This position is located in the African and Middle Eastern Division, General and International Collections Directorate, Library Services.
We encourage qualified applicants from a variety of library, scholarly, academic, and information science backgrounds, with expertise in the appropriate regions, languages, and collections, to apply for this opportunity to support the Library’s strategy and to establish the program as a center of excellence in area studies.
Summary
This position is located in the African and Middle Eastern Division, General and International Collections Directorate, Library Services.
We encourage qualified applicants from a variety of library, scholarly, academic, and information science backgrounds, with expertise in the appropriate regions, languages, and collections, to apply for this opportunity to support the Library’s strategy and to establish the program as a center of excellence in area studies.
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.
The African and Middle East Division Chief is the Library's principal expert/specialist in matters dealing with the countries, languages and regions covered by that division. The Chief has full professional responsibility for coordinating activities of the Library related to that geographic area, and for directing the development and maintenance of the Library's collections pertaining to these regions, including the integration of digital technology, and facilitating the effective use of these collections by scholars, researchers, and others worldwide. The Chief formulates the vision, establishes the mission and goals, determines objectives, directs the staff and resources, and evaluates overall performance of the division. He/she sets policies for, administers, and supervises division staff, programs, services, and activities. The Chief is responsible for cultivating relations with potential donors, securing funds for new initiatives, acquiring new collections, and establishing new services. The Chief provides national leadership in the fields of knowledge and information as they relate to the division's geographic responsibility and represents the library at national and international meetings, events and programs, especially those related to the division's regions and countries.
Has overall responsibility for the oversight and administration of an entire department or a highly complex program within the department or agency, including responsibility for collections and research at the highest national level.
Plans, leads, and manages the division's collections, resources, services, and programs to assure that the division is a major contributor to national information, knowledge, and understanding of the relevant countries and regions in all of their variety and diversity. Provides direction and leadership for the Library in response to the rapid changes in foreign societies, in information flows from and about the regions covered by the division, and in emerging research agendas related to the division's area of responsibility. Maintains a comprehensive knowledge of these countries and regions and of the scholarly resources and collections necessary for the study of the region, with in-depth knowledge in at least one related discipline/area.
Constantly evaluates the Library's holdings in this area and seeks to acquire new collections as they become available. Identifies sources for new collections and information resources, secures outside funding, cultivates relationships with potential donors, and continuously seeks to improve the quality of the Library's collections and access to information in the division's area of responsibility.
Maintains personal authority and credibility in research/library communities based on a solid record of publications and professional accomplishments. Provides national and international leadership in accomplishing the division's mission, which includes leadership within the Library and among research libraries in the U.S. and abroad.
Applies cross-disciplinary approach to achieve integrated solutions applicable across the foreign area divisions for the Library's long-term digital content life cycle management. Ensures smooth, rational, and appropriate relationships between print and digital collections under the custody of the division.
Recommends strategies for integrating digital content, preservation and services into the Library's existing policy, procedures, work flow, and organizational framework for print collections. Assures implementation of collection development policies and procedures for traditional print collections and for digital content resources, working toward the integration of all collections and services. Develops digital collections and digital access approaches, often in collaboration with colleagues inside and outside the institution. Manages custodial responsibilities for print and digital collections, including balancing systematic analysis, evaluation, and direction with operational requirements and work flow considerations.
Develops policies for the acquisition of important collections to ensure that the Library's collections meet the needs of scholars, researchers and all other patrons. Policies involve matters relating to the conduct of initial solicitations and negotiations with prospective donors, appraisal of collections, conversion of materials on deposit to gifts, restrictions on use, conditions of use, and security of the collections. Negotiates with prospective donors who are prominent in the field. Directs staff engaged in these activities.
The position description number for this position is 058866.
This is a supervisory, non-bargaining unit position.
See requirements listed below under Qualifications Required.
Your resume is important to this application process. It will be reviewed to determine whether you possess the qualifications referenced above. All applicants are required to submit a resume that provides specific information (to include accomplishments, work experience and education/training) that clearly describes what you would bring to the position.
The Supervisor leads his/her staff toward meeting the Library’s vision, mission, and goals by acting decisively, leveraging diversity and inclusiveness, demonstrating flexibility and resilience, fostering continuous improvement and innovation, and fostering integrity and honesty. To view the Library’s Supervisory Core Competencies click the following link: http://www.loc.gov/hr/employment/uploads/loc_supervisor_core_competencies.pdf.
