Duties

The position reports to the division Chief and provides essential and critical professional curatorial reference and research services, as well as consultation and liaison services, and acquisitions and collections management on behalf of the division.

The work involves advanced reference work, research and responsibility for acquisitions and special projects, including the organization, interpretation, and exhibition of the Jay I. Kislak Collection (Collection), as well as related outreach to the Kislak Family Foundation, scholars of the early Americas, and professional organizations who engage in similar content and the same period.

The position maintains knowledge of a specialized area (i.e. Mesoamerican or Pre-Colombian studies in any applicable academic discipline, including but not limited to Archeology, Anthropology, Art History, Linguistics, History, Literature, Geography, or other related field), a sound background in special collections work or librarianship, experience in research or curatorial methodology, and acquaintance with the original and secondary sources in their specialized subject area of expertise.

Provides personalized reference services to varied constituents, including Members of Congress and their staffs, scholars and researchers across the world, exhibition staff and visitor services staff at the Library, the Kislak Family Foundation, and the general public, utilizing their subject expertise, as well as broad knowledge of related resources and research services both within and outside the Library.

Is responsible for curating the Collection and Library collections in the specialized subject area. Oversees the growth and development of the collection related to the specialized subject area, establishing guidelines for continued collection growth. Examines incoming catalogs and special offers to make recommendations for additions to the Collection and Library collections. Prepares memoranda of recommendation, letters of solicitation, and other documents related to acquisitions.

Develops new and ongoing professional relationships with prospective donors in relation to the Library collection.

Serves as a consultant to researchers, academia, and professional organizations using the Library's collections and to persons planning special observances in subject fields and on the collections in which they have specialized knowledge. Serves as a mentor to interns, fellows, researchers, and other parties interested in the subject, field or time period.

While performing daily duties, the incumbent is also responsible for ensuring proper handling and security of Library of Congress materials. The incumbent has access to collection material up to the Platinum collection level.

Performs other duties as assigned.

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 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.

Knowledge of Mesoamerican or Pre-Colombian studies, history, culture and literature to acquire collections.**

Knowledge of collection development principles and techniques.**

Ability to communicate effectively in writing and present information orally.**

Ability to provide curatorial and research services.**

Ability to provide outreach, consultation and liaison services.

Knowledge of integrated library systems, library applications, and other information technologies.

Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

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

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. 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.