This position is located in the Collections Management Division, Preservation Directorate, Discovery and Preservation Services. This position is indefinite Not-to-exceed (NTE) 5 Years. "This position may be converted to a permanent position if permanent position becomes available, and incumbent is eligible. "
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.
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 position supports an array of programs in support of collections retrieval and collections integrity. In the area of collections retrieval, incumbent 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, and 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 incumbent independently performs a variety of database searching, basic record creation, update, and maintenance functions in support of database maintenance and inventory control of monographic and serials material published in a variety of languages. Incumbent supports critical inventory programs such as the Collection Holdings Inventory Improvement Program and other Library inventory initiatives, ensuring efficient workflow and throughput. Receives requests with difficult bibliographic problems, or that may involve highly specialized and scholarly research demands. Determines how far a search should go, the sources to be checked and possible alternative sources to obtain the item. Searches for requested items that are vague or not readily found, using an extensive knowledge of bibliographic tools and procedures. Locates items not readily available on the shelf. Completes special searches in all major and special catalogs for general and special collections of all types of materials, including hard-to-find items. Checks shelf to locate material. Checks to determine if the item has been charged outside the library or to a location within the library. Verifies entry in the library's manual and online files. Consults 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. Responds 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. Contacts 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 the item is placed on reserve. Using 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. Searches and transcribes information from these computerized and manual files as they support the identification and locating of requested items. Performs independently a variety of database searching, basic record creation, update, and maintenance functions in support of database maintenance and inventory control of monographic and serials material published in a variety of languages. Resolves selected inventory control problems discovered by contractors during the Retrospective Holdings Integrity Program (RHIP) inventory process, or other inventory programs, seeking technical assistance for only the most difficult and unusual work. Performs other duties as assigned. "This position may be converted to a permanent position if permanent position becomes available, and incumbent is eligible. " 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 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.