Demo

Supervisory Librarian.

Smithsonian Institution
Washington, DC Full Time
POSTED ON 4/23/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/22/2026
Duties

The Supervisory Librarian is responsible for overseeing strategic planning, collection development, and management of all programs, personnel and activities of Smithsonian Libraries and Archives and Physical Sciences Libraries of all programs, personnel and activities of SLA's Natural and Physical Sciences Libraries across multiple SI Museums and Centers.

In This Position, You Will:

  • Monitors professional and technology trends to improve operations of NPS research libraries and contributes to SLA’s digital strategy to expand access to collections, research, and publications while meeting evolving researcher needs.
  • Develops and executes NPS operating plans aligned with strategic priorities; communicates contingency plans; assesses program performance using data from multiple sources; and makes timely course corrections based on ongoing performance reviews.
  • Develops NPS strategic priorities aligned with institutional mission. Overseas, implements, and assesses day-to-day operations and programs (patron services, collection development, reference and research support services).
  • Develops NPS annual federal, trust, endowment, gift and grant budgets and ensures that they are managed and expensed following SI policy. Ensure that both short-and long-term space and equipment needs are met.
  • Supervises staff of the Natural & Physical Sciences Libraries. Sets goals, prioritizes tasks, establishes unit structures and routines, assignes responsibitites, and accesses peformance. Coaches and develops staff.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • Pass Pre-employment Background Investigation
  • May need to complete a Probationary Period
  • Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer
  • Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.

Conditions of Employment

Qualification requirements, including one year time-in-grade at the next lower grade level for promotion candidates, must be met within 30 days of the job announcement closing date. See the 'Required Documents' section for additional information.

For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on

Qualifications

Basic Qualification Requirements:

All librarians must meet the requirements for professional education in library science or possess equivalent experience and education.

  • 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

  • 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-13 Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal Service. For this position Specialized experience is defined as providing professional library services that include supervising and training staff; delivering reference and research assistance; conducting bibliographic database searches; performing collection development and budget management; overseeing circulation and loan services; conducting outreach to promote access to library collections; and managing or supporting cataloging, metadata, bibliographic description, and data enhancement activities for materials in the natural and physical sciences.

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.

Or a Combination: Education and experience may be combined to meet the basic qualifications. For a full explanation of this option please see the

Education

You must submit a legible copy of your college/university transcripts to your online application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the time of application. Official transcripts will be required if selected. Failure to submit the required legible documentation at the time of application will result in disqualification of your application.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.

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.

Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities: The following links contain information on the eligibility requirements to be considered under a noncompetitive appointing authority:

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

The Federal Government offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Please see Benefits at

Flexible Spending Accounts -

Health Insurance -

Leave -

Life Insurance -

Long Term Care Insurance -

Retirement Program -

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