This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/660100600. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
This position is located in Researcher and Collections Services.
The position description number for this position is 421043.
This position has no promotion potential.
The incumbent of this position may work a flextime work schedule.
This is a supervisory, non-bargaining unit position.
Relocation expenses may be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.
06/14/2022 to 08/01/2022
$135,468 - $203,700 per year
SL 00
1 vacancy in the following location:
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Not required
Yes— Relocation expenses may be offered for this position.
Permanent - Position
Full-time - Flexitime.
Excepted
00
Yes
No
VAR001782
660100600
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.
Are you interested in leading collections and research services at the Library of Congress through exciting and transformational change? Do you have significant experience in leading collections and/or research/reference services at a research library or cultural heritage organization?
The Library seeks an experienced leader to serve as the Associate Librarian for Researcher & Collections Services (AL-RCS). The AL-RCS provides leadership to ensure the quality development of the collections acquired by the Library through multiple acquisition streams (purchase, gift, copyright deposit, web archiving, open content, and exchange) and develops, effective, innovative, and equitable means for researchers to use them. Collections included under the scope of the AL-RCS include those within the Library’s Special Collections Directorate, General and International Collections Directorate, and National Audio Visual Conservation Center. The AL-RCS provides leadership and direction for a comprehensive, inclusive collection strategy for the Library’s national collection in all formats.
Leading over 550 dedicated RCS employees, as well as working closely with colleagues throughout the Library Collections & Services Group and Library-wide, the next AL-RCS will have an important opportunity to build and shape the future of the Library’s collections, as well as access to them. The incumbent will work closely with the Associate Librarian for Discovery & Preservation Services to organize, digitize and make information accessible, and to enrich the online and offsite user experience in support of traditional and evolving forms of research. Under the leadership of the AL-RCS, the service unit is responsible for increasing public awareness of the Library as a scholarly and cultural institution through communications and products promoting the knowledge and usefulness of the Library and scholarly resources; and for broadening the knowledge and use of Library resources.
The Library will be hosting an information session on Tuesday, June 28, 2022 (1PM-2PM EST) to provide an overview of the position, the Library Collections & Services Group in which it is seated, the executive leadership aspects of the position, as well as general information about applying for Library of Congress positions. A question and answer period will be included. Attendees may join the session anonymously. The session will also be recorded and with the information available to all potential applicants until the position closes. Link for the session, as well as the recording once available is: https://www.loc.gov/careers/working-at-the-library/career-showcase/
Duties:
Has overall responsibility, as well as delegated authority, for the oversight and administration of the service unit. Is primarily responsible for the direction and management of large-scale operations to efficiently and effectively achieve specified goals and objectives. Evaluates current and proposed programs and operations. Initiates, modifies, recommends, or discontinues such actions as appropriate. Plays a lead role in defining and articulating the content of the Library's collections to the Congress and the broader scholarly, creative, and library communities.
Responsible for the Library collections budget, collection development and management, excluding Law Library collections. Provides leadership, strategic direction, and support for the development, assessment, and evaluation of the collections, including acquisitions, collection strategies, and modes of discovery necessary to enable access to all materials.
Administers and directs Library services for all authorized users, including researcher engagement services, as well as congressional loan and inter-library loan. Services include, but are not limited to managing general and special collections reading rooms (excluding the Law Library), supporting research and reference inquiries information requests from the general public through a number of in-person and online platforms, working with congressional offices, and the provision of Library cards to authorized users.
Collaboratively establishes goals and objectives for the area and develops, evaluates, and continually improves programs and services.
Establishes and maintains close and cooperative working relationships with professional peers internationally, Library or service unit management and officials, government agencies, and other institutions with related interests, in order to advance the programs and objectives of the Library.
Serves on the Executive Committee of the Library, representing and communicates the status of different work activities and efforts. Reports regularly on the effectiveness of specific programs.
Responsible for the formulation and administration of policies affecting the mission of the Library. Develops, evaluates, and implements policy for agency-wide programs. Explores and prepares long- range development plans, as well as short-term strategies.
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. Additionally, a cover letter contextualizing your experience is preferred though not required. 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.
Conditions of Employment
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.
