Summary The Library of Congress Researcher Engagement and General Collections Division provides reference service for researchers using the General Collections and the Division's custodial collections of microformat and computer file materials. Provides service to Members of Congress and their staff, librarians, scholars, government agencies, academic institutions, the press, publishers, and nonprofit organizations, and the general public Responsibilities Assists readers by locating and obtaining materials from the custodial collections; maintaining the microform reader/printers; and maintaining control of the diverse microformat and machine readable collections in the custody of the Researcher Engagement and General Collections Division. Orients and provides information to patrons about specialized programs, reader registration procedures, physical layout, and directions to other library locations. Answers routine directional questions. Assists readers in using computerized searching tools. Learns the operation of the various types of reading room machines and the proper technique to provide routine maintenance to ensure optimum efficiency and total customer satisfaction. Following extensive library rules, procedures, and operations, maintains the collections. Arranges, sorts, and re-shelves materials returned to the stacks according to shelflist order. Continually shelfreads in assigned area to ensure that each item is in proper shelflist order. Identifies and removes items suspected of containing errors in labeling and/or cataloging and forwards items for further determination of disposition. Withdraws materials in need of rebinding and re-labeling, forwarding them for appropriate correction. Effects shifts necessitated by growth of collection. Verifies completeness and contents of microform or machine readable collection orders received and processes loan materials. Following extensive library rules, procedures, and operations, retrieves materials in the collections. Applies judgment in retrieving materials. Receives call slips indicating call number, author, title, volume, etc., of materials requested by readers or staff. Draws upon knowledge of the classification system, an understanding of the peculiarities of the system of classification in a particular class, and the meaning of different shelf markers, locates material which may have special requirements such as being in a foreign language. Checks title, author, call number, etc. against call slip. Inserts call slip in the book and necessary routing or other slips as required, and dispatches the requested material. When information is incomplete or inaccurate, seeks assistance and verifies the call number, edition and other indicia in order to locate the requested item. Searches and retrieves items from collections that are needed by patrons. Organizes data into a catalog record as prescribed by the appropriate rules for varying levels of cataloging and inputs the data online. Inputs data, such as completed call number and the technician's charge online. Proofs records to ensure the correct tag sequence order. Performs routine searches of various computer and card catalogs and files to locate and/or verify bibliographic or acquisitions data in support of various library functions for acquisitions and cataloging. Efficiently searches specialized online databases, such as library-related databases including LC/ILS, OCLC, or RUN to locate records for material in hand. Performs other duties as assigned. The position description number for this position is 129725. The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area. The incumbent of this position will work a Fixed Schedule – 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, with rotating Saturdays, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. The tour of duty is full-time. This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position. Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement. 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. Ability to use Integrated Library System (ILS), other computerized search tools and databases.** Ability to follow library rules, procedures, and operations to arrange, sort, shelve, and maintain materials in library collections.** Ability to follow instructions and guidelines accurately; paying close attention to details.** Ability to focus on the customer.** Ability to identify and retrieve material from collections. Ability to organize and execute work within specified deadlines. 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.