Library Technician

The position is located in the Collections Management Division in the Discovery and Preservation Services. Incumbent is responsible for a variety of activities in support of collections inventory control and tracking, both behind-the-scenes activities, e.g. problem resolution, quality control, searching collections storage areas for items not readily found or for which a problem might be present, support of the inventory program; and direct public service, e.g. staffing a circulation station.

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 library processes and procedures to identify, analyze and correct problems with library materials.**

Knowledge of library processes and procedures to perform circulation duties in a library setting.**

Ability to use integrated library systems, databases, and other computer software applications.**

Ability to provide effective customer service.  

Ability to work in a team environment interacting collaboratively with others.  

Ability to plan work and meet deadlines.  

Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.  

Responsibilities:

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT.

The first cutoff for receipt of applications under this announcement will be 11:59 p.m. EST on December 15, 2023.

Position description number 060957.

Salary range indicated reflects locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area.

This position will work a Flextime work schedule.

Bargaining Unit AFSCME Local 2477 position.

Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.

Incumbent must possess an in-depth knowledge of the collections, thorough familiarity with the databases employed by the Library (both manual and automated), thorough understanding of LC cataloging and classification practices, and excellent interpersonal skills, frequently serving as the first line of contact for account holders, including Members of Congress and their staff, Library staff, other libraries, special borrowers and others.

Conducts searches in order to identify and resolve problems with library materials generated by collections integrity programs, including the Collections Holding and Inventory Improvement Project, the transfer of collections from Capitol Hill to off-site storage locations, special projects and the review of incoming materials. Problem resolution may entail searching collections storage and processing areas for items that are not readily found primarily because of labeling, cataloging or other problems impacting retrieval. Identifies and searches for requested items that are vague or not readily found, using an extensive knowledge of bibliographic tools and procedures.

Serves as an expert in the full range of reference and bibliographic tools, both manual and online, e.g., the LC ILS and other automated files, the card shelflist, the Official Catalog, national bibliographies to identify vague or fragmentary entries. Identifies and notes errors in the LC ILS record which may require editing of the entry. Uses a sound knowledge of the flow of materials through the processing channels of LC, and traces materials which may be at any stage of the processing cycle. Reviews and verifies holdings information in the Shelflist and other available databases, both manual and online. Notifies appropriate personnel of mistakes found on Shelflist cards. Reviews items forwarded to the Section and/or on the shelves that are mislabeled, mis-cataloged, and/or in need of further investigation. Identifies and processes superseded volumes which have been revised, recompiled or replaced by later dated volumes or editions. Determines items in need of preservation treatment such as boxing, rebinding, and re-housing using established guidelines and procedures.

Incumbent conducts search requests that contain inaccurate or incomplete information. Searches and identifies bibliographic records in the online catalog for items in the Library's collection that are being prepared for circulation. Creates holdings and/or item records where none are already present.

Assigns custodial locations when creating new records for materials. Updates existing cataloging records to correct item-specific errors such as call number and location data. Links the barcode on the physical item to the bibliographic record to create an inventory record for that specific item.  Searches and identifies patrons in the Library's circulation module in preparation for charging material or updating records. Through inventory control and circulation, checks out books to the public and Library staff according to the Library's regulations and security procedures, and creates inventory records as necessary.

Completes complex searches to identify the relationship of the piece in hand to the collection as a whole. Receives items referred by staff reviewing new, rebound and relabeled materials coming into the general collections in which a potential problem has been identified. Resolves problems by performing such activities as comparing the accuracy of the label and spine markings on the book in hand with information in the LC ILS Item and Holdings records. Where a discrepancy is found to exist, does the necessary searching/problem resolution to identify what the problem is and what the solution(s) may be. When assigned to material preparation for off-site storage, creates complete inventory records, resolves bibliographic problems, supplements or corrects existing cataloging, and provides quality assurance for junior staff and/or contract staff. Updates the item status in the LC ILS record to complete processing of incoming materials.