The Library of Congress: cataloging and acquisitions librarian

Summary

This position is located in the China Section, Asian And Middle Eastern Division, Acquisitions & Bibliographic Access Directorate, Discovery And Preservation Services.

The position description number for this position is 457104.

The salary range indicated reﬂects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area.

The incumbent of this position will work a Flexitime work schedule.

This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position.

Duties

Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.

Catalogs a variety of materials in an automated cataloging environment where the bibliographic characteristics of the material are relatively easy to determine, and cataloging decisions are made within established standards. Searches entries in automated and manual catalogs. Assigns headings to catalog entries. Selects and assigns classiﬁcation numbers. Establishes personal and corporate names and uniform titles for inclusion in the name authority ﬁle. Establishes and recommends subject headings for inclusion in the subject authority ﬁle and classiﬁcation schedule. Creates and revises bibliographic records, authority records, and classiﬁcation schedules. Performs content designation of bibliographic and authority records. Performs research in the cataloger’s reference collection, online databases, the world wide web, and the collections of the Library. Recommends resolutions to problems and inconsistencies in the cataloging process.

Provides services and deals with materials that are non-technical in nature, of limited technical complexity, or easily acquired. Coordinates proper purchasing information, correct bibliographic identiﬁcation, and correct coding in the information system. Contacts dealers, subscription agents, vendors, overseas ofﬁces, government agencies, and/or exchange partners to coordinate the order process. Consults acquisitions reference material to determine whether recommended item is appropriate for purchase, copyright claim, exchange, gift, loan, or other type of acquisition. Examines recommendations for acquisition to identify processing and custodial requirements and to identify acquisition of out-of-scope materials. Maintains liaison with recommending ofﬁcials and subject specialists to understand their needs. Consults acquisitions reference material to determine whether recommended item is appropriate for purchase. Reviews and approves invoices for payment for all formats of material. Determines availability of funds.

Obtains, analyzes, and organizes information using standard reference tools and established techniques and practices. Analyzes and organizes standard subject data to determine its relationship to the existing collections, for preferred access points and the need for additional access points. Analyzes material to determine subject content. Applies standard rules, guidelines, and reference tools and established techniques and practices. Participates in formulating plans for changes and improvements to cataloging-related issues.

Uses standard methods, techniques, concepts, and principles to perform assignments related to collection development support, with review by supervisor, senior staff and/or recommending ofﬁcers. Assists in examination of incoming shipments to select items appropriate for the collections, in accordance with established guidelines. Assists in examination of recommendations for acquisition to identify processing and custodial requirements, and to ensure conformity with established guidelines. Participates in formulating plans for changes and improvements to collection development policies.

Works to maintain personal contacts and cooperative work relationships in order to provide or exchange information. Consults with the supervisor and cataloging policy staff to recommend changes and additions in descriptive and subject cataloging rules. Offers suggestions and advice to the supervisor on operational and technical problems. Collaborates with the supervisor and other staff in planning and implementing team activities including workﬂow procedures, team priorities, cataloging projects of an experimental nature, goal setting and strategies for meeting team production goals. Assists others inside and outside the Library with language, subject and cataloging problems.

A foreign language is required for this position in the geographical area for which cataloging or acquisitions functions are performed. Must be able to speak, listen, read, and write in a speciﬁc foreign language that the incumbent is selected for in that geographical area for which cataloging or acquisitions functions are being performed. Must be able to speak, listen, read, and write ﬂuently in English. Must be able to communicate intended meaning in straightforward, everyday conversations and routine, work-related interactions. Must be able to adequately understand straightforward spoken language on everyday topics, including routine work-related matters. Must be able to adequately understand straightforward written material on everyday topics, including routine work-related matters. Must be able to adequately write straightforward documents and participate in everyday exchanges for routine work requirements and most correspondence.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

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 communicate in Chinese, English, and preferably Mongolian or Tibetan.**
Knowledge of library metadata rules, practices, and procedures.**
Ability to acquire and process library materials.**
Ability to use library software applications, integrated library platforms, and other information technology.**
Ability to communicate in writing.
Knowledge of history, politics, literature, and culture of greater China.
Ability to develop and maintain relationships and provide consultation and liaison services.
Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

Education

All librarians must meet the requirements for professional education in library science or possess equivalent experience and education.

A. 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;

B. 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 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.

Additional Education And Experience Requirements for Positions at GS-9 and Above

In addition to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements, applicants must have directly related education and/or specialized experience in the amounts required for the grade level as shown in the following table.

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.

You MUST submit a legible copy of your college/university transcripts to your online application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the time of application. Official transcripts will be required if selected. Failure to submit the required legible documentation at the time of application will result in disqualification of your application.

Foreign Education – Education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed equivalent to conventional/accredited U.S. education programs to be acceptable for Federal employment. If your college/university is outside the U.S., your transcripts must be accompanied by a report from a credential evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE). Failure to submit a foreign education evaluation report will result in disqualification of your application.

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.

To Apply: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/865379700