Senior Accessible Music Librarian

The position serves as a Senior Accessible Music Librarian in the Music Section, Patron and Network Engagement (PNE) Division, National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), within the Library Collections and Services Group (LCSG). Reporting to the Section Head, the incumbent exercises a high degree of independence in improving workflows and updating or creating new guidelines, systems and operational policies. Exercising a high degree of independence, the incumbent provides expert patron services and liaison functions related to music and accessible-format music materials. Facilitates product management and enhancements of library systems. Expert in problem solving; strengthens interoperability of NLS technical systems, patron-related databases, and collection distribution technologies and systems.

Responds to difficult inquiries and solves highly complex problems leveraging highly specialized fields of knowledge regarding accessible-format music materials that are difficult to identify or locate, or information that involves related and rapidly evolving terminology. Responds to inquiries by telephone, correspondence, digital media, and in person. Applies in-depth knowledge of music subjects in general and of concern to disabled persons, their families, and professionals who work with them. Provides information about the NLS program from the vantage point of great familiarity with unique resources within and outside NLS.

Clarifies, analyzes and responds to questions and requirements. Applies search strategies of significant complexity or time; identifies resources from the NLS music collections and from the general and special collections of the Library or from other resources. Clarifies vague requests for accessible-format music materials through use of proper bibliographic tools. Work may involve researching trends and patterns to develop new methods or services, sometimes under severe time constraints. Searches authoritative resources for bibliographic records. Provides technical expertise in the specific subject area of music, especially music in the special formats of braille, large-print, and recorded. Provides assistance in a courteous, professional, and timely manner, in accordance with the highest standards of public service.

Exercises high level of independence to develop collections by identifying acquisition opportunities and reporting to Section Head for further processing. For selected acquisitions, writes justifications, and processes acquisition of new materials for the collection. Examines unsolicited materials to determine whether they should be added to the library's collection. Determines the quality of materials acquired from different sources. Determines the need for new subscriptions and renewals and initiates process accordingly. Able to handle novel or obscure problems and/or special requirements for Music Section collections and collections development coordination. Able to take on Contract Officer Representative (COR) responsibilities. Coordinates in deselecting and withdrawing materials and claims missing titles.

Exercising a high degree of independence, manages projects related to NLS Music Section and/or NLS patron services. Manages projects pertaining to accessible-format files and collections of various complexities relevant to Music Section operations. Solves problems concerning complex accessible music formats by identifying, for example, unusual or obsolete file formats and finding solutions to convert or map them to current accessible music formats. Ensures accuracy and currency of digital archives. Exercises considerable judgment and discretion in interpreting, applying, and developing new guidelines, including deviating from or extending traditional methods, techniques, and practices or identifying areas for improvement in established methods and procedures. Provides guidance to staff and/or interns.

Writes and/or edits materials of a highly complex subject matter utilizing an extensive knowledge of the subject area of music. Writes and/or publishes materials of complex subject matter using an extensive knowledge of the subject area of digital accessible technologies to provide accurate interpretation and explanation of the subject. Writes and/or edits documents, guidelines, articles, metadata, catalog records, NLS music magazines, blog entries for the Music Section's blog, and reports. Compiles information packages for blind or otherwise reading-disabled patrons. Analyzes and reviews the preparation and organization of complex projects. May assist with management of writing and editing tasks and may manage the production of the Section's music magazines. Manages and performs the review of the preparation and processing for the final materials being produced.