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Supervisory Librarian (Research Specialist)

Legislative Branch
Library of Congress

Summary

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) seeks a Supervisory Librarian to serve as Supervisory Librarian (Research Specialist) of the Research and Library Services (RLS) Section within the Domestic Social Policy (DSP) division. The Section works closely with analysts in DSP, the CRS division that responds to requests for public policy analysis on issues related to education, labor, children and families, poverty, income security, retirement, healthcare, immigration, domestic security and crime

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
02/11/2026 to 02/24/2026
Salary
$169,279 to - $197,200 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 15
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Washington, DC
1 vacancy
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent - Position
Work schedule
Full-time - Flexitime.
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
15
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
Yes
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
No
Announcement number
VAR003279
Control number
857373700

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

AGENCY EMPLOYEES - CONSIDERATION UNDER THIS VACANCY IS LIMITED TO THE STAFF OF THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, TEMPORARY NOT-TO-EXCEED (NTE) AND INDEFINITE NOT-TO-EXCEED (NTE) EMPLOYEES ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY. (EMPLOYEES MUST MAINTAIN THEIR ELIGIBILITY AT THE TIME OF SELECTION.)

Duties

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In support of the CRS mission of service to Congress, information professionals in the DSP RLS Sections advise and inform both the U.S. Congress and CRS analytical staff by providing expert on-demand information research, information products and resources, product updating, information resource management, briefings and seminars, consultations on research methodologies, and customized training on information research and resources for individuals and groups. The Supervisory Librarian is responsible for effectively managing staff in order to accomplish the work of the unit; anticipating and identifying the changing needs of Congress by keeping informed of the work; using knowledgeable contacts and authoritative resources; collaborating with other CRS managers; and developing information products and services that best meet the needs of congressional clients and CRS research divisions.

The incumbent is granted a high degree of independence, exercising considerable judgment in carrying out duties and responsibilities in accordance with industry best practices and CRS guidelines and policies. In addition, the incumbent must possess knowledge of information resources and the principles and/or best practices of librarianship and information science to integrate information research with public policy analysis in issue areas covered by DSP. CRS works exclusively for the United States Congress, providing policy and legal analysis to committees and Members of both the House and Senate, regardless of party affiliation.

As a legislative branch agency within the Library of Congress, CRS has been a valued and respected resource on Capitol Hill for more than a century. CRS is well known for analysis that is authoritative, confidential, objective, and nonpartisan. Its highest priority is to ensure that Congress has immediate access to the nation’s best thinking on public policy issues of interest to its Members and Committees. Supervises a group of employees performing work at a variety of levels including work up to the GS-13 level. Provides administrative and technical supervision necessary for accomplishing the work of the unit. Performs the administrative and human resource management functions relative to the staff supervised.

Directly supervises staff members in one of two Research and Library Services sections in the Domestic Social Policy Division. Leads their staff toward meeting the Library’s and CRS’s vision, mission, and goals by acting decisively, demonstrating flexibility and resilience, managing projects and functions, communicating effectively, and building and maintaining relationships. Exhibits commitment to the Library’s Supervisor Core Competencies. Analyzes major issues in information access and dissemination, and develops authoritative new approaches, methods or standards to resolve critical or highly unusual research problems.

Uses broad knowledge of multiple information sources and/or experts outside the Library of Congress and/or CRS to resolve research issues. Meets with researchers and analyzes questions and requirements in depth and detail and suggests search strategies for research involving the greatest complexity or time. Provides research services for users that involve not only directing the user to information sources, but also locating and evaluating information itself. Activities require substantial depth of analysis to access information. Serves as an expert in the organization, development, and implementation of multiple projects.

Organizes and develops projects utilizing critical judgment to determine scope, emphasis, approach, appropriate techniques, and manner of presentation. Develops technical standards or protocols applicable to a library function. Participates in planning the work of the unit, including formulating goals and objectives and identifying opportunities for improvements in methods and procedures.

Initiates, establishes, and maintains professional relationships with librarians and other specialists in order to share resources and information as well as to coordinate workflow within CRS. Develops and maintains professional standing through a variety of methods, including participation in professional organizations which may include presenting papers at conferences, seminars or meetings in librarianship and other relevant fields. Serves as a principal liaison for the organization at professional conferences, seminars, and exhibits. Collaborates on projects both inside and outside CRS and the Library of Congress.

The position description number for this position is 013358. .

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.

This is a supervisory, non-bargaining unit position.

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

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

Conditions of Employment

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: Supervisor Core Competencies

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 lead and manage staff**
  • Ability to apply knowledge of information resources relevant in public policy**
  • Ability to apply knowledge of information research within public policy research frameworks**
  • Ability to lead and inspire change**
  • Ability to interact collaboratively with others**
  • Ability to communicate in writing
  • Ability to exercise judgement and discretion
  • 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 at step one of the grade.

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 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.

Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation. For more information, please see: https://www.loc.gov/careers/working-at-the-library/frequently-asked-questions/vetting-personnel-at-the-library/

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.  In addition, per Library of Congress Regulation 9-532, an appointee or internal selectee is subject to a one-year supervisory probationary period if this is their first supervisory/managerial position at the Library of Congress. 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.

The selected applicant may 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, Ethics in Government Act of 1978.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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.

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.


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