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This position is located in the Mexico, Central America & Caribbean Section, African, Latin American & Western European Division, Acquisitions & Bibliographic Access Directorate, Discovery and Preservation Services.
The position description number for this position is 128316.
The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area.
The incumbent of this position will work a flextime work schedule.
06/16/2022 to 07/01/2022
$40,883 - $53,147 per year
GS 05
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
No
Permanent - Position
Full-time - Flexitime.
Excepted
08
No
No
VAR001923
660468000
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.
This position is located in any of the divisions that come under the Directorate of Acquisitions and Bibliographic Access. The incumbent of this position performs major technician duties for the functions of acquisitions, cataloging, and serials control. A foreign language may be required for this position depending on the geographical area for which functions are being performed. For example, staff processing and cataloging materials from South America need knowledge of the Spanish language.
Follows well-established procedures and specific instructions from the supervisor, and uses a variety of interrelated steps and procedures, to order and process different types of library materials from different acquisition sources. Performs rudimentary searches of reference sources which may include print, automated files, and internal and external databases. Receives, inspects, and processes library material in all formats received from all sources (governmental, exchange, gift, purchase). Learns to prepare acquisition acknowledgment letters. Assists in determining material that needs to be claimed and learns to issue appropriate claims to suppliers. Learns to process cancellations or adjustments to acquisition records. Records receipts for specific types of serials, such as inkprint periodicals, on the appropriate entry in online or manual files. Learns to check in serials in other formats (e.g., bound volumes, microforms, CDROMs). Open, sorts, and processes incoming mail, including regular, registered, certified and freight mail. Stamps materials with the appropriate acquisition stamp and date. Promptly forwards misrouted mail to its correct destination. Assures prompt delivery of time-sensitive mail. Maintains supplies and performs basic equipment maintenance. Shelflists materials under close supervision, using standard tools and according to established procedures. Consults the shelflist or the appropriate classification schedule to verify whether the class number assigned is consistent with the subject heading(s). Completes the subclassification, and establishes the elements of the location symbol to the point at which the call number for each item is unique or places it in conflict with neighboring items. Corrects or updates bibliographic data when needed. Searches entries in automated and manual catalogs. Updates and inputs data and records based on annotations prepared by senior staff. Adds copies to the database, transcribes the correct call number in the item, adds holdings to the file, and assigns copies to the reference or custodial collections. Receives training in content designation for newly created and updated bibliographic records. With the assistance of a designated trainer, learns to perform database maintenance including modifications, updates, and corrections. Also works with a trainer to learn to create and revise bibliographic records, including initial bibliographic control records (IBCRs). Refers problems and items needing authority work to senior staff.
Following extensive library rules, procedures, and operations, processes library collections. Distinguishes the type of material, and separates and properly distributes all types of library collection items for processing. Completes appropriate forms for accessioning, recording, and statistical reports. Using large bibliographic databases, receives and sorts materials into bound and unbound categories. Checks in materials. Prepares materials for digital conversion or binding. Attaches call numbers. Disposes of items not considered useful for library programs.
Orients and provides information to patrons about specialized programs, reader registration procedures, physical layout, and directions to other library locations. Answers routine directional questions. Assists readers in using computerized searching tools. Assists patrons participating with library programs. Verifies the credentials of all visitors and monitors users to make sure they select from proper stacks of materials based on their eligibility. Maintains a high degree of tact and courtesy in dealing with visitors.
Searches and retrieves items from collections that are needed by patrons. Organizes data into a catalog record as prescribed by the appropriate rules for varying levels of cataloging and inputs the data online. Inputs data, such as completed call number and the technician's charge online. Proofs records to ensure the correct tag sequence order. Performs routine searches of various computer and card catalogs and files to locate and/or verify bibliographic or acquisitions data in support of various library functions for acquisitions and cataloging. Efficiently searches specialized online databases, such as library-related databases including LC/ILS, ISSN, and OCLC to locate records for material in hand.
This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position.
At present, the Library of Congress will not enforce an earlier policy to require all employees be vaccinated against COVID-19. However, employees are required to certify their vaccination status, which is used to plan and implement workplace safety protocols, such as those related to mask-wearing, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine. Upon request, new hires may be required to show proof of vaccination to the Health Services Division. Library employees who are not vaccinated may be required to undergo testing for COVID-19 every seven days.
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 drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment.
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 read and interpret bibliographic information written in Spanish, as well as in English, in order to maintain and process library materials.**
Knowledge of library acquisitions and/or cataloging rules, practices and/or procedures.**
Ability to use an Integrated Library System (ILS), computerized search tools, databases and other computer applications.**
Ability to perform detailed, repetitive tasks requiring accuracy.
Ability to perform library functions that support the unit or section.
Ability to plan and organize work assignments and set priorities in order to meet deadlines.
Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
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 the minimum step 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.
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.
Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation.
The Library reserves the right to fill a lesser or greater number of vacancies indicated during the life of this vacancy announcement.
Initial appointments, permanent or indefinite, to the Library of Congress require completion of a one-year probationary period.
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.
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 X.D, at: Merit Selection Plan
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/660468000. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
