Archivist

Duties

The Archivist Will Work On The COVID-19 American History Project, a Multiyear Effort To Collect, Preserve And Make Available To The Public The Oral Histories Of Frontline Healthcare Workers, Survivors Of Loved Ones Who Died, And Others Impacted By The Pandemic. This Work Is Part Of The COVID-19 American History Project, Which States

"The COVID-19 American History Project Act is an educational and commemorative program that will collect, preserve, and make available to the public an archive of submitted oral stories of those who were impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic, survivors of loved ones who lost their lives to the disease, and frontline healthcare workers who tirelessly worked to eradicate this virus. Oral histories kept at the Library of Congress's American Folklife Center will provide original sources of information to strengthen the understanding of American history for our future generations (Committee Report HR 117-389)."

Analyzes and arranges bodies of records some of which are disorganized, demonstrating knowledge of archival theory and practice in planning and carrying out their organization and description. Possesses understanding of scholarly research and documentation practices, and uses basic knowledge of archival theory and practice to conduct scholarly research to process and describe archival collections.

Completes preliminary analysis of the documentation systems and practices of the originating agency, organization, or individual whose materials are being processed. Undertakes research in published sources to complete gaps in the available information relating to the subject matter of the records to be archived. Evaluates the significance of archival material in its historical context and applies evaluation in helping create a plan of arrangement and description. Exercises initiative on special assignments requiring knowledge of archival procedures and academic subject matter.

Assembles information to help resolve administrative and legal matters affecting the arrangement and availability of collections. Applies prescribed criteria for the retention or disposition of duplicate and extraneous matter. Identifies material for conservation treatment and coordinates the preparation of material for permanent housing. Produces detailed descriptive guides for research use online. Evaluates and upgrades older finding aids to bring them into conformity with current archival descriptive standards.

Displays knowledge of collections in the Library to provide reference services or information related to archival collections. Using knowledge of prescriptive standards and guides to share straight-forward, easily identifiable technical information to individuals or groups. Recommends changes in procedures, workflows, and tools as they relate to manuscript, archival, and born digital collections.

Surveys internal collections to identify and inventory groups of materials for preservation and physical security. Follows prescribed specifications and procedures in preserving original material and reproducing originals for preservation. Monitors the quality and consistency of preservation methods and output. Monitors and coordinates procedures for routing materials for preservation treatment and for preparation of new materials to be added to the collections.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

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.

Knowledge of digital curation and descriptive tools, information technologies and integrated library systems to support archival functions.**

Knowledge of the principles, concepts, and techniques of archival work, including analysis, organization, and description of archival material.**

Knowledge of folklife, ethnomusicology, documentary studies, oral history and/or other related subject areas to processing and description of multi-format ethnographic archival collections.**

Ability to build and maintain professional relationships and provide liaison services.

Ability to perform preservation duties.

Ability To Communicate Effectively Other Than In Writing.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional 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. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities who meet eligibility requirements are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants must submit a complete application package that is received by the closing date of this announcement.

Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation. For more information, please see: Vetting Process

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 ADA@loc.gov. 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 EEO/Diversity Programs at 202-707-6024 or email spp@loc.gov. 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.

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. 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.

A "Not to Exceed" (NTE) status is used to identify an appointment with a specific ending date. However, the Library has the right to separate a NTE employee at any time due to either performance issues or budget constraints.

Are you a veteran? Please indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming in your application materials and/or applicant profile and provide the appropriate supporting documentation to validate your claim. Those applying for 5-point preference must submit Member Copy 4 of your DD 214. Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out an SF-15 (click here for the form) and provide the required documentation listed on the back of the form. If required supporting documentation is not attached, Veterans' Preference will not be considered in the application process.