Librarian (Reference)
- Employer
- USAJobs
- Location
- Washington, D.C
- Closing date
- Nov 15, 2019
View more
- Industry
- Government and Public Services, Federal
- Function
- Administrative
- Hours
- Full Time
- Career Level
- Experienced (Non-Manager)
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Duties
Summary
This position is located in Taylor Street, Reference Section, National Library Service Blind/Physically Handicap, Library Collections and Services Group, Office of The Librarian.
Learn more about this agency
Responsibilities
The position serves as a Reference Librarian at the National Library Service (NLS) division within the Library Collections and Services Group (LCSG) at the Library of Congress (LC). The position reports directly to the Head, Reference Section.
The Reference Librarian provides customer service directly to NLS constituents and serves in the specialized areas of blindness, physical disabilities, and library services to and for individuals who are blind or print disabled.
The Reference Librarian responds to English- and Spanish-speaking callers and email inquiries. Services are primarily rendered by electronic correspondence and via telephone.
Performs customer service functions in the Braille Reading Download (BARD) service for Spanish-speaking patrons and WebREADS systems. Requests originate from the blind and print disabled patrons and NLS network libraries serving them; national and international academic, research, and scientific institutions; the professional and business communities; veterans; and from the general public.
Effectiveness in personal contacts and clarity and conciseness in oral and written communication are requirements for this position.
Serving as a reference librarian, responds to English- and Spanish-speaking callers and email inquiries. Performs customer service functions in the Braille Reading Download (BARD) service for Spanish-speaking patrons and WebREADS systems for these patrons. Shares a phone schedule with other reference librarians within the Section.
Responds to reference inquiries assigned by the head of the section. Applies knowledge of standard methods and techniques, concepts and principles of bibliographic resources, including automated databases and other digital resources, and principles of librarianship in rendering reference, referral and literature searching service to NLS consumers, NLS staff, Members of Congress, government agencies, regional and sub-regional libraries, researchers, veterans, and the public. Prepares correspondence in reply to reference inquires, conducts reference interviews, and communicates with patrons via email and telephone.
Provides current awareness to designated NLS staff to keep them informed of new publications and developments in their specific areas of interest. Provides a similar service, on a wide range of subjects of concern to blind and print disabled individuals, for libraries that serve them and interested professionals.
May be asked to participate in workshops, conferences, and in the NLS exhibit program to explain NLS services to professional organizations serving, and consumer groups of, blind and print disabled persons. Conduct tours of the NLS headquarters and to provide other oral presentations to staff and visitors about current program activities. Participates in assignments to support internal Library or NLS activities.
Exercises initiative, tact, and flexibility in meeting the reference requirements of constituents ranging from students to experts in their fields. The incumbent's in-depth knowledge of the NLS program and its automated systems and services will be used to assist English- and Spanish-speaking inquiries. The Reference Librarian plans and carries out successive steps, and resolves problems that arise in accordance with instructions, policies previous training and accepted library practices. Completed work is usually reviewed by the section head for technical soundness, appropriateness to the needs of the library and its clientele and conformity to policy and requirements.
Compiles current information on services, legislation, resources, etc. pertaining to blind and print disabled individuals. Prepares (English) compilations of materials in established and digital formats for reference guides for individuals, libraries and organizations. Prepares indexes and similar tools to aid in the use of the reference collection. Participates in the production of informational materials such as brochures, flyers, fact sheets and directories. Translates select English NLS reference guides into "Universal Spanish".
Spanish scripts for two NLS voicemail and phone services. Retrieves Spanish voicemail messages from callers and replies to those calls.
The position description number for this position is 390284.
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.
Travel Required
Not required
Supervisory status
No
Promotion Potential
12
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
No additional requirements to those listed above.
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 provide reference and research services.**
Knowledge of library resources for the blind, visually impaired, and disabled community.
Knowledge of the principles, concepts, and techniques of library science.
Ability to plan and carry out reference service.**
Ability to communicate in English and Spanish to perform customer service.**
Ability to communicate in writing.
Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
Education
All librarians must meet the requirements for professional education in library science or possess equivalent experience and education.
1. Completion of 1 full academic year of graduate study in library science in an accredited college or university, in addition to completion of all work required for a bachelor's degree;
Or
o A total of at least 5 years of a combination of college-level education, training, and experience. To qualify on this basis, the applicant must establish conclusively that the education, training, and experience provided knowledge and understanding of the theories, principles, and techniques of professional librarianship; a knowledge of literature resources; and the knowledge and abilities essential for providing effective library and information services. In addition to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements, applicants must have directly related education and/or specialized experience.
Two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or master's in library science or equivalent graduate degree, e.g., LL.B. or J.D., related to the position.
You MUST submit a legible copy of your college/university transcripts to your online application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the time of application. Official transcripts will be required if selected.
Failure to submit the required legible documentation at the time of application will result in disqualification of your application.
Foreign Education - Education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed equivalent to conventional/accredited U.S. education programs to be acceptable for Federal employment. If your college/university is outside the U.S., your transcripts must be accompanied by a report from a credential evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE).
Failure to submit a foreign education evaluation report will result in disqualification of your application.
Additional information
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 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 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 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 period.
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.
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.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
The Library of Congress evaluates applicants through an applicant questionnaire and a structured interview. Applicants may also be screened for some jobs through licensing, certification, and/or education requirements, a narrative/application review, and/or a preliminary telephone interview. The knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) that are marked with a double asterisk (**) in the vacancy announcement and the applicant questionnaire are considered the most critical for a position. To be considered for final selection, applicants must demonstrate fully acceptable experience in these designated KSAs in the narrative/application review, preliminary telephone and/or full structured interview. The various assessment tools listed above are designed to verify or explore applicants' experience, knowledge, and training directly related to the job in order to identify the best qualified applicants for selection.
For more information regarding eligibility requirements, please see the Library of Congress Merit Selection Plan, Section X.D, at: http://www.loc.gov/hr/employment/msp010909.pdf .
To preview questions please click here .
Background checks and security clearance
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test required
No
Required Documents
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.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
Summary
This position is located in Taylor Street, Reference Section, National Library Service Blind/Physically Handicap, Library Collections and Services Group, Office of The Librarian.
Learn more about this agency
Responsibilities
The position serves as a Reference Librarian at the National Library Service (NLS) division within the Library Collections and Services Group (LCSG) at the Library of Congress (LC). The position reports directly to the Head, Reference Section.
The Reference Librarian provides customer service directly to NLS constituents and serves in the specialized areas of blindness, physical disabilities, and library services to and for individuals who are blind or print disabled.
The Reference Librarian responds to English- and Spanish-speaking callers and email inquiries. Services are primarily rendered by electronic correspondence and via telephone.
Performs customer service functions in the Braille Reading Download (BARD) service for Spanish-speaking patrons and WebREADS systems. Requests originate from the blind and print disabled patrons and NLS network libraries serving them; national and international academic, research, and scientific institutions; the professional and business communities; veterans; and from the general public.
Effectiveness in personal contacts and clarity and conciseness in oral and written communication are requirements for this position.
Serving as a reference librarian, responds to English- and Spanish-speaking callers and email inquiries. Performs customer service functions in the Braille Reading Download (BARD) service for Spanish-speaking patrons and WebREADS systems for these patrons. Shares a phone schedule with other reference librarians within the Section.
Responds to reference inquiries assigned by the head of the section. Applies knowledge of standard methods and techniques, concepts and principles of bibliographic resources, including automated databases and other digital resources, and principles of librarianship in rendering reference, referral and literature searching service to NLS consumers, NLS staff, Members of Congress, government agencies, regional and sub-regional libraries, researchers, veterans, and the public. Prepares correspondence in reply to reference inquires, conducts reference interviews, and communicates with patrons via email and telephone.
