Supervisory Librarian (African Section Head) en Legislative Branch

Not Required

Duties

Supervises the work of the Section's staff. Plans the work of the Section, including formulating goals and objectives and identifying opportunities for improvements in methods and procedures. Supervises and participates in the preparation of reports, translations, bibliographies, exhibits, web pages and other information products of the Section. Performs the administrative and human resource management functions relative to the staff supervised. Establishes guidelines and performance expectations for staff which are clearly communicated through the formal employee performance management system. Observes workers' performance; demonstrates and conducts work performance critiques. Provides informal feedback and periodically evaluates employee performance. Resolves informal complaints and grievances. Develops work improvement plans, recommending personnel actions as necessary. Provides advice and counsel to workers related to work and administrative matters. Effects disciplinary measures appropriate to the authority delegated in this area. Reviews and approves or disapproves leave requests. Assures subordinates are trained and fully comply with safety regulations. Responsible for furthering the goals of equal employment opportunity (EEO) by taking positive steps to assure the accomplishment of diversity objectives and by adhering to nondiscriminatory employment practices in regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, and disability. Specifically, initiates nondiscriminatory practices for the area under his/her supervision in the following: (1) merit promotion of employees and recruitment and hiring of applicants; (2) fair treatment of all; (3) encouragement and recognition of employee achievements; (4) career development of employees; and (5) full utilization of their skills. Plans, establishes, and directs a library reference program to provide information about the region. Oversees all reference services provided by the section's staff. On assignment, supervises staffing of the division's reading room and administers the policies and regulations concerning security and access to the collections. Collaborates with other Library staff and outside partners in developing and providing access to library resources through the web and by other means. Participates in the implementation and evaluation of reference and public service policies, procedures, and publications. Implements new reference services and techniques to improve and expand services. Meets with researchers and analyzes questions and requirements in depth and detail and suggests search strategies. Uses broad knowledge of multiple information sources, including experts both inside and outside the Library, to assist readers and to develop domestic and international resources for obtaining future information. Makes significant recommendations to change, interpret, and develop important and/or innovative policies affecting the process and funding of acquisitions from and relating to the area of the section's responsibility. Oversees staff making authoritative recommendations for the acquisition of materials in all languages, formats and subjects of relevance to the study of the region, including legal, audiovisual, and electronic items. Ensures the comprehensiveness and accessibility of collections within the scope of the section. Conducts a continuous survey of all relevant Library collections in all appropriate languages for the purpose of creating and maintaining the highest possible level of resources for the study of the region. Maintains relations with potential donors, government agencies, scholars, publishers and other sources for the purpose of bringing appropriate materials to the Library by purchase, gift, exchange or other means to enrich and diversify the collections. Evaluates offers of gifts for compatibility with library acquisition policies and recommends acceptance or rejection. Plans and produces public programs, exhibits, seminars, and colloquia on the region, bringing attention to research developments and collections of interest to both scholars and the general public. Under the guidance of the Division Chief, may be responsible for cultivating relations with potential donors and securing funds for acquisitions, public programs, exhibits, and other activities related to the section's geographic area. Reviews and analyzes major issues in information research and dissemination as they apply to providing information about the region. Provides highly specialized research for the use of Congressional clients, the courts, national security agencies and other researchers inside and outside the Library. Prepares definitive and highly complex reports, responses to inquiries, and research products using knowledge as a recognized authority in field of expertise.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment The Supervisor leads his/her staff toward meeting the Library’s vision, mission, and goals by acting decisively, leveraging diversity and inclusiveness, demonstrating flexibility and resilience, fostering continuous improvement and innovation, and fostering integrity and honesty. To view the Library’s Supervisory Core Competencies click the following link: Supervisor Core Competencies 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 communicate in English and at least one indigenous African language (e.g., Swahili, Wolof, Yoruba, etc.); proficiency in French is highly desirable.** Knowledge of the history, culture, politics, and literature of African countries.** Ability to supervise and lead a diverse workforce.** Knowledge and application of the principles, concepts, and techniques of Library and Information Science.** Ability to provide public programs outreach and consultation and liaison services. Ability to communicate in writing. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

Education

BASIC REQUIREMENTS: All librarians must meet the requirements for professional education in library science or possess equivalent experience and education. A. Completion of 1 full academic year of graduate study in library science in an accredited college or university, in addition to completion of all work required for a bachelor's degree; or B. A total of at least 5 years of a combination of college-level education, training, and experience. To qualify on this basis, the applicant must establish conclusively that the education, training, and experience provided knowledge and understanding of the theories, principles, and techniques of professional librarianship; a knowledge of literature resources; and the knowledge and abilities essential for providing effective library and information services. You MUST submit a legible copy of your college/university transcripts to your online application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the time of application. Official transcripts will be required if selected. Failure to submit the required legible documentation at the time of application will result in disqualification of your application. Foreign Education – Education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed equivalent to conventional/accredited U.S. education programs to be acceptable for Federal employment. If your college/university is outside the U.S., your transcripts must be accompanied by a report from a credential evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE). Failure to submit a foreign education evaluation report will result in disqualification of your application.

Other 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. All who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply. Applicants must submit a complete application package that is received by the closing date of this announcement. 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 Equal Employment Opportunity 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. Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation. For more information, please see: https://www.loc.gov/careers/working-at-the-library/frequently-asked-questions/vetting-personnel-at-the-library/ 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. In addition, per Library of Congress Regulation 9-532, an appointee or internal selectee is subject to a one-year supervisory probationary period if this is their first supervisory/managerial position at the Library of Congress. 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. The selected applicant may be required to file a financial disclosure statement with the House of Representatives, U.S. Congress, in accordance with the provisions of Public Law 95-521, Ethics in Government Act of 1978.