Qualifications
The competencies below are required for this position. Those marked with a double asterisk (**) are considered the most critical competencies for this position.
A candidate's resume must show a proven record of accomplishment that clearly demonstrates he or she has:
Knowledge of the countries, languages, and regions of Africa or the Middle East; preferably Hebrew, Arabic, Persian and Turkish**: The successful candidate has professional knowledge of the countries, languages and regions of Africa or the Middle East in order to command credibility in the research and information communities, to recognize trends in research, and identify collaborative opportunities with persons from the region.
Knowledge of the principles, concepts, and techniques of library science**: The successful candidate has professional knowledge of library and information management principles, concepts and techniques to manage library functions and carry out library programs in a research library setting; using this knowledge to create content, organize material, and provide access to digital collections. Experience with the following: 1) setting priorities and policies for rare and special collections management; 2) cataloging or description of digital collection items; 3) evaluation of collection materials to determine strategies to organize and make accessible; 4) providing leadership for a collection development program; and 5) working closely with library subject specialists in setting reference service priorities and targets.
Ability to lead people and manage a diverse workforce**: The successful candidate has the ability to lead people to meet an organization’s vision, mission, and strategic goals, including ongoing improvements in customer services. Provides an inclusive workplace that fostered the development of others, facilitated cooperation and teamwork, and supported constructive resolution of differing opinions by using innovative approaches and future-oriented thinking. Performs human resources management functions such as: manages the budget and personnel planning for organizational units under his/her direction; establishes performance expectations for subordinate supervisors and staff; provides formal and informal performance feedback and evaluated staff; and promotes the goals of equal employment opportunity and ensures the office was free of discriminatory employment practices.
Ability to lead and inspire change: The successful candidate has the ability to lead and inspire change in developing and implementing agency values, principles, and direction. This includes the ability to think creatively and recognize innovation; promote ideas with enthusiasm, conviction, and assertiveness; resolve contentious situations; solicit and consider others’ opinions; gain support and commitment from others; motivate and inspire others; demonstrate flexibility; and promote a culture of change and growth.
Ability to build coalitions and professional networks: The successful candidate has the ability to identity, build, and maintain relationships and professional networks to gain support and commitment from scholars and other learners; the publishing and creative community; and colleagues in the library field. This includes: 1) participating in and representing the institution at professional association meetings; 2) working collaboratively with other departments, agencies and organizations to further agency goals and objectives; 3) establishing cordial relationships with donors and potential donors to obtain additions to Library collections; and 4) working with the archival and research library community to identify trends and issues related to the collections and services of the Library.
Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing: The successful candidate has the ability to effectively express ideas and recommendations other than in writing in various settings to peers, staff, managers, supervisors, and external audiences to both provide and seek information. This includes actively listening to or understanding communicated information and answering questions thoughtfully and completely.
Additional information
All initial appointments, permanent or indefinite, to the Library of Congress require completion of a one-year probationary period. In addition, all newly appointed Senior Level executives, from outside the Library as well as from within, must serve a one year probationary period in accordance with the Library of Congress Regulations (LCRs) 2017.2-1, Senior Level Executive System.
The Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer. All who meet the eligibility requirements are 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 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.
The selected applicant will be required to file a financial disclosure statement with the House of Representatives, U.S. Congress, in accordance with the provisions of Public Law 95-521, the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.
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.
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.
The Library of Congress will evaluate applicants using the information provided in your resume. Reviews are intended to explore applicants' experience, knowledge, and training directly related to the job in order to identify the best qualified applicants for selection. For Senior Level positions, applicants do not need to respond to specific competency questions but will be requested to answer one question related to how they became aware of this job opportunity. To preview questions please click here.
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.
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.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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 that you are considered for the position.
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 Qualifications and Evaluations section of the job announcement to review the qualifications listed to ensure that your resume reflects your accomplishments in those areas.
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: 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. 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.
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
101 Independence Ave. SE
LM-107
Washington, District of Columbia 20540
United States
Next steps
Please review our evaluation process under Qualifications and Evaluations. 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.
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.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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 that you are considered for the position.
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 Qualifications and Evaluations section of the job announcement to review the qualifications listed to ensure that your resume reflects your accomplishments in those areas.
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: 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. 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.
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
101 Independence Ave. SE
LM-107
Washington, District of Columbia 20540
United States
Next steps
Please review our evaluation process under Qualifications and Evaluations. 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.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
