Summary The position serves as a Senior Network Consultant in the Network Services Section, Patron and Network Engagement Division, National Library Services for Blind/Print Disabled (NLS) within the Library Collections and Services Group (LCSG) at the Library of Congress (LOC). The position description number for this position is 415313. This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position. Candidates with a PhD, MLS, MLIS or equivalent degree are encouraged to apply. Responsibilities This position requires elevated IT access to systems to perform the work of the position. This position requires a Public Trust background investigation at the Moderate risk level. The position reports directly to the Head, Network Services Section and solves highly complex problems, makes significant recommendations to change, interpret, or develop important or innovative information policies, programs, approaches, or analysis methods. The position provides expert consultative service concerning all aspects of Braille and Talking Book resources to libraries serving readers who are blind and print-disabled in an assigned portion of the NLS four regional conferences; represents NLS as a Senior Network Consultant in contact with a network of cooperating libraries, administering agencies, consumer groups, as well as general public and library professionals; recommends and identifies service trends and specific problems which have general impact on the network and NLS; writes reports, prepares articles for publication, evaluations and correspondence; advises on, reviews and analyzes comparative statistical data related to network libraries; represents NLS at conferences as Senior Network Consultant; and delivers speeches. Provides project management coordination for assigned NLS and network projects. Provides expert consultative service to an assigned portion of the service network concerning all elements of library service to readers who are blind and print-disabled. Serves as NLS Senior Network Consultant expert on regional library concerns and activities, related to guidance and access, in his or her portion of the nation. Supports network libraries in collection building activities, assisting with decisions about automation enhancements, advising outreach activities and offering reader advisors training in basic reference tools such as the network library services website resources. Independently provides effective leadership, management of resource allocation, deliverables and milestones, negotiation skills, realistic scheduling, critical thinking, comprehensive strategic planning, project monitoring, risk management analysis, coaching, communication with stakeholders , and, if needed, contract management. Coordinates field tests and pilot projects initiated by NLS in collaboration with network libraries. Identifies resources, details timeframes, develops goals and objectives; gathers data when appropriate and required in best practices, and produces reports for orientations, national conferences, yearly events, and trainings. Works on library information resource matters, including working on agency level committees and working groups to develop recommendations regarding the evaluation of information resources. Conducts user evaluations while serving as liaison for publications about network activities. Identifies and recommends the need for resources and compiles information for the network Operations s which are devoted to topics of concern to cooperating libraries, such as circulation matters, outreach activities, use of volunteers, cooperation with other community agencies, workflows, staffing patterns, developing services, providing specific examples for libraries with successful or innovative programs. Researches and drafts correspondence for appropriate administrative personnel on inquiries and complaints from Congressional Offices related to network library service. Organizes and coordinates assignments that involve complex and unusual or obscure problems and/or special requirements. Uses initiative and resourcefulness to exercise flexibility for extending accepted methods, techniques, and practices. Recommends solutions and resolves important issues when precedents do not apply. Identifies areas for improvement in established methods. Develops and shares new information sources. Performs detailed analyses and evaluations of requests. Prepares reports, analyses, and other documents related to information and research efforts. Manages electronic documents including the storage, retrieval, and exchange of information. Independently performs in-depth analyses in order to develop and interpret related policies and procedures for an organization by reviewing all consultant reports and telephone records on an ongoing basis to identify service trends and specific problems which may have general impact; recommends appropriate NLS action to resolve or ease problems; prepares position papers as necessary. Reviews network publications, forms, applications, and newsletters for accuracy and completeness regarding services offered and conformance to NLS requirements. Requirements Conditions of Employment This position requires elevated IT access to systems to perform the work of the position. This position requires a Public Trust background investigation at the Moderate risk level. 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. Ability to provide consultation and liaison services.** Ability to plan, develop and execute library programs and projects.** Ability to manage projects. Ability to apply analytical and evaluative techniques to develop recommendations. Ability to communicate in writing. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing. Education There are no education requirements for this position. Additional 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 the minimum step of the grade. The Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities who meet eligibility requirements are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must submit a complete application package that is received by the closing date of this announcement. 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 ADA@loc.gov. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be determined on a case-by-case basis. 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. Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation. The Library reserves the right to fill a lesser or greater number of vacancies indicated during the life of this vacancy announcement. Initial appointments, permanent or indefinite, to the Library of Congress require completion of a one-year probationary period. 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.