Library Technician Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. VAR002892 Department Library of Congress
Salary $45,146.00 to $58,686.00 Grade 05 to 05
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 11/1/2024 Close Date 11/18/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

This position is located in the Records Research and Certification Division, Office of Copyright Records, Copyright Office.

The position description number for this position is 354221.

This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position.

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

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

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Anyone may apply - By law, employment at most U.S. Government agencies, including the Library of Congress, is limited to U.S. citizens. However, non-citizens may be hired, provided that other legal requirements are met and the Library determines there are no qualified U.S. citizens available for the position.

Duties

The Office of Copyright Records (CR) is responsible for preserving, maintaining, and servicing copyright-related records in physical and digital formats. The staff of CR retrieve records for court cases and public research, perform certified searches and write search reports based on copyright registered materials and other copyright records, and provide certified and non-certified copies of copyright deposits, additional certificates, and other copyright records, maintain the official records of the U.S. Copyright Office, and respond to inspection requests from members of the public or Congress. CR staff also record into a public database recordation document pertaining to copyright ownership, including transfers of copyright ownership.  The work CR executes contributes to and supports the world's largest database of copyright ownership.

This position, Library Technician, may work in any of the areas of CR, reporting to the relevant section head or supervisor, and may perform a variety of technical tasks required by that section or area.

While performing daily activities, the incumbent is responsible for ensuring proper handling and security of all Library and Copyright Office materials.

Provides support to public service librarians or other staff members assigned to work in the reading room. Charges records materials in and out of their assigned locations using manual and automated systems, and shelves library and records materials in proper sequence. Tracks loaned or borrowed materials to insure timely return. Retrieves patron requested materials from storage. Routes collections, records or materials to other organizations as required. Validates the internal or external routing of materials, securing items prior to routing or transporting to ensure safe delivery. Ensures materials are transported using secure conveyances. Inspects materials while handling them and notifies supervisor or librarians of condition of materials needing attention. Identifies and prepares library materials (such as unbound periodicals and books needing repairs) for binding or rebinding. Repairs minor damage to print materials. 

Posts official record changes or updates in manual or automated records or files. Answers ready reference questions and assists users with the public access catalog, other finding aids, and with operation of automated equipment.

Locates and retrieves uncatalogued records from data bases. Makes adaptations and additions to the record to conform to the bibliographic record identification system.

Using manual or automated systems, tracks record retention and ensures records are routed and retained according to established schedules, properly disposing of records according to established schedules and in compliance with record disposition standards.

Ensures all materials are secured through use of established security and loss prevention measures, installing or reinstalling security measures and devices in materials as required.

Ensures materials are stored according to established archival storage standards, properly labeling storage containers as directed and ensures materials within containers is listed on required manifest sheets, or is contained within a properly configured, labeled, and cataloged container.

Following established protocols, prepares records, records or collections for image preservation and reproduction, resolving material sequencing discrepancies. Mends material, according to standards, as necessary prior to processing, when it is possible to properly do so. Records missing materials or other irregularities according to policy. Provides assistance in the use of equipment, ensuring that equipment is clean and in proper working order for optimum performance. Uses assigned manual or automated systems for records inventory maintenance, updating them as required for records inventory maintenance. 

Performs clerical and administrative support tasks such as maintaining time and attendance records; processing incoming and outgoing mail for the office, including preparing mail and freight records; photocopying materials including organizing and collating materials; and maintaining and ordering office supplies. Reports equipment problems to the helpdesk. 

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

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.

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 interpret and apply a variety of guidelines and/or regulations.**

Knowledge of library processes and procedures.**

Ability to utilize computer technology and software applications.**

Ability to retrieve, review and analyze information to resolve problems.

Ability to communicate in writing.

Skill in providing customer service.

Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

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. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities who meet eligibility requirements are strongly encouraged to apply.

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 EEO/Diversity Programs 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.

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. 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.

For more information regarding eligibility requirements, please see the Library of Congress Merit Selection Plan, Section 8.5, at: Merit Selection Plan


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 and Diversity Programs 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.

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.

Agency contact information

Customer Service Center
Address
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
101 Independence Ave. SE
LM-107
Washington, District of Columbia 20540
United States
Learn more about this agency

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.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.