Library Technician

Full Job Description

This position is located in the General Collections Conservation Section, Conservation Division, Preservation Directorate, Discovery and Preservation Services.

The position description number for this position is 422994. 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.

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 operate and maintain specialized equipment.** Ability to analyze problems and develop solutions to plan and carry out library programs.* Ability to use computerized search tools, databases, and other computer applications.

Ability to plan, organize, and execute work within specified deadlines. Ability to communicate in writing. Ability to interpret and apply a variety of guidelines and/or regulations.

Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing. Major Duties:

Uses knowledge of technical methods in conservation and preservation to perform established work procedures and carry out defined projects that involve a variety of specialized activities.

Work is assigned with on-going responsibility under the direction of the supervisor who outlines objectives, priorities and deadlines.

The Technician obtains guidance from the supervisor when dealing with complex or unfamiliar situations.

Implements defined procedures and methods to treat a wide range of book and paper based library collections.

Creates a wide range of custom collection housing using automated box making machinery and commercially available rehousing products.

Stays abreast of box making program updates and modified procedures for creating, saving files, and operating on this equipment.

Assesses the deficiencies of any existing enclosures and determines object vulnerability in determining housing strategies.

Completes a range of conservation treatments including surface cleaning, sewing and spine repair, paper mending, humidification and flattening, spine replacement, board attachments, mold removal or re-casing of damaged volumes.

Works independently to execute Association of Research Libraries (ARL) rated treatments of both 1 (15 minutes or less) and 2(15 to 60 minutes).

Uses a scanner and color printer and photo editing software to produce archival facsimiles of brittle book pages and as replacements for damaged covers, end sheets, or pages within general collections items as dictated by workflow.

In addition to the Collections Management Division (CMD) workflow, the incumbent serves as a liaison to one Custodial Division or Reading Room within LCSG.

Works independently to assess the needs of the Division's reference collection items and plan for preservation actions to address those needs.

Works with Division staff to address longer term projects focusing on improving the condition of larger collections taking a more holistic approach to collection preservation.

This may include rehousing and treatment projects focusing on poor early non-archival bindings or treating batches of similar items within a heavily used area of the general collections.

Independently completes a sequence of detailed routines in searching online databases and Integrated Library System (ILS) to verify call number, barcode or other bibliographic information.

This includes searching newly received materials to determine which titles are already covered by entries contained in the ILS database.

Determines and enters bibliographic information into the database following policies and guidelines for serials and monographs.

Uses specialized computer programs; develops and maintains a good working knowledge of computer operations and of designated microcomputer software packages for word processing, database management, graphic design, statistical compilations, and bibliographic production.

Creates tables, charts, word documents and presentation materials using Microsoft Office Suite programs and image editing and processing software.

Uses an automated box-making system to construct custom-fitted enclosures for library materials for which binding, repair, or other physical treatments are appropriate.

Measures items using a scanning device. Determines optimum use of archival board in box making. Assembles and labels completed boxes.

Other equipment used may include board shears, book presses, mounting press, ultrasonic or heat-welding equipment.

Plans and provides daily maintenance on a variety of types of electronic equipment, including automated box-making machines and troubleshoots equipment malfunction problems.

Participates in ensuring the safe operation of equipment.Reports breakdowns and mechanical or electrical malfunctions as they occur.

Participates in staff meetings, task forces, and individual and group discussions. Also participates on Library committees such as the Library-wide disaster preparedness and response efforts.

Responds to questions from custodial divisions. Makes very limited brief and uncomplicated oral presentations. Corresponds with others via e-mail.

Drafts simple letters and memos requiring standard answers to common queries from library staff including assigned liaisons. Operates standard computer word processing applications.

Prepares statistical data. Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.