Duties

The Assistant Law Librarian for Collections is responsible for the acquisitions, organization and preservation of the Law Library's collection, ensuring the quality of the collection and rapid and effective access to it. The incumbent oversees the planning, development, management and usability of digital legal and legislative information resources hosted on site from the Law Library's physical materials and from remotely-hosted digital materials collaboratively developed with Law Library partners worldwide. Serving under Law Librarian of Congress the incumbent assists with achieving success on matters related to building and sustaining a preeminent portal to a world class repository of global legal information that includes all levels of government from local governing bodies to transnational governing institutions.

The incumbent ensures that Law Library collection and service meet the statutorily mandated requirements of the Law Library of Congress to serve the foreign legal research and analytical needs of the U.S. Congress. The incumbent develops and maintains relationships to further local, national, international, and transnational partnerships.

The incumbent also works collaboratively with senior Library of Congress managers to ensure integration of Law Library virtual services with Library of Congress digital priorities. The incumbent coordinates efforts with information entities in the U.S. Congress and other legislative branch agencies on Library legislative information initiatives.

Directs efforts to develop and promote national and international metadata and technology standards for legal information in the semantic web environment. Coordinates with appropriate internal and external offices including national and international stakeholders to identify issues, challenges, strategies for success, and best practices for digital legal content. Leads efforts to identify potential partners to participate in the Law Library's virtual presence by developing and implementing strategies for partner participation. Oversees the evaluation of digital content from various organizations to determine scope, depth, breadth and presentation of legal and legislative information produced by the Library and by potential partners. Specifically, develops strategies and identifies partners to collaborate in creating a portal to and repository of legal and legislative information from around the world, including indigenous peoples (example partners include native or indigenous peoples or organizations, local, state, national, international, and transnational governments and organizations).

Responsible for the formulation and administration of collection and service policies affecting the mission of the Law Library of Congress.

Participates in the development, evaluation, and implementation of high-level policy for agency-wide programs. Serves as the key advisor on various programs and events of the Service Unit. Counsels senior management staff and officials at multiple levels of the Service Unit; and senior staff, private sector clients, and vendors concerning matters within the scope of the incumbent's activity. Serves on inter-agency, national, and/or international special work groups, task forces, or expert panels on special projects or studies critical to the resolution of far-reaching operating issues and problems.

Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with various high-level individuals, including Library officials, infrastructure unit directors, service unit directors, division chiefs, managers, and their staff. As required and assigned, directs, monitors, and participates in outreach initiatives with organizations outside the Law Library.

Establishes and maintains close and cooperative working relationships with managers and officials within the Law Library and the Library of Congress.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• See requirements listed below under Qualifications Required.

Your resume is important to this application process. It will be reviewed to determine whether you possess the qualifications referenced above. All applicants are required to submit a resume that provides specific information (to include accomplishments, work experience and education/training) that clearly describes what you would bring to the position.

The Supervisor leads his/her staff toward meeting the Library's vision, mission, and goals by acting decisively, leveraging diversity and inclusiveness, demonstrating flexibility and resilience, fostering continuous improvement and innovation, and fostering integrity and honesty. To view the Library's Supervisory Core Competencies click the following link: http://www.loc.gov/hr/employment/uploads/loc_supervisor_core_competencies.pdf .

Conditions of Employment

Library employees must be fully vaccinated by Monday, January 3, 2022. New hires must be fully vaccinated by the date of their appointment.

Employees are considered fully vaccinated when it has been at least two weeks since they received the second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine (e.g., Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna) or the single dose of a one-dose vaccine (e.g., Johnson & Johnson/Janssen). At this time, booster shots are not necessary to be considered fully vaccinated.

New hires will be required to show proof of vaccination their first week of work.

Upon request, employees must provide proof of vaccination to the Health Services Division.

Consistent with applicable law, the Library will consider individual exceptions to the vaccination requirement based on an employee's medical condition or sincerely held religious belief. Employees with an approved exception will be subject to weekly testing and other COVID-19 safety protocols as directed, including, for example, wearing masks and social distancing.

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 drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment.

Qualifications

The competencies below are required for this position. Those marked with a double asterisk (**) are considered the most critical competencies for this position.

A candidate's resume must show a proven record of accomplishment that clearly demonstrates he or she has:

Ability to lead and execute a critical program**: The successful candidate has the ability to accomplish strategic and operational goals for a major law library services program area, and perform the following responsibilities: 1) define objectives and goals for law library services; 2) define and manage business requirements related to law library services; 3) analyze complex problems and implement solutions; 4) develop and integrate policies and processes; 5) formulate strategies to achieve program objectives; 6) develop program performance objectives/targets; 7) conduct regular reviews and prepare annual assessments of accomplishments and outcomes/results; 8) advise senior level officials on current and future program directions; 9) evaluate current and proposed programs and operations and recommend actions to initiate, modify, or discontinue projects; and 10) oversee contracts that support library services programs.

