Duties
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.
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 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.