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:
Ability to lead and manage a program/area of responsibility.** The successful candidate has the ability to acquire and administer human, financial, material, and information resources to accomplish an organization’s mission. Accomplished strategic and operational goals for an agency/organization and in doing so had the following responsibilities: 1) developed program performance objectives/targets that support the organization’s mission and goals, 2) conducted monthly or quarterly reviews and prepared annual assessments of accomplishments and outcomes/results, 3) advised senior level officials, 4) oversaw day-to-day operations directly and through subordinate supervisors, 5) worked with both internal and national external organizations to achieve program goals, 6) evaluated current and proposed programs and operations and recommended actions to initiate, modify, or discontinue projects, 7) developed and integrated policies and processes for your area of responsibility, and 8) planned, acquired, and organized resources and people.
Knowledge of the principles, concepts and techniques of modern librarianship as it relates to collections and provision of researcher services.** The successful candidate applied professional knowledge of library and information management principles, concepts and techniques to manage library functions; envision collections acquisitions and management, as well as researcher services to support library programs in a research library setting; using this knowledge to create content, organize material, and provide access to analog and digital collections. Experience with the following: 1) setting priorities and policies for rare, distinctive and general collections management; 2) evaluation of collection materials to determine strategies to organize and make accessible; 3) providing leadership for a collection development program; and 4) working closely with library subject specialists in setting reference service priorities and targets.
Ability to build coalitions and professional networks.** The successful candidate has the ability to identify, 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 and archival 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 -successful relationships with donors and potential donors to obtain additions to Library collections; and 4) working with the research library and archival community to identify trends and issues related to the collections and services of the Library.
Ability to supervise, develop and lead a diverse cultural heritage workforce.** The successful candidate has the ability to supervise, manage and provide leadership for a diverse workforce including: 1) establishing realistic yet challenging goals and standards; 2) supplying regular, constructive feedback, mentoring to assist staff in attaining their goals; 3) incorporating active participation of staff in planning, decision making and team building; 4) identifying skills and abilities of staff and any skill gaps in the workforce for current and future needs; 5) providing opportunities for training and career advancement; 6) hiring staff; 7) addressing staff performance, assessment, and disciplinary matters; 8) communicating performance expectations; 9) ensuring tasks are appropriately delegated and satisfactorily completed; and 10) creating and embracing an environment fostering diversity, integrity, and honesty focused on ongoing improvement to self and others and to customer service.
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 communicate effectively in writing and review and assess the writing of others. The successful candidate has the ability to prepare a variety of clear, cogent, accurate, well-organized, and understandable complex and specialized documents related to the work of the position, such as: 1) funding proposals, 2) policies, 3) program goals and objectives, 4) business plans, 5) budget justifications, 6) research papers, 7) performance management documents/evaluations, and 8) other reports. This includes the ability to target an audience and shape communications so that they are appropriate and specific to technical and administrative activities.
Ability to present information orally through briefings, consultations, and other presentations. The successful candidate has the ability to convey analysis and information orally through briefings, consultations and other presentations, in both planned and extemporaneous situations. This included shaping the appropriate amount, form, depth and level of detail, and content of information to the needs of the receiver/audience.
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.
The successful incumbent should have at least 5 years of a progressively responsible management experience in a research library or cultural heritage organization leading collections and/or research/reference services. To qualify on this basis, the applicant must establish conclusively that the education, training, and experience provided a knowledge and understanding of the theories, principles, and techniques of librarianship as it relates to collections and provision of researcher services and the knowledge and abilities essential for providing effective oversight and management of these critical competencies.
Candidates with an MLS, MIS, MLIS, MSLS, or equivalent degree are encouraged to apply. Unofficial transcripts may be requested during the applicant review or interview process, and official transcripts will be required if selected for the position.
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.
For more information regarding eligibility requirements, please see the Library of Congress Merit Selection Plan, Section X.D, at: Senior Level Merit Selection Plan
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.
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.
You may preview questions for this vacancy.
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.
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a cover letter with the resume.
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 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.
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.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a cover letter with the resume.
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 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.
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.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/660100600. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Learn more about
The Library of Congress serves the Congress in fulfilling its duties and preserves and promotes knowledge and creativity for the benefit of the American people. It is the nation's oldest federal cultural institution and the world's largest library, with more than 158 million items in its physical collections (including books, manuscripts, prints, photos, film, video, and sound recordings) and over 37 million items online. Located on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., the Library is the home of the U.S. Copyright Office, the Congressional Research Service (CRS), the Law Library of Congress and the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.