Cataloging and Metadata Librarian, United States Congress
Posted December 1, 2023
Description:
The Knowledge Services Group (KSG) of the Congressional Research Service (CRS) seeks a Cataloging and Metadata Librarian to support the work of the United States Congress.
The selectee will be responsible for performing original and complex copy cataloging and preparing bibliographic records and metadata to represent the information resources in the CRS collections and databases, including description, subject analysis, authority control, quality control, and metadata-related decision making. Other duties include database maintenance; ensuring quality control of bibliographic, holdings, and item records in an integrated library system; serving as a trainer for library technicians on metadata, cataloging, and database maintenance issues; and working with KSG management to develop, revise, and implement cataloging and metadata policies and procedures.
The ideal candidate will bring an awareness and understanding of current and emerging standards in cataloging and metadata such as RDA, MARC, linked data, and Library of Congress Subject Headings and Classification.
CRS works exclusively for the United States Congress, providing policy and legal analysis to committees and Members of both the House and Senate, regardless of party affiliation. As a legislative branch agency within the Library of Congress, CRS is a valued and respected resource on Capitol Hill.
CRS is well known for analysis that is authoritative, confidential, objective and nonpartisan. Its highest priority is to ensure that Congress has immediate access to the nation’s best thinking on public policy issues of interest to its Members and Committees.
The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that ensures the Service is well positioned to anticipate and meet the information and analytical research needs of a 21st-century Congress.
Duties include:
Performs original and complex copy cataloging on library material in all formats and subjects. Creates, maintains, and enhances metadata for print and digital resources, using standards such as MARC, RDA, Library of Congress Subject Headings and Classification, and local taxonomies for describing, classifying, and assigning subject headings. Applies knowledge of current cataloging, authority control, and metadata standards and practices. Catalogs difficult material requiring knowledge of a subject area or format such as serials, maps, photographs, datasets, and multimedia materials. Performs subject and descriptive cataloging of specialized serials and monographs in other languages.
Searches entries in appropriate catalogs. Selects and assigns a classification number. Analyzes material to determine its relationship to the existing collections, for preferred title and/or authorized access points for creators. Ensures records adhere to appropriate national, international, and local standards. Interprets present and past cataloging rules. Recommends additions and clarifications to existing authority files, both name and subject.
Utilizes a variety of metadata schemes to organize and provide access to CRS information resources in print and digital formats. Organizes and analyzes specialized information that pertains to specific topics or fields. Evaluates, selects, and adapts procedures to meet information requirements. Monitors and evaluates resources and publications in all formats. Identifies and evaluates materials for inclusion in information resources.
Assesses and develops approaches and solutions for new or unusual circumstances. Identifies, examines, and evaluates major publications and trends. Organizes reports and studies. Prepares reports, analyses, finding aids, and other documents. Performs database maintenance and ensures quality control of bibliographic, holdings, and item records in an integrated library system. Creates systems to manage resources.
Establishes and maintains cooperative work relationships to provide and exchange information and professional knowledge. Explains information, often technical, to diverse groups and individuals. Attends workshops, conferences, seminars, or meetings in librarianship and other relevant fields for professional development.
Serves as a resource person and trainer on information access and bibliographic control. Works with KSG management and staff to develop and implement procedures and goals. Develops, implements, and evaluates training for CRS staff. Reviews and revises work to provide quality control and aid in the training process.
Reviews and analyzes training needs. Prepares reports and makes recommendations for training. Applies and adapts new principles, concepts, methods, etc., to improve training. Prepares technical, training, and user manuals. Maintains awareness of current and emerging best practices, concepts, and standards in cataloging. Updates existing materials to reflect policy and process changes.
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 apply knowledge of bibliographic control**
- Ability to utilize information technology**
- Ability to interact collaboratively with others**
- Ability to train others
- Ability to solve problems and make decisions
- Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing
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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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.