This position is located in the Israel and Judaica Section Asianand Middle Eastern DivisionAcquisitions & Bibliographic Access DirectorateDiscovery and Preservation Services.
This position is located in any of the divisions that come under the Directorate of Acquisitions and Bibliographic Access. It is a hybrid position that combines major duties from both the acquisitions specialist and the cataloger. There is a foreign language requirement for this position depending on the geographical area for which cataloging or acquisitions functions are being performed.
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 catalogers 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.
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 flextime 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.
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 addition past or current drug use and activities (e.g. selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment.
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 Armenian and/or Georgian culture(s) history(ies) and civilization(s). **
Ability to read write and communicate in Armenian and/or Georgian in addition to English (and a highly desired knowledge of Russian). **
Knowledge of library acquisitions and/or cataloging rules practices and procedures. **
Ability to use integrated library systems applications or other information technologies. **
Ability to interact collaboratively with others to provide consultation and liaison services.
Ability to organize analyze and interpret data related to acquiring and/or cataloging library materials.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
Althoughit is the Librarys 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 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 proof or disability/certification may be issued by the State Vocational Rehabilitation Office Disability Services or Career Services office of the applicants college or university or the Department of Veterans Affairs. The lettermust verify that the applicant has a severe disability and must be dated within three years of the date of the from health care providers are not more information contact the Librarys Office of Equal Employment Opportunity at or email 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 unitswithin 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.
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.
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.