Duties
Within the United States Copyright Office (USCO), the Office of Copyright Records (CR) is responsible for establishing records policies and preserving, maintaining, and servicing copyright-related records. This Office records transfers of copyright ownership and notices of termination, makes copyright registrations and documents and related information available to the public, researches and provides certified and non-certified copies of copyright registration deposits, ensures their storage, retention, and security, and performs records management and safeguards the official records of the U. S. Copyright Office. The Office of Copyright Records oversees the world’s largest repository of records on copyright ownership.
This position is the Records Management Technician. This position is accountable to the Records Management Division Head. While performing daily activities, the incumbent is responsible for ensuring proper handling and security of all Library and Copyright Office materials.
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.
Identifies and retrieves items in specialized collections, i.e., the record books of applications for copyright registration. Receives requests indicating registration application requested by the public. Draws upon knowledge of the classification system, an understanding of the peculiarities of the system of classification in a particular class, and the meaning of different shelf markers. When information is incomplete or inaccurate, seeks assistance and verifies the necessary information, e.g., registration number, class, year registered, etc., in order to locate the requested item.
Serves at the reference desk in the records reading room, accepting requests from readers. Reviews requests for accuracy and completion. Delivers material or status reports to the requester's desk. Examines condition of material returned and re-shelves material.
Prepares copyright documents and records for imaging and preservation and applies numerous established practices in processing materials to ensure accuracy of work. Verifies that all searching and review of copyright applications and other related material has been completed and then examines [page-by-page] the item being imaged. Provides appropriate direction and indicates proper targeting essential to future users of the preservation media. Resolves discrepancies by rearranging material. Prepares eye-legible macroscopic bibliographic and reel targets. Mends material as necessary. Records all missing material or irregularities on a target sheet. Arranges, labels, places material in boxes for subsequent imaging. Photocopies poor copies of the original document, reduces oversize material so it can be microfilmed/scanned.
Identifies any missing portion of the material being imaged during collation. Contacts appropriate personnel in other units or gathers information from various Office records systems. Supplies any information gathered for the microfilm record. Maintains an accurate statistical record outlining the status of each group through various phases of production. Logs items into and out of the system using the online system.
Utilizes cameras and scanning equipment to film and create digital images of copyright records independently, using standard tools and according to established procedures. Follows established procedures and instructions for operating the equipment. Operates the equipment at the rate of speed established for the project and uses the proper exposure and equipment settings based on the physical nature of the material being preserved. Ensures the equipment is cleaned and maintained for optimum performance, referring equipment problems to the supervisor.
Ensures the microfilm or scanned image is an acceptable facsimile replacement for the original material. Confirms compliance with established bibliographic and preservation procedures and archival filming/imaging specifications. Examines for correct bibliographic identification, completeness, focus general clarity, and the presence of all necessary targets and finding aids. Inspects frame by frame the completeness of the actual text only to the extent appropriate for the material. Reconstructs files when incomplete.
Performs other duties as assigned.
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 effort such as walking, standing, bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching or similar activities; lifting moderately heavy boxes weighing up to 50 pounds, pushing carts weighing up to 50 pounds, and similar efforts. A physical examination is required every two (2) 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.
Knowledge of library processes and procedures. **
Ability to accurately create and edit records for imaging. **
Ability to interpret and apply a variety of guidelines and/or regulations. **
Ability to utilize computer technology and scanning equipment.
Ability to communicate and interact with others to accomplish work.
Ability to perform preservation duties.
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.