This document provides an overview of the process for becoming a federal librarian. It discusses establishing eligibility, qualifying for positions, applying, interviewing, and obtaining a job offer. Key steps include checking announcements on USAJOBS, tailoring resumes and applications to each position, and being prepared to wait months for the lengthy hiring process. Networking, internships, and patience are advised to navigate the competitive path to federal librarianship.

1. 2008 Careers in Federal Libraries ALA Annual Pre-Conference Event June 27, 2008 The Road to Federal Librarianship Helen Q. Sherman

6. Goal of Federal Job Process Federal Employee Employer Applicant

10. Position Classification Standard for Librarian Series, GS-1410

11. Librarian or Supervisory Librarian or Reference Librarian, etc.

12. Position Description (PD) Tip: The Position Description (PD) summarized in a job announcement is based on factor levels for the position.

21. General Schedule (GS) & Locality Pay Tables http://www.opm.gov/oca/08tables/

22. GS Base Pay S howing Steps for Each Grade

25. GS Salary Table with Locality Pay

27. GAO-08-ISTS-2210-18 Information Systems & Technology Services (ISTS)

29. NIST: ZP-2210-01/05 Information Technology Specialist

31. DoD NSPS Worldwide Pay Table http://www.cpms.osd.mil/nsps/

33. USAJOBS

34. Bookmark and Check Agency Sites for New Announcements Tip: Some USAJOBS announcements appear on agency sites before they are searchable on USAJOBS.

39. Search by Applicant Eligibility

40. Status Candidate Defined

42. Career & Career-Conditional http://www.usajobs.gov/EI38.asp

43. Transfer http://www.usajobs.gov/EI5.asp

44. Reinstatement http://www.usajobs.gov/EI2.asp

45. Veterans’ Preference http://www.usajobs.gov/ei3.asp

46. Summary: Who May Apply

47. Overview: Who May Be Considered

49. Permanent: Full Time

50. Multiple: Pool of Applicants

51. Librarian & Supervisory Librarian

52. Technical Information Specialist

53. Open Period (Important!) Tip: Observe the closing date and allow time for system failures with the online resume.

65. Required Personal Information

66. Required Work Experience

68. USAJOBS Resume Tip: Create a USAJOBS account & receive automated job alerts.

69. Create Resumes on Sites with Other Online Systems Tip: Use your saved files to create new resumes.

71. Keyword Search

72. Job Category Search

73. Agency Search

74. Department/Agency Name

75. Check Status

76. Job Summary

77. Tabs for Navigation Through Announcement