This position is located in the Rare Book and Special Collections Division and under the administrative direction of the Chief of the division. The position description number for this position is 005423. This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position. The incumbent for this position will work a full-time, flextime schedule. The incumbent for this position will serve on an indefinite, not-to-exceed 5 years appointment.  

Duties

Provides personalized reference services to varied constituents, including Members of Congress and their staffs, utilizing his/her subject expertise, as well as broad knowledge of databases, information sources, and reference services both within and outside the Library. Determines and assists reference needs in person as well as through other means of communication, including providing information on the most likely sources pertinent to the inquiries of scholars; on the extent, nature, subject matter, content, research potentialities, and availability of material in the division; on the most efficient methods of searching for information; on related holdings in other libraries; and on any special conditions of use. Bears a share of responsibility for the security of the division's rare and special materials including the supervision and observation of readers, and supervising the use of materials under his/her custody outside the Reading Room. Determines whether rare books can be photographed without damage and recommends various options. In the fields of his/her expertise frequently serves as the place of last resort for scholars, librarians in other institutions, the Congress, and general library patrons, who have, often without success, sought information at other institutions and from a variety of published and unpublished sources. In connection with these services, the incumbent keeps abreast of research in progress and of published material and demonstrates intimate knowledge of the collections for which he/she is responsible.

Requirements

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 of the Book, Book Production, and Book Publishing.** Ability to communicate in writing.** Ability to provide outreach, consultation and liaison services.** Knowledge of collection development principles and techniques. Knowledge of curatorial, conservation and preservation principles for rare and valuable library materials. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

Education

There are no education requirements for this position.

Contacts

• Address LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 101 Independence Ave SE, Washington, DC 20540 Washington, District of Columbia 20540 United States
• Name: Customer Service Center
• Phone: 202-707-5620
• Email: [email protected]