Librarian (Law) US Offices, Boards and Divisions Washington, DC

Full Job Description

Duties

As a Librarian (Law) for the Library Resources Section, responsibilities will include:

  • Analyzing complex customer questions, requirements, and priorities and suggesting search strategies after conducting thorough reference interviews.
  • Conducting research on topics in field of expertise such as business, economics, and law.
  • Providing comprehensive legal and legislative reference services complicated by novel or obscure problems in information access and dissemination for the Division requiring versatility and innovation in adapting and modifying search methods and techniques.
  • Making expert decisions as to which sources will best meet research needs.
  • Assisting in the development and implementation of reference and research services to Division employees, and also providing effective user/public awareness of library programs and services to Department clientele.
  • Preparing responses to inquiries and requests, online guides, or other materials, and providing training sessions to library clientele using an expert-level depth and breadth of subject area knowledge.
  • Planning and developing programs to fill in gaps and augmenting collections to improve services to clientele.
  • Identifying, examining, and analyzing major publications, electronic resources, and trends in field of expertise for use in preparing in-depth and highly complex research.
  • Assisting in the design, configuration, implementation, and evaluation of Division and Department intranet content.
  • Identifying problems with collections and suggesting possible solutions. Assisting with determining the need for enhancements in current systems.
  • Performing HTML and other necessary coding to create and revise material on library web sites.

As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.

Please note: Additional selections may be made from this announcement. Also, a writing sample and a combination of three to five business and academic references may be requested of individuals identified as best qualified, to be forwarded to the selecting official along with your application package, upon referral.

 

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

 

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to be considered for this position.
  • You must undergo a pre-employment security investigation.
  • You may be required to take and successfully clear a drug test.
  • You must submit a complete application package by the closing date of this announcement.
  • All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
  • SELECTIVE SERVICE: All male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must have registered for the selective service (see SSS.gov). If selected for this position, the applicant must sign a statement certifying his registration, or the applicant must demonstrate exempt status under the Selective Service Law.
  • DIRECT DEPOSIT: All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.
  • This is a full-time, non-supervisory, permanent appointment in the competitive service, subject to a one-year probationary period in accordance with 5 CFR 315.801.
  • This is a bargaining unit position. This position is represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Local 3719, AFL-CIO.
  • The Antitrust Division participates in the E-Verify program.
  • This position offers career mobility opportunities to qualified Legal Division/Office of Solicitor General employees, who are encouraged to apply.

 

Qualifications

BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL LEVELS:

Applicants must meet the requirements specified in paragraphs 1 or 2 below.

  • 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
  • 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 a 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

GS-11: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, applicants must also meet the following conditions: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level. EXAMPLES of specialized experience at this level include:

  • Providing complex and extensive research in the fields of business, economics and law;
  • Demonstrating knowledge of law library functions and management, and familiarity with antitrust law;
  • Conducting complex research for clients under tight deadlines and anticipating client needs; and
  • Conducting classes on specialized and complex research tools. OR
  • 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education in library science or a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) related to the position. OR
  • Combination of education AND specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level, as described in item 1.
GS-12: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, applicants must also meet the following conditions: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level. EXAMPLES of specialized experience at this level include:
  • Conducting reference interviews and meeting with researchers to analyze questions;
  • Preparing justifications for acquiring new materials for a library collection;
  • Searching online databases for bibliographic records; and
  • Providing responses to complex inquiries involving rapidly evolving terminology.

Please note: Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT
***In addition to the Basic Education and Minimum Qualification Requirements listed above, applicants must also possess specialized knowledge in the field of law and/or proficiency in legal, business, economic, and legislative research and reference gained through education or experience which included or was supplemented by the requirements specified in one of the paragraphs below:

  • A full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university that meets all academic requirements for a bachelor’s degree that included at least 24 semester hours in the field of law; or that included any combination of subjects with at least 15 semester hours in a major subject directly applicable to the position such as political science, social sciences, law, or economics.
  • Completion of at least 24 semester hours of legal study in an accredited law school for positions primarily concerned with providing library services in law or legislative reference.
  • Four (4) years of pertinent experience of such nature and level to provide a knowledge of the basic principles, theories, practices, techniques, terminology and expressions of law; an understanding of the standard methods, procedures, and techniques of research and analysis in the subject-matter field; ability to acquire additional information about the field of law and related fields; and some knowledge of literature resources in the field of law and legislation.
  • Any time equivalent combination of experience as described in (3) with education as described in (1) or (2) above.
All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, see online.

