Launch Your Career at the Library of Congress: Library Technician (Deck Attendant)
Have you ever dreamed of working at the heart of American culture and history? The Library of Congress, the nation’s oldest federal cultural institution, is currently seeking a dedicated individual to serve as a Library Technician (Deck Attendant). This role is not just a job; it is a chance to preserve millions of items, support scholarly research, and maintain the integrity of the world’s largest library.
Job Responsibilities
As a Deck Attendant, your primary goal is to ensure the Serial and Government Publications Division operates smoothly. Your daily duties include:
- Collection Management: Shelving, re-shelving, and shelf-reading to ensure items are in the correct order.
- Retrieval Services: Locating and retrieving materials for researchers based on call slips.
- Preservation: Identifying damaged, brittle, or deteriorated items for repair or rebinding.
- Records Maintenance: Updating automated information systems and verifying cataloging data.
- Patron Interaction: Assisting researchers with directional questions and explaining library policies.
Daily Tasks Comparison
| Task Type | Focus Area | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Physical | Heavy Lifting & Shelving | Collection Availability |
| Technical | Data Entry & Systems | Accurate Indexing |
| Service | Helping Researchers | Academic Support |
Requirements
This position requires physical readiness. Candidates must be able to lift items weighing up to 50 pounds and maintain a consistent pace of walking and standing. Additionally, you must be physically cleared by the Library's Health Services Office following an offer of employment. As a federal agency, the Library strictly enforces drug-free workplace policies, including the prohibition of marijuana regardless of local or state laws.
Salary Overview
The salary for this position ranges from $41,659 to $54,160 per year, reflecting the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. New federal appointees typically begin at step one of the grade.
Benefits
Employees of the Library of Congress enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive health and life insurance.
- Generous leave (annual and sick) and paid holidays.
- Competitive retirement programs (FERS and TSP).
- Potential student loan repayment assistance.
Application Tips
- Customize Your Resume: Clearly state your experience related to the 'knowledge, skills, and abilities' mentioned in the job post.
- Organize Documents: If you have multiple SF-50s or transcripts, combine them into one single PDF before uploading.
- Early Submission: Don't wait until the final hour. Technical issues can happen, and support is limited at the close of the announcement.
The role of a Library Technician is vital to the mission of the Library of Congress. If you are hardworking, accurate, and eager to contribute to a historic mission, we encourage you to apply. This is a unique opportunity to grow within the federal government while surrounding yourself with the world’s most precious resources of knowledge.
Why This Library Technician (Deck Attendant) Job Matters
Launch your career at the world's largest library—help preserve history and serve the nation as a Library Technician.
Library Technician (Deck Attendant) Job Overview
The Library of Congress is seeking a detail-oriented Library Technician (Deck Attendant) to join the Serial and Government Publications Division in Washington, D.C. This role is fundamental to the Library's mission, ensuring that our vast, priceless collections remain organized, accessible, and well-maintained for researchers and the American public. You will work in a fast-paced environment where your daily contributions directly support the preservation of knowledge.
Requirements for Library Technician (Deck Attendant)
- Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds on a recurring basis.
- Must undergo a physical examination every three years and be cleared by the Library's Health Services Office.
- Constant standing, walking, bending, and carrying of materials.
- Prohibition on the use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with federal law.
- Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible for federal appointment.
Preferred Qualifications for Library Technician (Deck Attendant)
- Proficiency in utilizing computerized search tools and bibliographic databases.
- Strong interpersonal skills for interacting effectively with researchers and staff.
- Proven experience in maintaining library collections and following established classification systems.
- Demonstrated ability to work under time constraints with a high degree of accuracy.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Federal leave and holiday programs
- âś“Comprehensive health insurance options
- âś“Retirement planning through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- âś“Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching
- âś“Potential for student loan repayment programs
- âś“Supportive work environment in a world-class cultural institution
đź’ˇ How to Apply Library Technician (Deck Attendant) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Library Technician (Deck Attendant) Job
- Create or update your resume in the USAJOBS portal.
- Review the job announcement fully to prepare for the assessment questions.
- Click the apply link to be redirected to the Library of Congress hiring portal.
- Complete the eligibility and vacancy-specific questionnaires.
- Upload required documentation, such as transcripts or SF-50s, ensuring they are combined into single files per document type.
- Submit your application before the closing date.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Preview the assessment questions before you start the application to ensure your resume highlights the most relevant experience.
- When uploading documents, group multiple items of the same type into one file to ensure they are all processed.
- Ensure your resume reflects the knowledge, skills, and abilities marked with a double asterisk in the announcement.
- Contact technical support well before the closing date if you encounter system errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a supervisory position?
No, this is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position.
Are relocation expenses covered?
No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this vacancy.
Can I use marijuana if it is legal in my state?
No. The Library of Congress follows federal law, and the use of marijuana is strictly prohibited and considered criminal activity that can disqualify you from employment.
What is the work schedule?
*A: This position utilizes a Flexitime schedule.*
Is a security clearance required?
*A: No, a security clearance is not required for this specific role, though a background suitability investigation is standard.*
Job from Library Of Congress
The Library of Congress is a pillar of the Legislative Branch of the federal government. Home to over 158 million items in physical collections and millions more online, the Library serves as an enduring source of knowledge. Working here means joining a collaborative community dedicated to engaging, inspiring, and informing Congress and the American people.