Assistant Legal Reference Librarian

Summary

This position is located in the Public Services Division, Global Legal Research Directorate in the Law Library. The position description number for this position is 442649. The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area. This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position. Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.

Learn more about this agency

Overview

Accepting applications

Open & closing dates

Opening and closing dates 11/28/2023 to 01/09/2024

Salary

$64,957 - $84,441 per year

Pay scale & grade

GS 09

Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

Washington, DC

1 vacancy

Remote job

No

Telework eligible

Yes—as determined by the agency policy.

Travel Required

Not required

Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

Appointment type

Permanent - Position

Work schedule

Full-time - Full-time - Fixed/Special Hours (8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)

Service

Excepted

Promotion potential

12

Job family (Series)

1410 Librarian

Supervisory status

No

Security clearance

Not Required

Drug test

No

Agency contact information

Duties

The incumbent of this position is exempt from flexitime and compflex time and is assigned to work a special fixed/rotational schedule (8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) that involves day, evenings, weekends and holiday schedules; and the selected incumbent "must be consistently able and willing to work evenings, weekends and holidays based on the operational and service requirements of the Law Library as a condition of employment."

• Responds to legal and legislative reference and research inquiries from Members of Congress, congressional committees, the White House, federal courts, government agencies, libraries, the bar, educational institutions, and the general public.
• Staffs the Law Library Reading Room reference desk and/or established reference service points to provide legal reference service to readers in the reading room or patrons contacting the Law Library’s reference staff. Staffs the reference desk and/or established reference service points outside regular operating hours to provide legal reference service to Members of Congress and legislative staff to serve the needs of Congress.
• Conducts reference interviews, analyzes questions and requirements, and suggests search strategies.
• Identifies and locates primary and secondary sources of United States law and legislation utilizing specialized finding aids, resources, and tools.
• Prepares written responses to legal and legislative inquiries, written legal and legislative research guides and pathfinders, and written products describing research methodologies.
• Develops knowledge of legal and legislative resources in other parts of the Library of Congress, government agencies, and/or research institutions in order to provide informed referrals. Seeks assistance for locating materials that are not readily accessible.
• Assists patrons with use of foreign, comparative, and international law collections, using general knowledge of these collections and the patrons who use them.
• Reviews Law Library Reading Room collections on a regular basis for familiarity, correcting deficiencies, updating, and organization. Reviews a variety of domestic sources for information about available materials.
• Ensures patron compliance with the security and the appropriate handling of the collections. Orients users and explains procedures and regulations governing use and handling of collections. Refers damaged or deteriorating collections to appropriate designated senior staff.
• Prepares and conducts tours of the Law Library and the Library of Congress.
• Explains information to groups and individuals with varying levels of understanding or knowledge of the operations, services, mission, and/or programs of the Library of Congress and the Law Library, as well as law, and legal and legislative research methodology.
• Develops professional contacts within and outside the organization to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships in order to provide or exchange information and professional knowledge. Professional contacts include library patrons, supervisors, library staff, other national libraries, library and information networks, information centers, experts in government agencies, educational institutions, associations, the private sector, and/or research groups.
• Attends trainings, workshops, conferences, seminars, or meetings concerning developments and trends in law, law librarianship, Congress and the Federal Courts for the purpose of professional development.

Requirements

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 the principles, concepts, and techniques of library science to the organization and dissemination of legal information.
• Ability to communicate legal and legislative information and analysis in writing.
• Ability to communicate effectively in a library or information center environment.
• Ability to utilize information technology and online legal resources.
• Ability to interact collaboratively with a diverse group of people.
• Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

Education

There are no education requirements for this position.

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.

Benefits

Learn more about federal benefits.

Required Documents

Current or former federal employees must submit their most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50 or equivalent).

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

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.

How to Apply

Please carefully follow all instructions under the How to Apply tab to ensure you are considered for the position. You are required to apply online for this announcement. We are unable to accept mailed or emailed documents. You must complete the entire application process, including submission of all documents BEFORE this announcement closes.

View the full job post and apply.

Agency contact information.