Applicants using any education to qualify MUST submit copies of college transcripts or a list of college courses taken that identify for each course the college or university, semester or quarter hours earned, grade and grade-point received. An unofficial transcript is acceptable to qualify, but it must include your full name. If selected, you may be asked to submit an official transcript prior to appointment.

Education

Please see the Qualifications Section.

Additional information

The Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the Department of Justice with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your Department of Justice component has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and rate equivalent to the Highly Qualified or better category using established category rating criteria. You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application. Additional information about CTAP eligibility is online.

The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over candidates from other agencies for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority over other applicants who are not employees of the Department of Justice if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement; and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and rate equivalent to the Highly Qualified or better category using established category rating criteria. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation personnel action form. Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is online.

Veterans’ Preference: If you are entitled to or claim veterans’ preference (VP), you should indicate the type of veterans’ preference (5 or 10 points) you are claiming on your resume. In order to determine your eligibility, you can find additional information online.

NOTE: To verify your veterans’ preference entitlement, please submit a copy of the Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty); official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty; or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that shows your military service was performed under honorable conditions. (1) If you are claiming 10-point preference, you must submit Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 in addition to the supporting documentation required and identified on the reserves side of the SF-15, Application for 10 Point Veterans’ Preference. (2) If you are claiming 10-point DERIVED PREFERENCE as a relative you must submit Member Copy 4 of the veteran’s DD-214, and an SF-15, Application for 10-point veterans’ preference, in addition to the supporting documentation required and identified on the reverse side of this form. If you fail to do so, you will receive consideration as a non-veteran.

DOJ EEO Statement/Policy
OPM Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement
DOJ Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement
Veterans’ Information
Legal and Regulatory Guidance

  • Benefits

    A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

     

    Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.Your application will be evaluated and rated under DOJ’s Category Rating and Selection Procedures. Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the basic qualifications for the position listed in this announcement. Please Note: Basic qualifications will be determined based on a comparison of your resume against the quality and extent of experience or related education as reflected in the position requirements.

If you are found to be minimally qualified for this position, your resume and supporting documentation will be further assessed and compared to the responses of your occupational/assessment questionnaire. The numeric rating you receive will be based on your responses to the questionnaire. The rating is a measure of the degree to which your background matches the competencies required for this position, and will determine the rank in which you place (Qualified, Highly Qualified, or Best Qualified). The “Best Qualified” candidates will be contacted to submit a job market paper or relevant writing sample.

Candidates within the “Best Qualified” category who are eligible for veterans’ preference will receive selection priority over non-veteran preference eligible.

Your application will be further assessed based upon the following competencies:

  • Collection Development & Cataloging;
  • Information Technology & Management;
  • Library Science;
  • Reference, Research, and Client Service; and
  • Technical Competence.

If, after reviewing your resume and or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your score can and will be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities. Please follow all instructions carefully as errors or omissions may affect your rating.

 

  • Benefits

    A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

     

    Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

  • Required Documents

    As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have – whether you’re a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you’re eligible under their policies.

    To apply for this position, you must provide a complete application package which includes:

    1. A copy of your resume or equivalent – Applicants will be evaluated based on a comparison of the position requirements against the quality and extent of experience or related education as reflected in their resume and cover letter. Applicants are encouraged to ensure work experiences, as represented in their resume, clearly show the possession of knowledge of the subject matter pertinent to the position, and the competencies and technical skills to successfully perform the duties of the position. A cover letter is optional.

    RESUME REQUIREMENTS: ALL APPLICANTS: you must submit a resume supporting your specialized experience and responses to the online questionnaire. The federal government has very specific resume requirements. If you have not written a federal resume before, you may want to watch this Resume Writing Tutorialvideo on the USAJOBS YouTube channel, or read through a helpful Resume Writing FAQon the USAJOBS Help Site to learn what details you should, and should not, include in your resume. A CV (curriculum vitae) may not contain enough information to meet these resume requirements.

    • Your resume should list all work experience (paid and unpaid); you must list the full name and address of each employer.
    • For all types of work experience, you should indicate the start and end date (include month and year); you must also list the average number of hours per week that you worked.
    • Your resume should also include any education and training you have completed (list the program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).

    2. A completed assessment questionnaire. A preview is available here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11830764
    3. A copy of your transcript – If you are qualifying based on education, or a combination of education and experience, you must submit a copy of your transcript.
    4. Documentation of eligibility for special hiring authorities (if applicable) to prove appointment eligibility. Examples include Schedule A disability letter, Peace Corps volunteer letter and:

    • Documentation of eligibility for CTAP and ICTAP (if applicable) – You must provide written notification of your eligibility for CTAP and/or ICTAP; your most recent Performance Appraisal, and your SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action.
    • Veterans’ Preference Documentation (if applicable) – If you are a discharged, non-disabled veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character discharge (Member Copy-4), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions. If you don’t have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives.
    • If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, and 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
    • If you are a disabled veteran, Purple Heart recipient, or mother or spouse of a disabled or deceased veteran, you must submit a completed SF-15 and all additional proof required by the SF-15, as applicable. If you don’t have your Department of Veterans Affairs letter establishing proof of disability, you may request it online or call 1-800-827-1000.

