This is the position of Librarian (Digital Technologies and Development) in the NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS) Project, High Energy Astrophysics Division of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The ADS is the primary digital library portal for researchers in astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science and heliophysics. The ADS corpus consists of over 15 million documents and is growing at a rate of several thousand per week.
Summary
This is the position of Librarian (Digital Technologies and Development) in the NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS) Project, High Energy Astrophysics Division of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The ADS is the primary digital library portal for researchers in astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science and heliophysics. The ADS corpus consists of over 15 million documents and is growing at a rate of several thousand per week.
All qualified candidates. Selection for this position will be made at grade 9, 11, or 12 grade level. If selected at the grade 9 or 11, the selectee may be non-competitively promoted to the grade 12 upon recommendation of the supervisor based on classification requirements, satisfactory performance and qualifications of the employee.
The incumbent collaborates with the CFA and external users to define, implement and support the services and programs that enhance the research and access to the data collection. The incumbent works to support the efforts of the ADS Library by designing and implementing, new tools, technology and services and will be involved in collection management, assisting with content decisions, documentation and user support.
Duties include but are not limited to:
In collaboration with senior staff, develop and maintain software tools and documentation for ADS content management activities
In collaboration with project management and stakeholders, process and analyze data
Conduct outreach and collaborates with users and stakeholders to understand their needs and provide feedback
Strive to promote equitable delivery of services through the development of programs and practices which allow the services to support the users
Maintain current knowledge of emerging trends, research technologies and research services
Other duties as required
In addition to the duties listed above, duties at the grade 11 may include, but are not limited to:
Make recommendations for new and creative approaches and methods to manage, analyze, and report acquisitions and accessioning of the ADS collection
Optimize collection management and user feedback workflows using automation
Participate in the development and improvement of the ADS collection to meet the evolving research needs of the ADS users community
In addition to the duties listed above, duties at the grade 12 may include, but are not limited to:
Act as an expert in acquisitions and make informative recommendations to the ADS Content and Lead for improvement or changes that are necessary regarding the ADS collection.
Pursue funding opportunities and/or external partnerships to improve collections or collections-related activities
Lead the planning and the development of digital outreach initiatives
Serve as an expert resource on issues related to copyright and licensing
May be required to serve a one year probationary period.
Direct deposit/electronic funds transfer is required for salary payment.
For Requirements please refer to Group Coverage Qualification Standards for Administrative and Management Positions: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1400/librarian-series-1410/
Qualifications
Basic Requirements:
Completion of 1 full academic year of graduate study in library science in an accredited college or university, in addition to completion of all work required for a bachelor's degree;
or
A total of at least 5 years of a combination of college-level education, training, and experience. To qualify on this basis, the applicant must establish conclusively that the education, training, and experience provided a knowledge and understanding of the theories, principles, and techniques of professional librarianship; a knowledge of literature resources; and the knowledge and abilities essential for providing effective library and information services.
In addition to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements, applicants must have directly related education and/or specialized experience.
Grade 9: Minimum of one year specialized experience equivalent to at least grade 7 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position such as knowledge of preparation, coordination, execution and assessment of collaborative projects, programs, and events; developing collaborative projects; maintaining comprehensive project documentation with project staff; participating in daily content management activities.
OR
2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education or master's in library science or equivalent graduate degree, e.g., LL.B. or J.D., related to the position.
OR:
Equivalent combinations of education and experience.
Grade 11: Minimum of one year specialized experience equivalent to at least grade 9 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position such as knowledge of preparation, coordination, execution and assessment of collaborative projects, programs, and events; developing collaborative projects; maintaining comprehensive project documentation with project staff; participating in daily content management activities. Writing software for data analysis, retrieval and processing.
or
3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education in library science or doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) related to the position
or
Equivalent combinations of education and experience.
Grade 12:Minimum of one year specialized experience equivalent to at least grade 11 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position such as knowledge of preparation, coordination, execution and assessment of collaborative projects, programs, and events; developing collaborative projects; maintaining comprehensive project documentation with project staff; participating in daily content management activities. Writing software for data analysis, retrieval and processing. Pursuing funding opportunities and/or external partnerships to improve collections or collections-related activities.
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.
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.
Your application will be evaluated first for the basic qualifications described above. The applications that meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated further against the following criteria:
Knowledge of the theories, objectives, principles, practices and techniques of librarianship
Knowledge of structured data and metadata formats (e.g. JSON, XML) and applying these formats in API and data harvesting routines
Knowledge of astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, physics, or space sciences sufficient to communicate with CfA scientists
Knowledge of programming languages and database query languages (preferably Python and SQL)
Knowledge of best practices and standards of the library community, and how they apply to digital library technology
Excellent organization skills and aptitude for complex and analytical and detailed work.
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.
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.
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.
Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page. Please Note:
You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button and submit required supplemental documents (if they are relevant to you).
You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process;
The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
SMITHSONIAN
Human Resources
60 Garden Street Cambridge, MA 02138
Mail Stop 17
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
United States
Next steps
You will receive an e-mail to acknowledge that your application has been received. Please be aware that the confirmation e-mail could reside in your "junk" or "bulk" mail folder depending on your filters. The Smithsonian receives many applications for each job. Each application is reviewed carefully which may take a few weeks. You may also check your application status by logging into www.usajobs.gov and selecting the tab "My USAJOBS;" or by contacting the Office of Human Resources Representative listed. Additional Information:
The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses.
The Smithsonian embraces diversity and equal employment opportunity.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
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.
Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page. Please Note:
You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button and submit required supplemental documents (if they are relevant to you).
You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process;
The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
SMITHSONIAN
Human Resources
60 Garden Street Cambridge, MA 02138
Mail Stop 17
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
United States
Next steps
You will receive an e-mail to acknowledge that your application has been received. Please be aware that the confirmation e-mail could reside in your "junk" or "bulk" mail folder depending on your filters. The Smithsonian receives many applications for each job. Each application is reviewed carefully which may take a few weeks. You may also check your application status by logging into www.usajobs.gov and selecting the tab "My USAJOBS;" or by contacting the Office of Human Resources Representative listed. Additional Information:
The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses.
The Smithsonian embraces diversity and equal employment opportunity.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
