Upload
careersinfederallibraries
View
797
Download
1
Tags:
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
2010 Careers in Federal Libraries
The Road to Federal Librarianship
January 2010 Update
Helen Q. Sherman
ALA Midwinter Pre-Conference EventBoston, MA
January 15, 2010
Do you want to be a Fed?
Welcome! You are on the right path! Federal libraries & information centers
need talented, enthusiastic librarians. Prediction that 1/3 of federal employees are
eligible to retire by 2012. http://www.gao.gov/products/A81927
Average annual salary of $84,796, March 2009, for librarians in federal nonsupervisory, supervisory, and managerial positions http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos068.htm
Federal Civilian Workforce Statistics: The Fact Book, 2005 ed. http://www.opm.gov/feddata/factbook/2005/factbook2005.pdf
Roles of Federal Librarians
Reference Instruction and Database Training Database Development and Testing Acquisitions Cataloging Indexing Web Page Development Wiki Content Development Systems Library Services for Agency Personnel Marketing Management and Administration
…and that’s just at one agency!(Defense Technical Information Center)
Types of Federal Libraries
Academic Libraries
Family “Public” Type Libraries
School Libraries
Special Libraries
Variety of Federal Locations
Academic Libraries Academies (4-year Degrees) Service Universities (Graduate Degrees)
Family Libraries E.g., Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps
School Libraries (Department of Defense) Overseas and limited areas in U.S.
Special Libraries Agency and Foreign Service Libraries Medical Libraries Law Libraries Museums & Historical Centers Scientific & Technical Libraries & Information Centers
Goal of Federal Job Process
FederalEmploye
e
Employer
Applicant
Agency’s Typical Pathto Federal Recruitment
Establishment of Appropriate Series for Job Analysis of Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
Required for Job Determination of Position Level and Salary Range Recruitment with Public Announcement of Position Screening of Applications Referral List to Selecting Official Interviews Queries to References Selection Patience!
Establishment of Appropriate Series for Job
Job Analysis: Description of work to be done
Series: Four-digit code that represents a particular job function
Grade: Level of employment that determines the salary
General Services (GS) Examples:• GS-1410-09 (straight 09)• GS-1410-09/11 (promotion potential)• GS-1412-15 (highest GS level)
Position Classification Standards for Each Series
GS Examples: *1410 – Librarian Series 1411 – Library Technician Series 1412 – Technical Information Specialist Series 1420 – Archivist Series 1421 – Archives Technician Series 1499 – Library & Archives Student Trainee Other possibilities, depending on individual’s
related education and work experience for a series
Tip: Review the job requirements to determine if you are qualified before applying.
Position Classification Standard: Librarian Series, GS-1410
Librarian, Supervisory Librarian,Reference Librarian, etc.
Position Description (PD)
Tip: The Position Description (PD) summarized in a job announcement is based on factor levels for
the position.
Differences in Factor Levels from Entry Level to Experienced Librarian
Factor 1, Knowledge Required by Position
Level 1-6 950 Points: “The librarian provides reference services where
needs are relatively easy to determine from client interviews or written requests, and the bibliographic source materials are readily accessible…”
Level 1-8 1550 Points “The librarian serves as an expert…;” “…an interagency or federal expert…” “…a senior staff librarian for a library system…”
Differences in Levels for Supervisory Experience
Factor 2, Supervisory Controls Level 2-3 275 Points:
“The supervisor defines the librarian's scope of responsibility and the objectives, priorities, and deadlines.”
Level 2-5 650 Points “The supervisor and higher-level authorities consider the
work as technically authoritative and normally accept the librarian’s recommendations without significant change.”
Tip: Do not submit your resume for all job applications. Review each announcement carefully; prepare your application to highlight your qualifications for the job.
KSAs
Knowledge: Organized body of information, usually of factual or procedural nature, which, if applied, makes adequate performance on the job possible.
Skills: Proficient manual, verbal, or mental manipulation of data, people, or things. Observable, quantifiable, measurable.
Abilities: Power to perform an activity at the present time.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) Required - Essays
Sample Essay Questions “ Knowledge of principles, concepts,
and techniques of library science.” “Ability to plan and manage a program for a
library’s _______(Reference Services, Document Delivery, Cataloging, etc.)
“Ability to lead and supervise a diverse workforce.”
“Ability to communicate effectively in writing.”
“Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.”
Tip: Submit well-written, truthful essays with specific and relevant examples.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) Required – Questionnaire
Multiple Choice QuestionsE.g., ‘I have performed the job of ______________
Never Occasionally As a regular part of my job with supervision As a major part of my job, usually independently
and without review by supervisor To review the work of personnel under my
supervision As a recognized expert in the field, to train other
divisions or the federal community Combination of Questions & EssaysTip: Answer questions honestly. They may be
used as basis for your interview or queries to your references.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) Required –Announcement
Expected Coverage of KSAs in Application & Resume
Note Job Description & Specific Duties in Announcement Note Qualifications and Evaluations
Education Requirement Specialized Experience Sample from Announcement: “Specialized experience
is experience in information management/sciences; evaluation of technologies to acquire, apply, search, communicate, generate, and utilize information resources; and program/project management and supervisory experience.”
