Job Description:
Copyright is a form of legal protection provided by the laws of the United States (Title 17, U. S. Code) to authors of literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and other works. The Office of Public Records and Repositories is responsible for preserving, maintaining, and servicing physical and digital copyright records. The Copyright Specialist (Records) conducts searches and prepares reports on copyright records, assist patrons in and conducts tours of the Reading Room. Responsibilities The United States Copyright Office, located within the Library of Congress and under the direction of the Register of Copyrights, administers the Copyright Law, advises Congress and government agencies on legal and policy matters; provides international representation on copyright issues; administers the national copyright registration system; provides collections materials to the Library through voluntary registration and mandatory deposit programs; records documents relating to copyright chain of title; administers statutory license provisions of the law, including collecting and distributing royalties; maintains the world’s largest database of copyright public records; and provides information and reference services to the public. This position is located in the Records Research and Certification Section, Office of Public Records and Repositories, United States Copyright Office. While performing daily activities, the incumbent is responsible for ensuring proper handling and security of all Library and Copyright Office materials. Independently prepares comprehensive and objective reports (either in a certified or uncertified format) of research findings for diverse and complex technical questions on copyright law. Reports may take the form of a detailed bibliography. The employee, in taking full responsibility for the reports, and in accordance with Copyright Office policies and regulations, provides and signs responses to requesters. Evaluates the legitimacy of an “expedited” search request based on the criteria established by the Office and determines whether there is a need for expeditious service. In preparing reports, the employee: provides supportive documentation in the form of printed materials such as circulars, slip letters, and other relevant information. He/she uses extensive knowledge of copyright vocabulary and terminology necessary to report the legal status of works according to information in the Copyright Office records without expressing an opinion, giving advice or commenting on the merits of individual claims or on the absence of a registration or recordation of a document; and applies sound judgment in refining requesters to additional sources outside the Copyright Office. The employee recommends and/or seeks advice as to whether the report should be accessioned to the Office’s Bibliographic File. Answers diverse and
complex technical questions on copyright law and Copyright Office policies and practices in explaining bibliographic reports. Independently provides information concerning copyright search inquiries for which replies and solutions are well-precedented. Information is communicated through a variety of methods, such as in writing, in person, by email, or by telephone. Contacts are with attorneys, agents of authors and various industries, as well as members of the public, to answer all types of copyright-related inquiries. The answers express the opinion of the Office and so require extreme discretion. Provides in-person research guidance to users of the Copyright Card Catalog and other Division services. Instructs clients in reference techniques, information sources, and the use of the catalogs, indexes, record books, micrographic data and automated databases. Provides estimate of fees required to undertake searches , explains other fee services, and responds to questions. Provides guidance and instruction to the public in the use of equipment. Ensures the equipment is maintained and reports equipment problems. Monitors and controls public use of Copyright Office records. Communicates with requesters or representatives on issues involving questions of ownership and the authority of requesters to obtain copies of deposits. Answers difficult technical questions from the public on copyright law and Copyright Office policies and practices related to Copyright Office records and systems. Refers particularly difficult and complex questions and cases to the supervisor for resolution. Conducts briefings for groups interested In Copyright Office record systems, retention periods, and records retrieval procedures, as assigned. Performs the review necessary to ensure that the actions taken and the information provided in response to inquiries are fully responsive and accurate, and that proper service fees are being charged for the requested work. Determines the estimated cost(s) required to complete the request(s). Contacts the requesters to communicate the estimated amounts. Records payment information received from the requesters, if appropriate. May also respond to additional questions about Copyright Office services and records during communications with the requester. Performs other duties as assigned. The position description number for this position is 361398. The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area. Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement. Requirements Conditions of Employment No additional requirements to those listed above. 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 Plan, Organize and Execute Work.* Ability to Research, Analyze and Evaluate Complex Issues.* Ability to Communicate in Writing.** Ability to Utilize Computer Technology. Ability to Communicate and Interact with Others. Ability to Communicate Effectively other than in Writing. Education Additional Information Althoughit 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 The incumbent of this position will work a flextime work schedule This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position 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. 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 lettermust 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 EEO/Diversity Programs at 202-707-6024 or email spp@loc.gov. 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. 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 unitswithin 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. A “Not to Exceed” (NTE) status is used to identify an appointment with a specific ending date. However, the Library has the right to separate a NTE employee at any time due to either performance issues or budget constraints. 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.
Job Details:
Company: Library of Congress
Vacancy Type: Full Time
Job Location: Hagerstown, MD, US
Application Deadline: N/A
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