Demo

Supervisory Librarian

SMITHSONIAN
Washington, DC Other
POSTED ON 4/16/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 4/30/2026

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 Smithsonian Libraries and Archives (SLA). The Smithsonian Libraries and Archives gathers, organizes, and disseminates the records and history of the Institution to support its research, curatorial, exhibition, publication, public service, and education programs.

More than one selection may be made from this announcement.

Qualifications:

Basic Qualification Requirements:

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-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 Qualification Standards. Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are qualifying by education and/or you have education completed in a foreign college/university described above, it is your responsibility to provide transcripts and proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study. For instructions on where to fax these documents, see the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

Responsibilities:

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.

Salary : $121,785

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