Enter a job title or keyword

Copyright Specialist (Registration)


Job Location:

Washington, DC - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 70623 - 70623
Posted: 18 October 2026 (9 days ago)
Application Deadline: 23 January 2027
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Summary

The Library of Congress shares its vast collections of books manuscripts photographs maps audiovisual materials and priceless artifacts to cultivate curiosity and spark imagination. We engage inspire and inform Congress and the American people with a universal and enduring source of knowledge and creativity.

We seekhighly talentedprofessionals to join a vibrant and collaborative community. Your work here will have lasting impact on theLibraryand its users well into the future.


Duties

This position serves as a Copyright Registration Specialist within the Registration Program in the U.S. Copyright Office.

As a Copyright Registration Specialist you will:

  • Examine claims to copyright in all categories of works applicable in the particular Division assigned and register question or refuse claims as appropriate.
  • Determine whether the works deposited contain sufficient original creative authorship and whether all applicable eligibility requirements have been met.
  • Using specific guidelines established by the Registration Program and the particular Division assigned examine registration materials to determine the correct facts of the claim check the accuracy of the application statements against information included in the physical or electronic work deposited and appropriately question discrepancies.
  • In appropriate circumstances perform research on copyright issues involving the Copyright Act U.S. Copyright Office regulations the Compendium of U.S. Copyright Office Practices Third Edition prior registration records and other Office resources.
  • Draft email correspondence that efficiently and accurately explains common problems including the explanation of any relevant copyright principles and evaluate correspondence relating to copyright claims. Convey copyright principles to a widely diverse audience ranging from persons with no knowledge of copyright to copyright attorneys and industry professionals.
  • Create a public record for registered claims based on copyright facts from the application and bibliographic facts from the deposit in accordance with Copyright Office policies and rules.
  • Maintain a complex and dynamic workload in an effective and timely manner and efficiently examine claims to copyright utilizing the electronic registration system software.
  • Proficiently use standard software applications such as Microsoft Office applications to create email letters and other documents.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

The position description number for these positions is 327081.

The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area.

The incumbents of these positions will work a flextime work schedule.

These positions are non-supervisory and are in the bargaining unit.

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


Requirements
Conditions of employment

    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.

    Copyright is a form of legal protection provided by the laws of the United States (Title 17 U. S. Code) to authors of literary dramatic musical artistic and other works. The United States Copyright Office located within the Library of Congress and under the direction of the Register of Copyrights administers the Copyright Law advises Congress and government agencies on legal and policy matters; provides international representation on copyright issues; administers the national copyright registration system; provides collections materials to the Library through voluntary registration and mandatory deposit programs; records documents relating to copyright chain of title; administers statutory license provisions of the law including collecting and distributing royalties; maintains the worlds largest database of copyright public records; and provides information and reference services to the public.

    The Office of Registration Policy and Practice (RPP) contributes to the mission of the U.S. Copyright Office to foster creativity by maintaining and improving the Copyright Offices core functions of examining copyright applications and deposits; issuing certificates of registration; corresponding with applicants attorneys and industry professionals to resolve issues with registration materials; refusing copyright claims; cataloging copyright submissions; and providing information on copyright registrations to the general public attorneys and courts. RPP also provides leadership to the Copyright Office in the development and adoption of new solutions to improve quality productivity and efficiency in the Registration Program that will provide benefits to creators and the general public.

    These positions are located in the Literary Performing Arts and/or Visual Arts Divisions Registration Program Copyright Office.

    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 Identify Analyze and Resolve Problems.**

    Ability to Communicate in Writing.**

    Ability to Work with a Variety of Written Information Procedures and Instructions.**

    Ability to Utilize Computer Technology/Software Applications.

    Ability to Plan Prioritize Organize and Execute Work.

    Ability to Communicate Effectively other than in Writing.

    Additional information

    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 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 notify the agency. 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 may be issued by a State Vocational Rehabilitation Office or the Department of Veterans Affairs. The date of certification must be within three years of the vacancy closing date and must be submitted with your application. For more information contact the Librarys Office of Opportunity Inclusiveness & Compliance 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.

    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 addition per Library of Congress Regulation 2010-12 an appointee is subject to a one-year supervisory probationary period if this is his/her first supervisory/managerial position at the Library.

    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 an 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:
    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.

    Review our 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.


    Required Experience:

    IC