The Public Services Division (PSD) of the National Agricultural Library is
recruiting for the position of Head of its Information Centers Branch.  A
copy of the vacancy announcement follows; it may also be obtained at:
http://www.ars.usda.gov/afm/hrd/vacancy/a8b-8299.htm

Thank you in advance for any assistance which can be provided in
directing the announcement to qualified individuals.  With apologies for
any cross-postings which may occur.

--Maria Pisa, Associate Director, PSD



RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND ECONOMICS
Agricultural Research Service
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
ALL SOURCES/ALTERNATIVE MERIT PROMOTION

Position Title: Supervisory Librarian
Series/Grade:GS-1410-14
Promotion Potential: GS-14
Salary: $66,138 to $85,978 per annum
Type of Appointment: Permanent Full Time
Location of Position: National Agricultural Library, Public
Services Division
Information Centers Branch, Beltsville, MD

Announcement Number: ARS-A8B-8299
Opening Date: September 8, 1998
Closing Date: October 13, 1998
Area of Consideration: All Sources - Nationwide

APPLICATIONS WILL ALSO BE ACCEPTED FROM USDA SURPLUS AND
FEDERAL DISPLACED EMPLOYEES IN THE COMMUTING AREA.

APPLICATIONS WILL ALSO BE ACCEPTED FROM ALL ARS SURPLUS
EMPLOYEES--NATIONWIDE.


DUTIES:

The Information Centers Branch provides national and
international leadership in the provision of and access to
agricultural and related scientific and technical information
in specialized subject matter areas to a wide range of national
and international customers The incumbent serves as the Branch
Head and is responsible for policy making, planning, managing,
organizing, directing and evaluating the nationwide information
program requirements, activities, and functions of specialized
scientific and technical information centers. Supervises and
evaluates subordinates; makes effective selections of subordinate
personnel; hears group grievances, employee complaints, and
disciplinary problems and takes the initiative to resolve them.

The incumbent: plans, organizes, and manages the activities of a
large staff engaged in (a) assisting customers in finding answers
to specific questions regarding selected worldwide or nationally
important agricultural issues and problems; (b) developing and
identifying the location of research collections; (c) providing
reference services including in-depth electronic databases
searches; (d) producing and disseminating print and electronic
information products, (e) promoting the resources and services of
the library through outreach activities such as exhibits,
presentations, and workshops on information sources and
information gathering techniques, (f) electronic and personal
networking activities, and (g) providing liaison with designated
agencies in the Department, other national libraries (e.g.
Library of Congress, National Library of Medicine), university,
and federal research libraries, land-grant institutions, and
other agricultural organizations regarding their information
needs and in the development of programs of mutual interest.
Recommends and establishes overall program plans, priorities and
objectives  and monitors their accomplishment.

As the Library's authority on information centers, establishes
and maintains consultative relationships with domestic and
foreign library and scientific information organizations such as
the Library of Congress, National Library of Medicine, various
state libraries, the Land-Grant University Libraries, other
Federal Research Libraries, etc., concerning the establishment,
expansion, or curtailment of information services; and to develop
new interface arrangements, resolve operational problems, and
discuss matters of mutual interest to more effectively and
efficiently serve the worldwide body of users. Directs and
oversees the (1) management of specialized information centers in
issue areas including: alternative farming; animal welfare; food
and nutrition; and rural revitalization and health and (2)
development and administration of scientific and technical
information centers. Promotes, publicizes, and explains the
Library's services and activities concerning specialized
information centers and outreach programs through formal
presentations, correspondence, personal contacts, and other
means of communication. Represents the NAL at meetings of
professional library and scientific associations with a special
emphasis on interpreting the Library's role as a leading
agricultural information resource.

QUALIFICATIONS: All applicants must meet the minimum basic
requirements for entry into professional library positions
including one year of experience equivalent to at least the next
lower grade level (GS-13).