Ability to build coalitions and professional networks**: The successful candidate has the ability to identify, build and maintain relationships and professional networks to gain support and commitment from scholars and other learners; collectors and philanthropists; the publishing and creative community; and colleagues in the library and archival field. This includes: 1) participating in and representing the institution at professional association meetings; 2) working collaboratively with other departments, agencies and organizations to further agency goals and objectives; 3) establishing cordial relationships with donors and potential donors to obtain funding or additions to Library collections; and 4) working with the publishing and creative community to identify trends and issues related to the collections and services of the Library.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing and review and assess the writing of others**: The successful candidate has the ability to write clear, cogent, accurate, well-organized, and understandable written products in the area of information or library management, such as: 1) strategic planning and forecasting documents; 2) policies; 3) budget requests; 4) funding proposals; 5) program goals and objectives; 6) project plans; 7) contract statements of work; 8) program performance documentation; 9) annual reports; and, 10) library program information for the Congress. This includes targeting the amount, form, depth and level of detail, and content of the information to the needs of the receiver/audience. Evaluated the written products of others to meet the quality standards of the organization.

Ability to lead people and manage a diverse workforce: The successful candidate has the ability to lead, supervise and manage a diverse staff in a multi-disciplinary environment and in doing so, performed the following activities: 1) identified current and future staffing needs based on organizational goals, objectives, and capacity gaps; 2) recruited and hired staff to meet those needs; 3) communicated performance expectations to staff; 4) conducted periodic performance evaluations; 5) provided advice and counsel to staff; 6) addressed performance and disciplinary issues; 7) delegated or planned and assigned work; 8) provided appropriate training and professional development opportunities to staff; 9) encouraged staff participation in planning and decision making; 10) identified and implemented methods to improve staff productivity; 11) facilitated cooperation through teamwork.

Ability to lead and inspire change: The successful candidate has the ability to lead and inspire change in developing and implementing agency values, principles, and direction. This includes the ability to think creatively and recognize innovation; promote ideas with enthusiasm, conviction, and assertiveness; resolve contentious situations; solicit and consider others' opinions; gain support and commitment from others; motivate and inspire others; demonstrate flexibility; and promote a culture of change and growth.

Ability to apply the principles, concepts, and techniques of library science: The successful candidate has the ability to apply professional knowledge of library and information management principles, concepts and techniques to deliver results in Library operations and programs and to use this knowledge to create content, organize material, and provide access to digital collections. Experience with the following: 1) setting priorities and policies for digital collection management; 2) cataloging or description of digital collection items; 3) evaluation of digital collection materials to determine strategies to organize and make accessible; 4) providing leadership for a collection development program; and 5) working closely with library subject specialists in setting digital collection development priorities and targets.

Ability to present technical and policy information orally through briefings, consultations, and other presentations: The successful candidate has the ability to convey analysis and information orally through briefings, consultations and other presentations, in both planned and extemporaneous situations. This includes shaping the appropriate amount, form, depth and level of detail, and content of information to the needs of the receiver/audience.

Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing: The successful candidate has the ability to effectively express ideas and recommendations other than in writing in various settings to peers, staff, managers, supervisors, and external audiences to both provide and seek information. This includes actively listening to or understanding communicated information and answering questions thoughtfully and completely.

Education

A. 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

B. 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 a 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.

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.

These (official or unofficial) documents may be attached to your online application or emailed to the Staffing Specialist ( imot@loc.gov ). The documents can also be e-mailed during the interview scheduling process. They must be received prior to a full interview. Applicants who do not submit the required documentation will not be interviewed and will be disqualified from further consideration. Official documentation will be required if selected for the position. Failure to complete all mandatory sections of the on-line application form or failure to submit a resume will disqualify applicants from further consideration for the vacancy for which they are applying.

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

All initial appointments, permanent or indefinite, to the Library of Congress require completion of a one-year probationary period. In addition, all newly appointed Senior Level executives, from outside the Library as well as from within, must serve a one year probationary period in accordance with the Library of Congress Regulations (LCRs) 2017.2-1, Senior Level Executive System.

The Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer. All who meet the eligibility requirements are 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 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.

The selected applicant will be required to file a financial disclosure statement with the House of Representatives, U.S. Congress, in accordance with the provisions of Public Law 95-521, the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.

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: http://www.loc.gov/hr/employment/msp010909.pdf .