Duties
The incumbent serves as a Reader Registration Assistant on the Reader Registration Team of the Access Services Section in the Researcher Engagement and General Collections Division. All researchers conducting research at the Library of Congress must first obtain a Library-issued reader card at the reader registration stations. The incumbent performs the full range of duties necessary to operate the stations and to assist researchers in obtaining the necessary card.
Among the duties performed by the incumbent: greeting readers entering the stations, disseminating information and necessary forms, and ensuring that the applicant is in possession of the necessary forms of identification; assisting applicants in using the online registration system to input critical data; operating and maintaining the badging equipment which captures a photo and other information, and issues the reader card.
Receives and processes documents in accord with established procedures. Reviews documents for completeness and enters relevant information into library patron management system. Performs system searches for correct identification information. Collects relevant information and data directly from researchers or from the online pre-registration form. Interviews customers to ascertain correct contact information and other specific data affecting the accuracy of Reader Registration processes.
Reads and keeps apprised of organizational and Library-wide directives and procedures to be aware of changes and new requirements affecting the work of the organization. Such procedures concern security issues impacting eligibility for issuing a Reader Card, changes in the forms of identification which can be accepted, policies on issuing reader cards when inadequate identification is presented, and related issues.
Operates the equipment utilized in the reader registration badging process, including the badging terminals, card printers, and cameras. Aids in the maintenance of equipment used by patrons, troubleshoots equipment malfunction problems, and refers for service calls when appropriate. Follows established procedures for collecting researcher information, determining appropriate user group, capturing image, and issuing cards. Readies necessary equipment for operation, including workstation computer, card printer, and camera. Monitors operations during machine processing, and takes prompt action in response to programmed instructions, machine failures, and unexpected errors.
Greets researchers to Reader Registration in a welcoming manner and provides World-class customer service throughout the process of issuing reader cards. Orients and provides information to patrons about reader registration procedures, physical layout of the library, directions to other library locations, and specialized programs. Assists researchers in using computer terminals and web forms to input preregistration information. Assists patrons participating in library programs. Maintains a high degree of tact and courtesy while working with visitors.
Responds to routine queries from a wide range of individuals regarding the reader registration program. Incumbent is instructed in, and becomes familiar with, the forms of identification which are and are not acceptable to receive a card. Explains the policy on, and requirements for, obtaining a reader card and why an individual may not be eligible to obtain a card. For example, explains the policy for issuing reader cards to minors, including the required minor permission form and the 16- or 17-year-old age requirement. Provides customer service and outlines options available to researchers, regarding, for example, what to do if the applicant has no fixed address.
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.
Ability to provide customer service. **
Ability to provide clerical and administrative support in various office activities. **
Ability to interpret and apply a variety of guidelines and/or regulations.
Ability to operate and maintain specialized equipment.
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.
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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.