Basic Requirements: All librarians in the Federal competitive
civil service must meet the requirements for professional
education in library science or possess equivalent experience as
shown below. Applicants must meet the requirements specified in
paragraphs A, B, or C below. (Note: Applicants who qualify under
the provisions of paragraph C will may be required to take a
subject-matter test in library science.)

A. Completion of 1 full academic year of graduate study in
library science in an accredited college or university, in
addition to completion of all work required for a bachelor's
degree; OR

B. Completion of all the requirements for a "5th-year"bachelor's
degree in library science and at least 1 year of library
experience that included the performance of duties in one or more
functional areas of librarianship at the GS-5 or higher grade
level; OR

C. A total of at least 5 years of a combination of college-level
education, training, and/or experience. To qualify on this basis,
the applicant must establish conclusively that the education,
training, and/or experience provided a knowledge and
understanding of the theories, principles, and techniques of
professional librarianship; a knowledge of literature resources;
and the knowledge and abilities essential for providing effective
library services.

Specialized Experience: must show the applicant possesses the
required administrative and/or managerial ability to successfully
perform the duties of the position.

1. Knowledge of the principles, practices and state-of-the-art
techniques involved in the development and execution of reference
and scientific and technical information services.

2. Ability to manage library programs and operations such as
those associated with national libraries, major college and
university libraries, or special libraries, and provide direction
and oversight in the formulation, management and execution of
current and long range information center policies, plans and
programs.

3. Ability to supervise a staff of librarians, technical
information specialists, library technicians, and support
positions.

4. Knowledge of administrative and financial management policies,
regulations, and procedures including the methods and sources for
funding library programs and operations.

5. Knowledge of the information needs and information-seeking
behavior of researchers, administrators, policy makers, and other
top level officials.

YOUR EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE WILL BE EVALUATED AGAINST THE
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs) AS OUTLINED UNDER
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE AND SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR(S). A
SPECIFIC RESPONSE TO THE REQUIREMENTS OUTLINED UNDER SPECIALIZED
EXPERIENCE IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO ENSURE ADEQUATE CONSIDERATION
IN THE EVALUATION PROCESS. A SPECIFIC RESPONSE TO SELECTIVE
PLACEMENT FACTOR(S) IS REQUIRED.

 Selective Placement Factors:

1. Knowledge of the biological and/or agricultural sciences or
related disciplines.

2. Knowledge of database, telecommunications and library
automation systems/technology, particularly as it applies to
information services for users utilizing the Internet, World Wide
Web, and specialized on-line and networked databases.


APPLICATION INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY:  Send a resume, curriculum vitae, SF-171, or
Optional Application for Federal Employment, OF-612, to the
Contact address. The following information is required to
evaluate applicant qualifications and to determine if applicants
meet legal requirements for Federal employment:

. Announcement number, title, and grade(s) for the position
. Full name, mailing address (including zip code) and day and
evening phone numbers (with area code)
. Social security number
. Identify country of citizenship (U.S. citizenship is required)
. Veterans' Preference (If applicable - DD-214 is required)
. Highest Federal civilian grade held (if applicable)
. Highest education level achieved. Specify:
 - Name, city, state, zip code (if known)
 - Date or expected date (month/year) of completion of degree
requirements
 - Type of degree received
 - Graduates of foreign universities must include proof of
foreign education equivalency to an accredited U.S.
college/university

. Copy of college transcripts or list of college courses (if
required under  QUALIFICATIONS or if applicable to the position).

. Paid and nonpaid work experience related to the position. For
each work experience include:
 - Job title
 - Series/grade (if Federal employment)
 - Duties and accomplishments
 - Employer's name and address
 - Supervisor's name and address
 - Starting and ending dates
 - Hours per week
 - Salary
 - Indicate if we may contact current supervisor/employer

. Job-related:
 - Training courses (title and year)
 - Skills (e.g., other languages, typing speed, computer
software/hardware, tools, etc.)
 - Certificates/licenses (current)
 - Honors, awards, and special accomplishments

 OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

. All status candidates who wish to be considered under both
alternative merit promotion and non-status competitive examining
must submit two (2) complete applications. When only one (1)
application is received, it will be considered under the
alternative merit promotion procedures if the applicant is a
current or former Federal employee with reinstatement
eligibility.

