Supervisory Librarian – Head of European Reading Room, Library of Congress, (Washington, D.C.)
Posted July 30, 2026
Description
This position serves as a Head of the European Reading Room in the Latin American, Caribbean and European Division. The primary purpose of this position is to be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Section, supervising the staff, and serving as a specialist in matters dealing with the countries, languages and regions within the Section’s geographic area of responsibility. Under the guidance of the Division Chief, the incumbent assures the provision of timely and accurate reference service to the Congress and other Library patrons, directs the development and maintenance of the Library’s collections pertaining to the region, facilitates the effective use of these collections by scholars, researchers, and others worldwide, and manages the development of digital technology to advance the Section’s goals
Responsibilities
The head of the European Reading Room supervises nine area specialist librarians and one technician. The incumbent leads the reference librarians in providing services to patrons in the European Reading Room and to others who contact the reading room online. They oversee work the librarians do to build the Library’s collections and create and publish authoritative research guides and other materials online as well as other projects and duties as assigned. The head of the European Reading Room is also responsible for management of the reading room’s custodial collection materials, including Slavic and Baltic periodicals and newspapers and miscellaneous ephemera collections.
As the Supervisor, you will:
- Direct a complex administrative and technical program which assures the provision of timely and accurate reference service to the Congress and other Library patrons.
- Supervise the work of the Staff up to the GS-13 grade level. Plan the work of the Section, including formulating goals and objectives and identifying opportunities for improvements in methods and procedures.
- Plan, establish, and direct a library reference program to provide information about the region. Oversee all reference service provided by the Section’s staff.
- Oversee staff making authoritative recommendations for the acquisition of material in all languages, formats and subjects of relevance to the study of the region, including legal, audiovisual, and electronic items.
- Oversee staff making authoritative recommendations for the acquisition of material in all languages, formats and subjects of relevance to the study of the region, including legal, audiovisual, and electronic items.
- Review and analyze major issues in information research and dissemination as they apply to providing information about the region.
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 the subject areas of the Eastern and/or Western European collections of a research library or similar research institution.
- Ability to supervise and lead a diverse workforce.
- Knowledge of integrated library systems, library applications, and other information technologies.
- Knowledge of Eastern and Western European languages.
- Knowledge of acquisitions, conservation, and collection management activities, including reformatting of library materials in a major research library environment.
- Knowledge of reference practices and research services.
- Ability to effectively communicate in writing.
- Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
Hours and Compensation
Schedule: Full-Time
Salary: $143,913 – $187,093 per year
How to Apply
Closing Date: August 13, 2026