Library Technician

Full Job Description

This position serves as Cataloging Technician in the Literature Section, U.S.

Programs, Law and Lit Division, Acquisitions and Bibliographic Access Directorate, Discovery and Preservation Services at the Library of Congress (LC).

The position reports to the Section Head of the Literature Section and performs technician duties for cataloging and distribution of the collections.

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 perform metadata services in a library setting.** Ability to utilize information technology and online systems.** Ability to plan, prioritize, organize and execute work.

** Ability to interact collaboratively with others. Ability to provide training. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing. Major Duties:

Performs copy cataloging for a wide variety of materials and formats in an automated cataloging environment.

Under review of senior staff, performs CIP verification and completes cataloging data for publications initially cataloged as Cataloging in Publication (CIP) materials.

Searches entries in automated and manual catalogs. Assigns headings to catalog entries. Selects and assigns classification numbers.

Performs content designation on newly created and updated bibliographic records. Performs database maintenance including modifications, updates, and corrections.

Creates and revises bibliographic records, including initial bibliographic control records (IBCRs).

Resolves routine problems and refers difficult problems and items needing authority work to catalogers.

Shelflists materials independently, adjusting procedures as needed and verifying that the class number assigned is consistent with the subject heading(s).

Identifies possible errors made in the cataloging process, troubleshoots problems and works with librarians to resolve the problem. Sorts and distributes items not destined for the collections.

Identifies items for for surplus, and for discard.

Independently records receipts for all formats (e.g., bound and unbound serial and monograph ink prints, microforms, CD-ROMs, special formats) in an online environment.

Updates entries to resolve a wide variety of editorial problems such as duplicate entries, additions or changes to treatment and selection decisions, updates to reference or routing assignments, consolidation of holdings, etc.

Assists with basic training sessions for new employees.

Assists in training, and reviews the work of less experienced library technicians, temporary staff, and interns in cataloging support related matters.

Communicates with a wide variety of staff with non-routine questions on services to publishers and other specialized library services. Provides technical information in clear, straightforward language.

Provides referrals to library and non-library services such as Copyright, CIP, PCN program, etc. based on knowledge of these services and the differences among them.

Determines the best way of formulating requests and selecting and presenting information.

Performs bibliographic searches and works with materials and search requests that contain inaccurate or incomplete information.

Performs searching in appropriate databases, such as OCLC, or an integrated library system, to locate records to use for copy cataloging, or to identify duplicate records or previously processed records.

Searches names, uniform titles, series and subject access points on bibliographic records to verify their existence in the appropriate Library authority files.

Resolves conflicts and other problems according to established procedures.

Uses automated tools such as Classification Web Plus, macro software, and preprocessing software to catalog and process titles.

Enters data related to production into statistical or management databases and runs reports as necessary. Receives and accessions one or more special category materials.

Logs materials into and out of the workflow. Distributes materials to the correct section, shelf, or individual staff member. Handles returns from the bindery.

Creates labels for materials and performs other end-stage processing tasks as required. Routes accessioned and processed materials to the correct locations in the Library.

Works closely with Collections Management Division or custodial divisions to resolve bibliographic problems raised during review activities, and physical inventories of the collection.

Completes complex searches to identify the relationship of the piece in hand to the collection as a whole, identifying uncatalogued material and material with variant titles or inconsistent information.

Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement. The position description number for this position is 171850.

The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area. The incumbent of this position will work a flextime work schedule.

This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position