Federal

Librarian (Serials and eResources)

Smithsonian Institution · Other Agencies and Independent Organizations
📍 Washington, District of Columbia GS-12 $102,415 - $133,142/yr
Posted: Mar 6, 2026 Deadline: Mar 20, 2026 (Closed days left)

About This Position

The Smithsonian Institution (SI) is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo.

This position is in the Discovery, Acquisitions, and Technical Services (DATS) department, Smithsonian Libraries and Archives (SLA). The SLA gathers, organizes, and disseminates the records and history of the Institution to support its research and education programs.

Qualifications

All librarians must meet the requirements for professional education in library science or possess equivalent experience and education. 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. A total of at least 5 years of a combination of college-level education, training, and experience. To qualify on this basis, the applicant must establish conclusively that the education, training, and 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 and information services.

In addition to meeting the basic qualification requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the specialized experience and/or education requirements listed below: GS-12 Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal Service. For this position Specialized experience is defined as managing an acquisitions or electronic resources unit or department that handles the acquisition, cataloging, licensing, lifecycle management, and access to electronic resources, serials, and electronic collections. This experience may include applying new rules and standards to existing workflows, completing large‐scale descriptive projects, and collaborating with colleagues on new initiatives.

It also includes contributing to operating plans, supporting budget planning and expenditure forecasting, and ensuring the cost‐effective acquisition of serials and electronic resources.

Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual experience.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.

Major Duties

The Librarian (Serials and eResources) is responsible for managing the lifecycle and access for digital and print serials and electronic resources. Plays a key role in the review and selection of resources. Is the lead in the purchase, management and license negotiation of electronic resources.

Is the point of contact for access of eResources. In this position, you will: Manage acquisitions of electronic resources and serials, including negotiating with vendors and providers of digital content to serve the research needs of the Libraries' and Institution. Assists in developing operating plans, including managing Discovery, Acquisitions, and Technical Services (DATS) eSerials and eResources budget(s), vendor relationships, and contractual agreements.

Supervises four or fewer staff in serials, eResources and cataloging.

Conditions of Employment

Conditions of Employment Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions on OPM website.

Education

There is no substitution for specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Applicants for this position may be evaluated in multiple stages. The first stage is an evaluation of your responses to the online multiple-choice questions that assess your experience, education, and/or training for the job related competencies below: Skill in acquiring, receiving and managing digital and print subscriptions; and collecting, curating, and presenting use, price, and availability data for electronic resources and collections. Ability to contribute to budget planning, monitor fund allocations, forecast expenditures, and ensure cost-effective acquisition of serials and electronic resources.

Ability to supervise a diverse staff. Applicants who meet or exceed minimum qualifications will be assigned to one of three category groups based on job-related criteria: Best Category - Meets the minimum qualification requirements and excels in most of the job related competencies above. Better Category - Meets the minimum qualification requirements and satisfies most of the job related competencies above.

Good Category - Meets the minimum qualification requirements, but does not satisfy most of the job related competencies above to a substantive degree. This category rating process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three", but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. A selecting official may make selections from the highest quality category (Best Category) provided no preference eligible in that category is passed over to select a non-preference eligible in that category unless the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 3317(b) or 3318(b) are satisfied.

Preference eligibles who meet minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or higher. Applicants who have not submitted a resume in the USAjobs system and/or have not answered all of the vacancy questions will not be considered for this position. Important

Note: Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire or other assessment tool for consistency. If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than is supported by your resume, you will be assigned a rating commensurate to your described experience.

Your resume should provide sufficient information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed.

You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Additional Information

This position is not included in the bargaining unit. Recruitment Incentive: Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position. However, approval for incentives are contingent upon various availability. If authorized, certain incentives will require the incumbent to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a certain time period.

Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid. Selections may be made for vacancies across the Smithsonian Institution (SI). By applying to this position, you agree to allow your application and other personal information to be shared with one or more SI hiring officials for employment consideration for same/similar positions within the location(s) identified in this announcement.

How to Apply

Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page. Please

Note: You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button and submit required supplemental documents (if they are relevant to you).

Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages.

You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process.

The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. If you are unable to apply online, paper applications may be accepted with prior approval of the Contact Person listed below.

Required Documents

Your application package should include the following documents: Resume - Your resume can be uploaded and attached to your application or created using the USA Jobs on-line resume builder. Ensure your resume contains the job title (including the occupational series and grade if it is Federal), job-related qualifications, starting and ending dates (month and year), and hours worked per week, for each employment period. It is your responsibility to ensure all information is submitted.

Failure to include this information may result in disqualification for the position. For assistance with creating a resume, please click USAJOBS Help Center - How do I write a resume for a federal job? Proof of Veteran's Preference - DD214 (Member 4 Copy), if you are a veteran.

Additionally, applicants claiming 10-point preference must complete Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, as well as additional documentation required by the SF-15, such as a VA letter. Unofficial school transcripts, if the position has an education requirement or if you are using education to qualify. If selected for the position, you must provide an official transcript before appointment.

Proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study, if applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Librarian (Serials and eResources) position at Smithsonian Institution ?
The salary range for this position is $102,415 - $133,142/yr. This is a GS-12 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Librarian (Serials and eResources) job located?
This position is located in Washington, District of Columbia. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
All librarians must meet the requirements for professional education in library science or possess equivalent experience and education. 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. A total of at leas...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Mar 20, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What does GS-12 mean?
GS-12 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.