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Librarian (Cataloging)

Legislative Branch
Library of Congress
This job announcement has closed

Summary

This position is located in the Processing Unit of the Moving Image Section, Motion Pic, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound, Collections And Services Directorate, Library Services.

The position description number for this position is 369964.

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.

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

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
03/15/2018 to 04/05/2018
Salary
$56,233 to - $73,105 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 09
Location
2 vacancies in the following location:
Culpeper, VA
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Term - Indefinite, NOT-TO-EXCEED 3 YEARS
Work schedule
Full-time - Flexitime
Service
Promotion potential
09
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Announcement number
VAR000336
Control number
494021100

This job is open to

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Duties

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The National Audio Visual Conservation Center (NAVCC) is responsible for the acquisition, processing, preservation, duplication and reference servicing of the moving image and sound-recording collections of the Library of Congress. Content contained on a variety of moving image and sound recording formats and in a number of different languages is cataloged, including associated documentation pertaining to or describing the collections. NAVCC maintains fully equipped laboratories to handle the recording, preservation, and duplication of these materials.

Performs original and copy cataloging of moving image resources on a variety of levels in machine-readable cataloging format where the bibliographic characteristics of the material are relatively easy to determine and cataloging decisions are made within established standards. The material is such that assignment of subject headings and genres can be determined relatively easily by comparing the content with standard lists of terms. Resolves routine problems promptly and independently, involving the supervisor on only the more difficult problems.

Provides succinct but detailed summaries of contents and/or scope notes for moving images.

Searches entries in appropriate machine and manual catalogs. Examines the item and any information accompanying the item, recording certain significant features of the content; determines the extent, completeness, playback mode, length or duration, sound and color characteristics, dimensions and generation; obtains and verifies source and date of receipt for each copy or generation and assigns data elements to bibliographic records as required by a standard system. Obtains, analyzes, and organizes information using standard reference tools and established techniques and practices. Analyzes and organizes standard subject and genre/form data to determine its relationship to existing collections, for normalizing titles, and the need for access points.

Establishes new personal and corporate names and preferred titles, with appropriate
cross-references for inclusion in the name authority file. Establishes and recommends new subject and genre/form headings, with appropriate cross-references for inclusion in the subject authority file. Revises and updates records as appropriate.

Performs content designation of newly created and updated bibliographic and name authority records, supplying tags, indicators, sub-field codes, delimiters, fixed and variable field information. Performs research in the reference collection, online databases, internet, and/or in the collections of the Library. Resolves problems and inconsistencies in the cataloging process.

Participates in formulating plans for changes and improvements in support of digitization and preservation activities.

Assists in the implementation of prepared training courses and materials. Develops, coordinates, and/or conducts training programs relevant to accessioning, cataloging and/or inventorying moving image resources. Examines training needs as new functions are added and changes in existing procedures and practices are implemented. Assists in developing, adopting, and adapting standards for resource discovery and enabling the extension, iterative enhancement, reuse, and open exchange of metadata.

Compiles monthly statistical reports. In conjunction with other staff and under the guidance of supervisors, prepares instructional guides, manuals, and other resource materials. Assists in the training of technicians, temporary staff, volunteers, and interns. Functions as a resource for catalogers in the proper application of standards, techniques, and information retrieval systems. May participate in formulating plans for changes and improvements in approaches to workflow that involves research, analysis, and the preparation of reports. In conjunction with other catalogers and under the guidance of the unit head or designee, is responsible for writing memos establishing new practices, creating guidelines or describing more fully the procedures of cataloging moving image resources as new questions, problems, or complications arise.

Works to maintain personal contacts and cooperative work relationships to provide or exchange information. When appropriate, consults with cataloging policy staff to recommend changes and additions in descriptive and subject cataloging rules. Offers suggestions and advice to supervisors on operational and technical problems. Collaborates with supervisors and other staff in planning and implementing activities including: workflow procedures, work priorities, cataloging projects of an experimental nature, goal setting and strategies for meeting production goals. Assists others inside and outside of the Library with problems and challenges associated with describing moving image resources.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

Basic Requirement:

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

  1. 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
  1. 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.
GS- 9

Two 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.

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 cataloging rules and standards, particularly related to the description of moving image resources.**

Knowledge of moving image formats.**

Ability to utilize information technology.**

Ability to communicate in writing.

Ability to interact collaboratively with others to provide research and consultation duties.

Ability to plan and organize work.

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 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 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 certificate of disability must verify that the applicant has a severe disability and may be issued by a State Vocational Rehabilitation Office, a Disability Services or Career Services Office of the applicant's college or university, or the Department of Veterans Affairs. The date of certification must be within three (3) years of the vacancy closing date and must be submitted with your application. For more information contact the Library's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity Programs at 202-707-3960 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.

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.

For more information regarding eligibility requirements, please see the Library of Congress Merit Selection Plan, Section X.D, at: http://www.loc.gov/hr/employment/msp010909.pdf.

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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