Lead the Future of Knowledge: Supervisory Librarian at the Library of Congress

The Library of Congress, the world’s largest library and the nation’s oldest federal cultural institution, is seeking a visionary leader to serve as the Assistant Chief of the Collections Management Division. This senior-level position offers the unique opportunity to steward 158 million items, bridging the gap between historical preservation and modern accessibility. If you are a seasoned library professional with a passion for leadership and strategy, this is your chance to shape the future of the nation’s archives.

Job Responsibilities

As the Assistant Chief, your responsibilities extend beyond standard library operations. You will:

Lead Workforce Development: Mentor and supervise staff, establishing clear performance standards and fostering a culture of excellence.
Strategic Policy Oversight: Formulate and implement policies regarding collection access, inventory, and security.
Project Leadership: Serve as an expert lead for cross-functional task forces and committees.
Executive Liaison: Maintain critical relationships with Members of Congress, government agencies, and international scholars.

Comparison Table: Librarian Roles

Feature	Junior Librarian	Supervisory Librarian (Assistant Chief)
Focus	Task execution	Strategic vision & policy
Scope	Departmental	Agency-wide
Leadership	Mentee	Mentor & Manager
Stakeholders	Internal teams	Congress & Researchers

Requirements

Success in this role requires more than just technical library knowledge. Candidates must demonstrate:

Strong leadership capabilities in a supervisory capacity.
Proficiency in managing complex organizational units.
Exceptional collaborative and liaison skills.
A clean record regarding illegal substance use, as required by federal regulations.

Salary Overview

This position is a GS-15 grade level, offering a competitive annual salary ranging from $169,279 to $197,200, inclusive of locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C. area.

Benefits

Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access to top-tier federal health and life insurance.
Retirement Security: Participate in the FERS retirement plan.
Work-Life Balance: Flexitime scheduling to support your personal and professional needs.
Educational Support: Potential for student loan repayment programs.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your experience highlights the 'Critical KSAs' marked in the announcement.
Consolidate Documents: Do not upload multiple files for the same requirement; merge them into a single file.
Plan Ahead: Give yourself ample time to complete the eligibility questions on the hiring management portal.

Serving as the Assistant Chief of the Collections Management Division is more than a job—it is a responsibility to the American people. If you are prepared to lead at the highest level of federal librarianship, we encourage you to submit your application by October 2, 2026.

Why This Supervisory Librarian (Cmd Assistant Chief) Job Matters

Lead the preservation and accessibility of the nation's knowledge as the Assistant Chief of the Collections Management Division at the Library of Congress.

Supervisory Librarian (Cmd Assistant Chief) Job Overview

The Library of Congress is seeking a dynamic Supervisory Librarian to serve as the Assistant Chief of the Collections Management Division. In this mission-critical role, you will oversee the strategic direction, inventory control, and security of the Library's vast physical and digital collections. You will provide expert guidance on policy implementation, lead cross-functional teams, and collaborate with high-level stakeholders to ensure the world's largest library remains an enduring source of information for Congress and the public.

Requirements for Supervisory Librarian (Cmd Assistant Chief)

Ability to supervise, develop, and lead a diverse workforce effectively.
Experience planning, developing, and executing large-scale library projects.
Expert knowledge of principles and techniques for managing complex organizational units.
Ability to interact collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, providing high-level liaison services.
Strong communication skills for presenting complex ideas in professional settings.
Ability to pass a personnel security and suitability investigation.
Commitment to the Library's code of conduct regarding illegal substance use.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Librarian (Cmd Assistant Chief)

Expertise in modern collection management and inventory systems.
Experience formulating policy for large-scale federal or institutional library programs.
Demonstrated history of serving as a team leader or chairperson for cross-departmental task forces.
Experience in coordinating high-level outreach at professional conferences and seminars.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal health, life, and long-term care insurance programs.
✓Generous retirement plans including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Potential for flexible work schedules (Flexitime).
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
✓Potential for student loan repayment assistance (subject to unit approval).

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Librarian (Cmd Assistant Chief) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Librarian (Cmd Assistant Chief) Job

Create or update your profile on USAJOBS.
Review the full vacancy announcement to understand the critical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs).
Click 'Apply Online' to be redirected to the Library’s hiring portal.
Complete the required eligibility questions.
Attach all necessary supporting documentation (e.g., transcripts, SF-50s) in a single file per category.
Submit your final application by the closing date of October 2, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Customize your resume to specifically address the KSAs marked with a double asterisk (**) in the job description.
When uploading documents, ensure multiple files of the same type are merged into one file to prevent them from being overwritten in the system.
Preview the online questions before starting the application to prepare your responses in advance.
Ensure all documentation is submitted before 11:59 p.m. EST on the closing date; late submissions will not be considered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the work schedule for this position?

This position offers a Flexitime schedule, allowing for flexibility in how you manage your working hours.

Is this a supervisory position?

Yes, this is a supervisory, non-bargaining unit position. New appointees to a supervisory role at the Library of Congress must complete a one-year supervisory probationary period.

Can I apply if I am not a current federal employee?

Yes, this position is open to the public.

Job from Library Of Congress

The Library of Congress serves as the research arm of the U.S. Congress and provides a wealth of resources to the American public. From managing the U.S. Copyright Office to preserving priceless manuscripts, films, and digital recordings, the Library is a cornerstone of American democracy and culture. Employees here work in a collaborative, intellectually stimulating environment located on Capitol Hill.