The position serves as an Archivist in the Preparation Section, Manuscript Division, Special Collections Directorate (SCD), Researcher and Collections Services (RCS) within the Library Collections and Services Group (LCSG) at the Library of Congress (LC). The position reports directly to the Assistant Head, Preparation Section who prioritizes work and provides advice on policy and technical problems.
The incumbent is responsible for the organization and description of manuscript collections and the orderly administration of the complexities of archival functions, including the use of computer technology in relation to those duties.
As part of one of the largest manuscript repositories in the United States and in the world, the Preparation Section is key to the Manuscript Division's mission of preparing for reader use material that encompasses the breadth and chronology of American history, including the papers of presidents, cabinet members, Supreme Court justices, writers, scientists, inventors, business leaders, reformers, and prominent nongovernmental organization.
Independently performs a variety of archival activities for a moderately large number of record groups that are related by administrative connection or by subject matter, including planning for the analysis, arrangement, and description of manuscript collections and assuming responsibility for the completion of archival projects. Demonstrates full understanding of archival theory and practice and possesses a broad knowledge of scholarly research and documentation practices. Analyzes the documentation systems and practices of the originating agency, organization, or individual whose records or papers are being processed. Undertakes research in published sources to complete gaps in the available information relating to the subject matter of the records to be archived. Evaluates the significance of archival material in its historical context and applies evaluation in creating a plan of arrangement and description. Exercises initiative on special assignments requiring knowledge of archival management and related fields of academic study.
Interprets instruments of gift or deposit and related documentation to help resolve administrative and legal matters affecting the arrangement and availability of collections. Recommends criteria for the retention or disposition of material according to independent evaluation of its informational and historical value. Identifies material for conservation treatment and coordinates the preparation of material for permanent housing.
Directs the work of technicians and interns in processing collections. Instructs other staff in processing and monitors and reviews their work for productivity and accuracy. Consults with collection curators, other specialists, and relevant officials in formulating and implementing processing activities. Provides assessment to management of the scope and quality of work performed by processing technicians, interns, and other team members.
Develops personal contacts to establish and maintain cooperative work relationships in order to provide or exchange information and professional knowledge relating to archival techniques and knowledge of archival procedures. Coordinates as necessary with collection curators and staff in other divisions relating to the transmission, handling, description, and storage of division material housed off-site or transferred elsewhere. Recommends changes in the practices, formats, techniques, and resources employed by the Manuscript Division in the preparation of manuscript collections.
Reviews and monitors the completion of preservation projects. Surveys internal collections;, identifying and inventorying groups of materials for preservation and physical security. Proposes long-term strategies for the preservation of collections. Helps assess collections and archives considered for acquisition by the library, with regard to condition, contents, scope, storage history, and other aspects pertinent to the preservation and long-term survival of the material.
Independently provides reference and research services in response to requests for information about records on specialized subjects or topics.
Exercises a good grasp of the primary subject matter involved and of related subject matter fields, and a good knowledge of germane archival records in order to assist specialized researchers and other users of manuscript collections and archival records. In this capacity, substitutes on a temporary basis as necessary assisting readers in the division's public Reading Room.
Performs other duties as assigned.
This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position.
Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.
The position requires Occasional Saturday and weekday service in the Manuscript Division’s reading room.
Conditions of Employment
The position require the incumbent to
Lifts material up to thirty-five (35) pounds and carried out duties that may require strenuous physical work, including standing for extended periods of time, walking, kneeling, stooping, bending, pushing and pulling carts, and reaching and lifting.
A routine validated pre-placement physical examination performed by the Library’s Health Services Division is required as a condition of assignment to this position.
A physical examination is required every Three (3) years to perform the work of the position. After an offer of employment has been made and before commencement of duties, the selectee MUST be physically qualified by the Library’s Health Office.
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.
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 digital curation and descriptive tools, information technologies and integrated library systems to support archival functions.**
Knowledge of American history and research sources used for processing and describing archival materials.**
Knowledge of the principles, concepts, and techniques of archival work, including analysis, organization, and description of archival material. **
Ability to perform preservation duties.
Knowledge of reference and research services.
Ability to build and maintain professional relationships and provide liaison services.
Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
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.
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 Equal Employment Opportunity 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.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
The Library of Congress evaluates applicants through an applicant questionnaire and a structured interview. Applicants may also be screened for some jobs through licensing, certification, and/or education requirements, a narrative/application review, and/or a preliminary telephone interview. The knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) that are marked with a double asterisk (**) in the vacancy announcement and the applicant questionnaire are considered the most critical for a position. To be considered for final selection, applicants must demonstrate fully acceptable experience in these designated KSAs in the narrative/application review, preliminary telephone and/or full structured interview. The various assessment tools listed above are designed to verify or explore applicants' experience, knowledge, and training directly related to the job in order to identify the best qualified applicants for selection.
You may preview questions for this vacancy.
- Your resume should include relevant work experience, applicable education and your contact information. For current or previous federal employees, include the pay plan, series and grade.
- Your SF-50 shows a federal position you've held, grade level and duty location. Your SF-50 can support position changes, conversions or separation for employment eligibility.
Current or former federal employees must submit their most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50 or equivalent).
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. The program does not accept certification from health care providers. For more information contact the Library's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity 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.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
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