Provides current awareness to designated NLS staff to keep them informed of new publications and developments in their specific areas of interest. Provides a similar service, on a wide range of subjects of concern to blind and print disabled individuals, for libraries that serve them and interested professionals.
May be asked to participate in workshops, conferences, and in the NLS exhibit program to explain NLS services to professional organizations serving, and consumer groups of, blind and print disabled persons. Conduct tours of the NLS headquarters and to provide other oral presentations to staff and visitors about current program activities. Participates in assignments to support internal Library or NLS activities.
Exercises initiative, tact, and flexibility in meeting the reference requirements of constituents ranging from students to experts in their fields. The incumbent's in-depth knowledge of the NLS program and its automated systems and services will be used to assist English- and Spanish-speaking inquiries. The Reference Librarian plans and carries out successive steps, and resolves problems that arise in accordance with instructions, policies previous training and accepted library practices. Completed work is usually reviewed by the section head for technical soundness, appropriateness to the needs of the library and its clientele and conformity to policy and requirements.
Compiles current information on services, legislation, resources, etc. pertaining to blind and print disabled individuals. Prepares (English) compilations of materials in established and digital formats for reference guides for individuals, libraries and organizations. Prepares indexes and similar tools to aid in the use of the reference collection. Participates in the production of informational materials such as brochures, flyers, fact sheets and directories. Translates select English NLS reference guides into "Universal Spanish".
Spanish scripts for two NLS voicemail and phone services. Retrieves Spanish voicemail messages from callers and replies to those calls.
The position description number for this position is 390284.
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.
Travel Required
Not required
Supervisory status
No
Promotion Potential
12
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
No additional requirements to those listed above.
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 provide reference and research services.**
Knowledge of library resources for the blind, visually impaired, and disabled community.
Knowledge of the principles, concepts, and techniques of library science.
Ability to plan and carry out reference service.**
Ability to communicate in English and Spanish to perform customer service.**
Ability to communicate in writing.
Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
Education
All librarians must meet the requirements for professional education in library science or possess equivalent experience and education.
1. Completion of 1 full academic year of graduate study in library science in an accredited college or university, in addition to completion of all work required for a bachelor's degree;
Or
o A total of at least 5 years of a combination of college-level education, training, and experience. To qualify on this basis, the applicant must establish conclusively that the education, training, and experience provided knowledge and understanding of the theories, principles, and techniques of professional librarianship; a knowledge of literature resources; and the knowledge and abilities essential for providing effective library and information services. In addition to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements, applicants must have directly related education and/or specialized experience.
Two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or master's in library science or equivalent graduate degree, e.g., LL.B. or J.D., related to the position.
You MUST submit a legible copy of your college/university transcripts to your online application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the time of application. Official transcripts will be required if selected.
Failure to submit the required legible documentation at the time of application will result in disqualification of your application.
Foreign Education - Education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed equivalent to conventional/accredited U.S. education programs to be acceptable for Federal employment. If your college/university is outside the U.S., your transcripts must be accompanied by a report from a credential evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE).
Failure to submit a foreign education evaluation report will result in disqualification of your application.
Additional information
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 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 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 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 period.
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.
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.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
The Library of Congress evaluates applicants through an applicant questionnaire and a structured interview. Applicants may also be screened for some jobs through licensing, certification, and/or education requirements, a narrative/application review, and/or a preliminary telephone interview. The knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) that are marked with a double asterisk (**) in the vacancy announcement and the applicant questionnaire are considered the most critical for a position. To be considered for final selection, applicants must demonstrate fully acceptable experience in these designated KSAs in the narrative/application review, preliminary telephone and/or full structured interview. The various assessment tools listed above are designed to verify or explore applicants' experience, knowledge, and training directly related to the job in order to identify the best qualified applicants for selection.
For more information regarding eligibility requirements, please see the Library of Congress Merit Selection Plan, Section X.D, at: http://www.loc.gov/hr/employment/msp010909.pdf .
To preview questions please click here .
Background checks and security clearance
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test required
No
Required Documents
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.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
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