Position: Reference Librarian
Location: Library of Congress
Salary: $61,947-$80,532

Full vacancy announcement on USAJobs.

This position is located in the African And Middle East Division, General & International Collections Directorate, Researcher And Collections Services, Library Collections and Services Group.

The position description number for this position is 012535.

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.
Reviews various brochures, catalogs, journals, and other sources of items for possible acquisition to develop collections in areas of subject of geographic responsibility. Uses standard methods, techniques, concepts, and principles to perform assignments, which may involve materials in multiple languages and writing systems.

Assists senior reference staff in determining the quality and usefulness of collection materials. Assists in developing strategies for the organization, storage, preservation, and service of materials.

Monitors the condition of collection materials to ensure adherence to established preservation standards and specifications. Brings deteriorating items and those with special needs to the attention of division management. Orients users and explains procedures and regulations governing use and handling of materials in the collection.

Provides reference and instruction to individual researchers and groups where needs are relatively easy to determine from client interviews in person or over the telephone, or from written requests, and the bibliographic source materials are of limited technical complexity and are readily-accessible, i.e., found in the Library’s collection or can be located within a database by use of standard search procedures.

Provides in-person and telephone reference services in a reading room. Responds orally or in writing to inquiries related to assigned field of responsibility. Searches standard databases where the information is relatively stable, such as for bibliographic citations of a general nature. Seeks assistance for locating materials that are not
readily accessible.

Coordinates the acquisition of items of limited technical complexity, or those easily acquired. Consults acquisition policies to determine whether items are appropriate for purchase, copyright claim, exchange, gift, or other type of acquisition. Examines recommendations to identify processing and custodial requirements and to identify out-of-scope materials.

Maintains liaison with recommending officers and subject specialists to coordinate acquisition of materials. Provides proper purchasing information and correct bibliographic identification to dealers, subscription agents, vendors, overseas offices, exchange partners, etc. Reviews and approves invoices for payment for all formats of material.

Assists in preparing research guides and finding aids on specific topics of recognized client interest using standard search strategies. Assists senior librarians in revising or updating research materials.

Identifies foreign and international print and electronic resources in a field of specialty to address user needs that are easily determined from interviews or written requests. Provides reference and research services of limited technical complexity. Prepares and updates standard guides to specialized collections and resources.

Performs other duties as assigned.
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 history, politics, and literature of African countries.**

Ability to communicate in English and at least one indigenous sub-Saharan African language.**

Ability to provide reference and research services.**

Ability to develop and manage library collections.

Ability to use integrated library systems, applications, or other information technologies.

Ability to communicate in writing.

Ability to provide consultation or liaison duties.

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.

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.

In addition to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements, applicants must have directly related education and/or specialized experience.
GS- 9

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.