-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.
How to Apply
Please carefully follow all instructions under the How to Apply tab to ensure you are considered for the position.
You are required to apply online for this announcement. We are unable to accept mailed or emailed documents. You must complete the entire application process, including submission of all documents BEFORE this announcement closes. To do so, complete the following steps.
Step 1: If you do not already have one, create a resume on USAJOBS. Although you must enter your Social Security Number for USAJOBS, this information will not be provided to the Library of Congress.
Step 2: Review the Job Announcement. We recommend you go to the end of the Qualification and Evaluation section of the job announcement to preview the online questions that you will answer in Step 4. You may wish to customize your USAJOBS resume to ensure that it supports your responses to these questions.
Step 3: Click on the "APPLY ONLINE" button to the right of this announcement. Follow USAJOBS' instructions to access your account and submit your resume. You will be redirected to the Hiring Management website to complete the application process. If this is your first time in Hiring Management, you will be asked to answer questions related to your eligibility for Federal employment. You will be able to update this information and save it to our account for future announcements.
Step 4: Once you have completed the eligibility questions, you will be taken directly to the vacancy application questions. Answer all questions honestly and thoroughly. Step 5: Hiring Management offers three options that will electronically attach your documentation to your online application once you finish answering the questions in the job announcement.
(1) You may select a document that you have already uploaded to USAJOBS for a previous announcement.
(2) You may electronically upload a document directly from your computer to your application. Be certain to review your complete application for confirmation of the document uploaded and click on "Finished" to be returned to USAJOBS.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have multiple documents of the same kind, e.g. 2 undergraduate transcripts from different schools or 2 SF-50s, etc., be sure that they are all in the same file on your computer or in your USAJOBS profile before uploading them. If you try uploading them individually, only the last one sent will be visible in our system. If you have any questions about this information, please contact the person on this announcement BEFORE the closing date.
Step 6: Click on "Finish" after you have completed your application. Once you have submitted your application, you can check your status online through your Hiring Management or MY USAJOBS account. Your complete online application and any required supplemental documentation (e.g., SF-50, etc.) must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of the announcement. It is your responsibility to ensure that all documents are received on time and that the materials are readable. Failure to do so will result in your application being excluded from consideration for this announcement.
If you are experiencing any technical difficulty with the online process, you MUST CONTACT THE POINT OF CONTACT FOR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE. For all technical issues please contact jobhelp@loc.gov , no later than 4:30pm EST of the Closing Date. REQUESTS FOR EXTENSIONS WILL NOT BE GRANTED.
Next steps
Please review our evaluation process under Evaluation. You may check the status of your application for this position at any time by logging onto the USAJOBS "My USAJOBS" tab and clicking on "My Applications." You will receive final notification via e-mail when the vacancy has been filled.