Tip: Use relevant terminology in your resume. It will be reviewed by a personnel specialist or computer.
KSA Guidelines
Suggested Method for KSA Answers: Context: Describe the situation. Challenge: Describe what needed to be done. Action: Describe your role & specifically what you did. Results: Describe outcome in concrete, verifiable
terms.
Tips: Use concrete, action verbs, and specific nouns. Use numbers, statistics, and specific time periods.Quote relevant phrases from awards.Use relevant terms from job announcement.
Determination of Position Level and Salary Range
General Schedule (GS) E.g., GS-1412-09/11, GS-1410-11
Majority of federal workforce paid according to GS pay scale
Each position given a specific rating based on amount of education and experience required for the job
General Schedule (GS) andLocality Pay Tableshttp://www.opm.gov/oca/09tables/indexGS.asp
GS Base PayShowing Steps for Each Grade
Pay Plan, Series & Grade: GS-1410-11 Librarian
GS Salary Table with Locality Pay
GS Steps
Within-Grade Increases (WGIs) or Step Increases
Periodic increases in General Schedule (GS) employee's rate of basic pay from one step of the grade of the position to the next higher step of that grade; e.g., GS-11-01 to GS-11-02
Required Waiting Period for WGI WGI is effective on the first day of the first pay period
beginning on or after the completion of the required waiting period.
Steps Waiting Period 2, 3 and 4 52 calendar weeks (one
year) 5, 6 and 7 104 calendar weeks (two
years) 8, 9 and 10 156 calendar weeks (three years)
Future Possibility for Employee
Quality Step Increase (QSI) Faster-than-normal WGI may be used to
reward GS employees who demonstrate sustained performance of highest quality
Management decision per employee; not standard award
Does not apply to incoming personnel
Determination of Position Level and Salary Range
General Schedule (GS) E.g., GS-1412-09/11, GS-1410-11
Pay Banding or Performance Based Systems Government Accountability Office (GAO)
E.g., PT-2210-03/03 Information Technology Specialist (ITS)
National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST)E.g., ZP-2210-01/05 ITS
Department of Defense (DoD): National Security Personnel System (NSPS)
E.g., YC-1410-02/02 Supervisory Librarian andYA-1410-02/02 Librarian
Recruitment with Public Announcement of Positions
* USAJOBS http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ * StudentJobs http://www.studentjobs.gov
Examples: Army: http://www.cpol.army.mil/ DOT: http://careers.dot.gov/js_apply.html DTIC: (Includes USAJOBS link to DTIC search results)
http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/aboutus/employment.html FBI: (Includes USAJOBS link to FBI search results)
https://jobs1.quickhire.com/scripts/fbi.exe GAO: http://www.gao.gov/careers/apply.html GPO: http://www.gpo.gov/careers/jobs.htm LC: https://www.avuecentral.com/ NIST: http://www.nist.gov/hrmd/index.htm
TIP: Bookmark other agency sites for announcements.
USAJOBS: Official Job Site of U.S. Federal Governmenthttp://www.usajobs.opm.gov/
New USAJOBS: January 23, 2010
3 Steps: Create an Account,Look for a Job, & Get Informed
StudentJobs.govhttp://www.studentjobs.gov
StudentJobs.govCategories for Opportunities
Postings in College Bulletins or Listserv Announcements
Sent: Mon Jun 08 11:18:54 2009Subject: [dcla-l] VACANCY - REFERENCE LIBRARIAN - AF GERMANY - CLOSES JUNE30TH
Greetings!The Air Force Base Library at Vogelweh (near Ramstein) Germany is
recruiting for a Reference Librarian YA-1410-02. The Reference Librarian will also act as Assistant Librarian to the Library Director. This position is GS-09 equivalent and is a possible entry level job for recent MLS graduates. CPO vets the applicants.
For more information about Vogelweh (listed as Kapaun in the announcement) go to www.usafelibraries.org and search ‘Your Local Library’ tab. The Vogelweh library is currently under complete renovation and should open to the public this Fall. The library is in a temporary location, but providing full services to customers.
To apply for the position go to www.usajobs.gov (Vacancy Announcement number AFPC263138YA-1410-02/02FS) use
"advanced search tab" select GERMANY – OA – KAISERLAUTERN, GERMANY with occupational series 1410.
PCS costs are authorized. The position closes June 30th.
