Summary This position is located in the Manuscript Division, Special Collections Directorate, Special Collections Directorate. The position description number for these positions is 461533. The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area. The incumbent of this position will work a flexitime work schedule. This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position. Responsibilities Analyzes and arranges bodies of records that are somewhat disorganized, demonstrating knowledge of archival theory and practice in planning and carrying out their organization and description. Possesses understanding of scholarly research and documentation practices. Completes preliminary analysis of the documentation systems and practices of the originating agency, organization, or individual whose records or papers are being processed. Undertakes research in published sources to complete gaps in the available information relating to the subject matter of the records to be archived. Evaluates the significance of archival material in its historical context and applies evaluation in helping create a plan of arrangement and description. Exercises initiative on special assignments requiring knowledge of archival procedures and academic subject matter. Assembles information to help resolve administrative and legal matters affecting the arrangement and availability of collections. Applies prescribed criteria for the retention or disposition of duplicate and extraneous matter. Identifies material for conservation treatment and coordinates the preparation of material for permanent housing. Produces detailed descriptive guides for research use online. Evaluates and upgrades older finding aids to bring them into conformity with current archival descriptive standards. Helps direct the work of technicians and interns in processing collections. Instructs other staff in processing and monitors and reviews their work for productivity and accuracy. Consults with collection curators and relevant specialists in formulating and implementing processing activities. Provides assessment to management of the scope and quality of work performed by processing technicians, interns, and other team members. Maintains technical expertise in emerging technologies and implements tools to facilitate the creation and publication of finding aids and other descriptive information online. Trains division staff in evolving technologies. Works to maintain personal contacts and cooperative work relationships in order to provide or exchange information. Coordinates as necessary with collection curators and staff in other divisions relating to the transmission, handling, description, and storage of division material housed off-site or transferred elsewhere. Attends workshops, conferences, seminars, or meetings in librarianship and other relevant fields for the purpose of training and professional development. Displays knowledge of collections in the Library. Presents information to groups and individuals with a similar understanding of the subject. Orients visitors and helps conduct tours. Surveys internal collections to identify and inventory groups of materials for preservation and physical security. Follows prescribed specifications and procedures in preserving original material and reproducing originals for preservation. Monitors the quality and consistency of preservation methods and output. Monitors and coordinates procedures for routing materials for preservation treatment and for preparation of new materials to be added to the collections. Provides information in response to reference service requests that require research among several record groups to locate the information. Assists scholars and researchers in finding significant records relating to the subject under consideration and advises them of relevant records in the division and Library. Substitutes on a temporary basis as necessary assisting readers in the division's public reading room, including occasional Saturday service. Requirements Conditions of Employment PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT: Duties of the position require the incumbent to lift material up to thirty-five (35 LBS) pounds and carry out duties that may require strenuous physical work, including standing for extended periods of time, walking, kneeling, stooping, bending, pushing and pulling carts, and reaching and lifting. After an offer of employment has been made and before commencement of duties, the selectee MUST be physically qualified by the Library’s Health Division. This position would require a pre-placement physical with a recurrence every 3 years 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 digital curation and descriptive tools, information technologies and integrated library systems to support archival functions.** Knowledge of the principles, concepts, and techniques of archival work, including analysis, organization, and description of archival material.** Ability to perform preservation duties.** Knowledge of reference and research services.** Ability to build and maintain professional relationships and provide liaison services. Ability to Communicate Effectively Other Than in Writing. Education 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 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. 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.