Library Technician (Collections Specialist)

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 seek highly talented professionals to join a vibrant and collaborative community. Your work here will have a lasting impact on the Library and its users well into the future

Duties

The position serves as a Collections Specialist in the Inventory Management and Document Fulfillment Section (IMDF), Collection Management Division (CMD), Preservation Directorate (PRES), Discovery and Preservation Services (DPS) in the Library Collections and Services Group (LCSG) at the Library of Congress (LC). The Collections Specialist supports an array of programs in support of collections retrieval and collections integrity. In the area of collections retrieval, the Collections Specialist is assigned the most difficult special search requests which could not be resolved satisfactorily by other staff in the Division or Library. The search requests emanate originally from many sources, including: Members of Congress and their staff, researchers, Government agencies, the courts, foreign embassies, research organizations, educational and learned institutions, LC staff, other libraries. The Collections Specialist must possess an in-depth understanding of the Library of Congress classification scheme, expert familiarity with the locations of LC materials, and excellent knowledge of the organization and structure of the Library of Congress. In the area of collections integrity, the Collections Specialist independently performs a variety of database searching, basic record creation, update, and maintenance functions in support of database maintenance and inventory control of monographs and serials published in a variety of languages. The Collections Specialist supports critical inventory programs such as the Collection Holdings Inventory Program and other Library inventory initiatives, ensuring efficient workflow and throughput. A routine validated pre-placement physical examination is required as a condition of assignment* to this position. (*assignment covers hire, reassignment, detail, RIF etc.) This position requires regular recurring physical examinations every 3 years. Health Services Division determines that the employee or applicant is medically qualified to perform the duties of the position and meets the physical requirements and/or medical standards as a result of the physical examination. As the Collections Specialist, you will: Receive requests with difficult bibliographic problems, or that may involve highly specialized and scholarly research demands. Determine how far a search should go, the sources to be checked and possible alternative sources to obtain the item. Search for requested items that are vague or not readily found, using an extensive knowledge of bibliographic tools and procedures. Locate items not readily available on shelf. Complete special searches in all major and special catalogs for general and special collections of all types of materials, including hard-to-find items. Check shelf to locate material. Check to determine if item has been loaned outside the library or to a location within the library. Verify entry in the library's manual and online files. Consult the full range of technical library science tools, reference and bibliographic sources of all types, and the entire spectrum of printed and computerized catalogs and files to determine accuracy of information provided by requester. Respond electronically to readers and others who have requested a special search on the availability of the material requested. Routinely consults other sources to determine locations for items not located in the Library. Contact requester to ascertain additional information or help as required. Repeatedly searches for materials not yet located. When an item is found, forward a report to the requester and place the item on reserve. Use an expert knowledge of the Library's many databases, completes complex manual and computerized searches in multiple systems. Databases to be checked include all LC ILS modules; OCLC; RLIN; and the National Union Catalog, among others. Search and transcribe information from these computerized and manual files as they support the identification and locating of requested items. Compile statistical reports of cleared and pending requests, or other activities, and distribute them to the appropriate contacts. Independently perform a variety of searches, basic record creation and updates in support of database maintenance and inventory control of monographic and serials material published in a variety of languages. Where necessary, assist in the synchronization of workload. Review selected types of problems corrected by inventory contractors. Perform other duties as assigned. The position description number for this position is 137514. The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area. The incumbent of this position will work a Compflex or Flexitime 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.

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 process and maintain materials in library collections. ** Ability to use integrated library systems, applications, or other information technologies. ** Ability to work collaboratively as a team member. ** Ability to retrieve material from collections. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.