FEDLIB Listhttp://www.loc.gov/flicc/about/listservs.html
FEDLIB: Federal Librarians Discussion List Moderated mailing list for staff of libraries and
information centers in US federal government Other subscribers welcome to join Postings include FLICC/FEDLINK* news, meeting
announcements, discussion on federal library topics, and job announcements from the federal community
*Federal Library and Information Center Committee/Federal Library and Information Network
Tip: Join FEDLIB for a heads-up on federal
job openings posted by members.
FEDLIB Posting(Do not reply to list)
Key Requirements of Position
U.S. Citizenship Required for most federal jobs Specified on announcement
Proof of Education Required official transcript – sometimes as
attachment, mailed separately, or requested later
Announcement will specify level of degree for series and instructions
Other Requirements of Position
Other Possible Requirements Security Investigation Secret or Top Secret Clearance Drug Test Polygraph Mandatory Emergency Essential Status Travel
Location of Position
Important Information Announcement usually includes location of job. Moving expenses are usually NOT provided. Announcement states if Permanent Change of
Station (PCS) costs are covered.
Tip: If you can be flexible and mobile, you can expand your opportunities and have an interesting career.
Status
Review Eligibility for Position Are you a current or former Federal civilian
employee who holds or held a non-temporary appointment?
Announcement Designations Status (current or former career or career-
conditional Federal employees) Public U.S. Citizens and Status All Sources
Tip: If you have no prior federal service,look for Public, U.S. Citizen, or All Sources.
Search by Applicant Eligibility
TIP: This USAJOBS question located at the bottom of the Agency, Series, and Advanced search pages affects the results of your search.
USAJOBS: Keyword, Agency, Series, and Advanced Searches
USAJOBS: Basic Search with Browse
Experiment with Search;Investigate Related Series or Career
Refine Your Search;Select Public or Status for Eligibility
TIP: Use this to refine your results when using the Basic Search.
Status Candidate Defined
Terms
WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED: Federal Career/Career-Conditional employees, Transfer, Reinstatement Eligibles, 30% Disabled Veterans, Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) and other individuals eligible under special appointment authorities.
Career & Career-Conditionalhttp://www.usajobs.gov/EI38.asp
Transferhttp://www.usajobs.gov/EI5.asp
Reinstatementhttp://www.usajobs.gov/EI2.asp
Veterans’ Preferencehttp://www.usajobs.gov/ei3.asp
Job Summary: Who May Apply
Detailed View
TIP: The position might have two listings to show that it is open to both Public and Status candidates.
Overview: Who May Be Considered(Cross-reference for announcement)
Other Terms
Competitive Service: classified* service, classified competitive service, or classified civil service
Excepted Service: Unclassified service, unclassified civil service, or positions outside the competitive service E.g., Career fields with unique skills, i.e.,
lawyers, doctors, or engineers
* Note: Refers to determination of qualification standards for a position in an occupational series – NOT to information with controlled access.
Permanent: Full Time
Multiple: Pool of Applicants
Ongoing Recruitment for Potential Vacancies
Open Period (Important!)
Tip: Observe the closing date (Eastern time) Tip: Observe the closing date (Eastern time) and allow extra time for system problems with and allow extra time for system problems with the online resume.the online resume.
Screening of Applications
Evaluation of your application against the position’s qualification requirements
Review by Agency Human Resources Specialist and/or Automated System (NOT a Career Librarian)
Ranking relative to the other candidates (for some agencies)
Tip: Use specific, relevant language to explain your KSAs. Avoid acronyms, abbreviations, special characters, and library jargon. Do not assume a person (or machine) will understand your experiences.
Referral List to Selecting Official
List of Highly Qualified Candidates or Most Highly Qualified Candidates issued by Human Resources Office to Selecting Official
Agency Review by Panel or Selecting Official
TIP: Remember that there is competition for the position. Being Qualified does not guarantee that you will be interviewed or selected for the job.
Interview
Most agencies conduct interviews of top candidates only Interview by panel or selecting official Interview in person or by telephone (Trip not provided) One or two rounds of interviews Writing samples of relevant work may be required Same questions for ALL applicants - to be fair & equal Maybe a thought-provoking or situational question
Officials take notes and evaluate the responses Usually, opportunity provided for candidate to ask
question(s) about the job at the end
Queries to References
Usually by telephone and/or email
Standard questions for all candidates from the group
Reference sometimes offers to send additional material
TIP: Do not submit an application without references, title, and current contact information. Inform former supervisors and ask references in advance so that they are expecting a call.
Selection
Selecting official submits first (and possibly alternate choice) to Human Resources.
Human Resources (NOT Selecting Official) contacts selectee with job offer and salary.
Specific time designated for response. Many positions dependent upon Security
Clearance. Report date determined by agency and HR.
Tip: Do not quit your other job while waiting for a clearance. A Security Clearance can take a year (or more).