     

    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. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

    Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

  • How to Apply

    To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ET) on 03/07/2023to receive consideration.

    • To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
    • Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
    • After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
    • You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.

    To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.Applications mailed using government postage and/or internal federal government mailing systems are in violation of agency and postal regulations and will not be accepted.The following instructions outline our application process. You must complete the online application process and submit any required documents by 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date of this announcement. We are available to assist you during business hours (8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET, Monday – Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, you must contact us by noon ET on the announcement’s closing date. If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Personnel Section. Please contact Personnel Section by phone at 202-514-2469 or by email at [email protected] to obtain an alternative application.If you require a reasonable accommodation for disability during any part of the application and hiring process, please contact Karen Jung by phone at 202-514-8885 or by email at [email protected]. The Antitrust Division provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. You must contact us by 5:00 p.m. ET on the announcement’s closing date to request accommodation. Callers with hearing or speech impairment can access their state’s telecommunications relay service (TRS) to make TTY calls by dialing 7-1-1. 

    Agency contact information

    Personnel Section

    Phone

    202-514-2469

    Email

    [email protected]

    Address

     

    Antitrust Division
    450 5th Street, NW
    Washington, DC 20530
    US

    Next steps

    Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After the announcement closes, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications based on the application we receive. Ranking will be determined based on responses to the Assessment Questionnaire. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 30 to 60 days of the closing date of this announcement.

  • Fair and Transparent

    The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

    • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
    • Reasonable accommodation policy
    • Financial suitability
    • Selective Service
    • New employee probationary period
    • Signature and false statements
    • Privacy Act
    • Social security number request

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete application package which includes:

1. A copy of your resume or equivalent – Applicants will be evaluated based on a comparison of the position requirements against the quality and extent of experience or related education as reflected in their resume and cover letter. Applicants are encouraged to ensure work experiences, as represented in their resume, clearly show the possession of knowledge of the subject matter pertinent to the position, and the competencies and technical skills to successfully perform the duties of the position. A cover letter is optional.

RESUME REQUIREMENTS: ALL APPLICANTS: you must submit a resume supporting your specialized experience and responses to the online questionnaire. The federal government has very specific resume requirements. If you have not written a federal resume before, you may want to watch this Resume Writing Tutorialvideo on the USAJOBS YouTube channel, or read through a helpful Resume Writing FAQon the USAJOBS Help Site to learn what details you should, and should not, include in your resume. A CV (curriculum vitae) may not contain enough information to meet these resume requirements.

  • Your resume should list all work experience (paid and unpaid); you must list the full name and address of each employer.
  • For all types of work experience, you should indicate the start and end date (include month and year); you must also list the average number of hours per week that you worked.
  • Your resume should also include any education and training you have completed (list the program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).

2. A completed assessment questionnaire. A preview is available here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11830764
3. A copy of your transcript – If you are qualifying based on education, or a combination of education and experience, you must submit a copy of your transcript.
4. Documentation of eligibility for special hiring authorities (if applicable) to prove appointment eligibility. Examples include Schedule A disability letter, Peace Corps volunteer letter and:

  • Documentation of eligibility for CTAP and ICTAP (if applicable) – You must provide written notification of your eligibility for CTAP and/or ICTAP; your most recent Performance Appraisal, and your SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action.
  • Veterans’ Preference Documentation (if applicable) – If you are a discharged, non-disabled veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character discharge (Member Copy-4), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions. If you don’t have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives.
  • If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, and 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
  • If you are a disabled veteran, Purple Heart recipient, or mother or spouse of a disabled or deceased veteran, you must submit a completed SF-15 and all additional proof required by the SF-15, as applicable. If you don’t have your Department of Veterans Affairs letter establishing proof of disability, you may request it online or call 1-800-827-1000.

 

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. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

Help

This job is open to

    • Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

      Federal employees who meet the definition of a “surplus” or “displaced” employee.

    • Family of overseas employees

      Family members of a federal employee or uniformed service member who is or was, working overseas.

    • Individuals with disabilities

 

    • Land & base management

      Certain current or former term or temporary federal employees of a land or base management agency.

    • Military spouses

 

    • Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista

 

    • The public

      U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

  • Veterans