Copyright Specialist (Information)

Summary

The Library of Congress shares its vast collections of books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, audiovisual materials, and priceless artifacts to cultivate curiosity and spark imagination. We engage, inspire, and inform Congress and the American people with a universal and enduring source of knowledge and creativity. We seek highly talented professionals to join a vibrant and collaborative community. Your work here will have lasting impact on the Library and its users well into the future.

Duties

The position serves as a Copyright Specialist (Information) in the Public Information Division, Office of Public Information and Education (PIE), U.S. Copyright Office (USCO). The primary purpose of the Information Specialist position is to provide information services to the general public on the mission and responsibilities of the U.S. Copyright Office, its regulations, procedures, registration and recordation practices, and to provide general information on copyright to Office visitors. This position is accountable to the Public Information Division Chief. While performing daily activities, the incumbent is responsible for ensuring proper handling and security of all Library and Copyright Office materials. As the Copyright Specialist (Information), you will: Respond to the public's general and specific inquiries related to copyright law, regulations, and Copyright Office practices. Respond to applicants or their representatives either in writing (with a letter or email) or by telephone to answer routine copyright-related inquiries concerning registration, recordation, and other copyright related matters. Convey information regarding procedures and policy for obtaining certified copies of copyright records and materials. Convey information regarding the recordation of mask works, vessel hull designs, and for registration of online services providers. Assist the public in the use of Copyright Office reference sources. Refer to the public to sources of information outside the Copyright Office. Use Copyright Office information systems to track status of claims in process and complete registrations. Exercise judgment and discretion when responding to information requests. Research and act to resolve various copyright problems or inquiries. Perform an initial review of applications, deposits, and attachments submitted for adequacy and compliance with general legal requirements and formalities including copyright notice, copyrightability, eligibility, completeness, best edition, publication, certification, identification of preexisting materials, and other factors relating to the registration/recordation process. Assist applicants in completing applications for registration and recordation. Resolve problems with applications or deposits prior to their submission that may delay registration. Calculate and accept fees for all materials submitted for registration, recordation, or other copyright services and issues written receipts. Ensure proper fees are collected for requested services, and that adequate funds are available if a charge is made against a Deposit Account. Process payments by credit card. Perform daily close out of credit card transactions. Conduct regularly scheduled tours and make presentations for groups interested in Copyright Offices activities. Provide special tours of the Copyright Office and its exhibits. Tailor tours to the nature of the groups' interests, requests, culture, and educational levels. Arrange for visits to areas not usually open to the public. Perform other duties as assigned. The position description numbers for this position are 109704 and 109705. The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area. The incumbent of this position will work a Flexitime work schedule. This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position. Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement. Requirements

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. GS-09 Ability to research, analyze and evaluate issues.** Skill in providing customer service.** Knowledge of law, regulations, policies, procedures, and practices.** Ability to communicate in writing.** Ability to plan, prioritize, organize and execute work. Ability to utilize computer technology/software applications. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing. GS-11 Ability to research, analyze and evaluate issues.** Skill in providing customer service.** Knowledge of law, regulations, policies, procedures, and practices.** Ability to communicate in writing.** Ability to plan, prioritize, organize and execute work. Ability to utilize computer technology/software applications. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

Education

There are no education requirements for this vacancy. How You Will Be Evaluated

The Library of Congress evaluates applicants through an applicant questionnaire and a structured interview. Applicants may also be screened for some jobs through licensing, certification, and/or education requirements, a narrative/application review, and/or a preliminary telephone interview. The knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) that are marked with a double asterisk (**) in the vacancy announcement and the applicant questionnaire are considered the most critical for a position. To be considered for final selection, applicants must demonstrate fully acceptable experience in these designated KSAs in the narrative/application review, preliminary telephone and/or full structured interview. The various assessment tools listed above are designed to verify or explore applicants' experience, knowledge, and training directly related to the job in order to identify the best qualified applicants for selection. You may preview questions for this vacancy. Other 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. 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 [email protected]. 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 Equal Employment Opportunity at 202-707-6024 or email [email protected]. 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. 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.