Patience!
Agency is also waiting for the selectee’s report date.
Agency position might be vacant for months during the recruitment process.
Duties and responsibilities for the position continue.
TIP: If a security clearance is required, complete your paperwork promptly.
Applicant’s Road Mapto Federal Job
Agency Job Announcements Eligibility for Position Qualifications for Targeted Position
Winning Application and Resume
Verifiable Education and Experience
Successful Interview
Positive References
Job Offer
Patience!
Agency Job Announcements
Search USAJOBS and agency Web sites. Set up email alerts for new jobs. Join professional organizations (at student rate). Join professional listservs (as allowed). Check campus bulletins. Investigate intern programs. Consider positions with contractors. Network with librarians & other federal
employees. Join Careers in Federal Libraries Google Group
http://groups.google.com/group/careers-in-federal-librariesTIP: PRINT each job announcement to file with your application for future reference. The online announcement will disappear after the deadline.
Eligibility for Position
Review complete announcement. Determine if Status, Public, Veteran,
etc. Consider mobility for a different
location. Contact the Human Resource person
listed on the job announcement if you have questions about your eligibility.
Tip: When you are eligible for a series, start applying. You should expect to apply for more than one job.
Qualifications for Targeted Position
Complete your degree; relate your education and projects to the qualifications.
Consider an internship or practicum for practical experience in a library or information center.
Take additional training or attend seminars in your field when possible.
Join professional organizations; attend their programs or view the online presentations.
Read current literature about librarianship. Determine and explain which skills from your
former job(s) pertain to the library position; e.g., teaching, managing projects, writing, etc.
Be marketable.
Winning Application and Resume
Create an account on USAJOBS and build your resume.
Write information in advance and save separate text files according to required sections for future editing.
Check the word count before copying and pasting sections to your resume.
Include awards, certifications, and special skills that pertain to this career field.
Be specific about computer training, systems, and databases. (Do NOT use a generic statement, such as “Proficient in computer skills.”)
Required Personal Information
Required Work Experience
Multiple Applications & Resumes
Target each application for the specific announcement.
Always update your information as appropriate and use relevant details when creating a new resume.
Include ALL required information, e.g., dates, degrees, references, etc.
Save each resume according to the application you submitted.
Edit saved text to create applications for other online systems.Tip: Track your deadlines and allow lots of time to prepare an online application! Your time ends at midnight (Eastern) prior to the closing date.
“My USAJOBS” Account for Online Resume, Applications, and Job Alerts
Tip: Create a USAJOBS account and receive automated job alerts.
Search Results: 1410 SeriesLibrarian
Search Results: 1412 Series Technical Information Specialist
Job Summary
TIP: Review each job summary carefully and apply for positions based on your eligibility, education, and experience.
Tabs for NavigationThrough Announcement (Print!)
Verifiable Education and Experience
Proof of Education and Experience Required official transcript –
sometimes as attachment, mailed separately, or requested later
Applicant’s responsibility to submit Specific instructions on announcement
Tip: Do NOT send attachments unless specified. Announcement will specify if documentation should be submitted with resume or if applicants will be contacted for additional documentation. Additional documents may be required later by Human Resources or the agency.
Successful Interview
Prepare! Review your printed copy of the job announcement
and your submitted application. Write down building, room #, and time. Check directions to the location in advance. Be on time. Have the contact number with you in case of an
emergency. Dress professionally. Relax! You are considered a highly qualified
candidate. Send brief thank-you message - nice gesture &
memorable.
Positive References
Notify your references in advance so that they will expect queries about you.
You may request that agencies should not notify your current employer unless you are a final candidate.
Before final selection, your current employer should be contacted.
Job Offer:Example Procedure
Call received from agency’s HR office Job offer with salary and starting date Acceptance Security Clearance Check (Process explained &
started if necessary) Submission of proof of current salary Permanent Change of Station (PCS) paid by new
employee (unless advertised otherwise) Position subject to probationary period (usually 1
year)Tip: If starting salary is lower than existing salary, you may request consideration of a higher step prior to acceptance. (Not guaranteed. Agency must follow regulations. Any variation requires justification & approval by agency.)
Patience!
Don’t give up. Apply for more than one job. Process may take months. There are many opportunities for
qualified librarians.
Good luck with your job search!
Reminder
This overview is only meant to provide a starting point for your job search and cannot include all of the details about the recruitment process for a federal position. Personnel systems vary by agency, and some are in the process of changing.
Always read each job announcement
carefully and print it for future reference. The information will NOT be available after the closing date.
Call the Point of Contact listed on the job
announcement if you have any questions about the application process.
The Road to Federal Librarianship
January 2010 Update
Helen Q. ShermanDirector, User Services
Defense Technical Information Center
Disclaimer of Endorsement
Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.