. Applicants will be evaluated based on the quality and extent of
their experience, education, and accomplishments. This may
include factors such as number of credits in directly related
subjects, grade point average, relatedness of work experience,
and any other evidence of ability to do the work of the position.
For current and former Federal employees, the performance
evaluation may also be taken into consideration. Please be
sure that your application or resume contains all of the
information we need to determine if you are well qualified.

. This position is being filled in accordance with the
Alternative Merit Promotion system. All merit promotion
principles remain in effect.

.  USDA surplus/Federal displaced employees must submit
documentary evidence of eligibility. Well qualified surplus and
displaced employees within the local commuting area will receive
selection priority as provided by OPM regulations. Well-qualified
means the applicant meets the basic qualification and eligibility
requirements and all selective placement factors; is rated above
minimally qualified against the knowledge, skills, and abilities
or quality criteria; and is able to satisfactorily perform the
duties of the position upon entry. Applicants  must submit the
following:
 - a copy of their RIF Separation Notice (for displaced
employees) OR Certification of Expected Separation or other
documentation identifying you as surplus;
 - evidence of full performance level of current position;
 - a copy of their most recent performance appraisal; and
 - a copy of their most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel
Action, to verify reassignment eligibility.

. Current Federal employees  must submit their most recent
performance appraisal.
. Applicants with Federal reinstatement eligibility should submit
an SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, to verify
reinstatement eligibility.
. Applicants are encouraged to submit AD-1086, USDA Applicant
Supplemental Sheet.
. Males over age 18 who were born after December 31, 1959, must
have registered with the Selective Service System (or have an
exemption) to be eligible for a Federal job.

.  If applications do not contain all of the requested
information, applicants may lose consideration for the job.
.  If applicants make a false statement in any part of their
application, they may not be hired; may be fired after they begin
work; or may be fined or jailed.
. Applicants will not be notified of the status of their
application until a final selection has been made.
. Applications submitted via Government envelopes will not be
accepted.


SPECIAL HIRING AUTHORITIES: Special hiring authorities may apply
to disabled individuals, former Peace Corps, Vista, action
cooperatives, volunteers, VRA eligibles, and 30 percent disabled
veterans.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE: If applicants served on active duty in the
United States military and were separated under honorable
conditions, they may be eligible for veterans' preference. Most
veterans who served during the Gulf War era (August 2, 1990
through January 2, 1992) are eligible for preference. Veterans
who did not serve during this time frame, but whose service began
after October 15, 1976, must have a campaign badge, expeditionary
medal, or a service-connected disability to be eligible for
preference. To claim 5-point veterans' preference, applicants
must attach a copy of their DD-214, Certificate of Release or
Discharge from Active Duty, or other proof of eligibility. To
claim 10- point veterans' preference, attach an SF-15,
Application for 10-Point Veterans Preference, plus the
documentation required by that form. For further details, call
the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) at 912-757-3000.
Select "Federal Employment Topics" and then "Veterans." Or, dial
OPM's electronic bulletin board at 912-757-3100 or visit their
VetGuide web site: www.opm.gov/employ/html/vetguide.htm.

. RELOCATION EXPENSES WILL NOT BE AUTHORIZED.

. APPLICATIONS MUST BE
  [ X ] POSTMARKED
  [ ] RECEIVED BY THE CLOSING DATE OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT.

Submit applications to:

USDA/ARS/AFM/HRD/ESB
ATTN: Mary E. Byrd
5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Stop 5104
Beltsville, MD 20705-5104
(301) 504-1484

For employment information:
Mary E. Byrd, 301-504-1333

 INTERNET ADDRESS: www.ars.usda.gov
 DIAL-A-VACANCY: 301-504-1482
 DC RELAY SERVICE: 202-855-1234 (TDD)
 FAX: 301-504-1535
E-MAIL: [log in to unmask]


THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER.

THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE  IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

EMPLOYER.