ENTRY LEVEL

These Competencies identify the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required to maintain a National Park Service (NPS) library. Successful operation of a NPS site library includes the accounting for, access to and correct storage of library materials as well as interaction with other staff members to provide for maximum value from the library. Depending on the mission of the NPS site and the size of the library, the individual may become specialized in some library tasks while performing others only on a limited basis. The work is usually performed without direct library supervision, however, support from other NPS Library staff may be available.

1. Library Management

Description

Maintains a National Park Service library.

Outline

I. Library Management

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of basic library principles, standard methods, and techniques

Knowledge of NPS administrative guideline NPS-84 Library Management Guideline (pending)

Ability to identify annual library needs and maintain appropriate levels of supplies in order to avoid compromising accessibility to library resources

2. Collection Development and Management

Description

Works with other staff members to select and acquire appropriate library material associated with the site or in support of the site's mission or resource management activities.

Outline

II. Collection Development and Management

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of the library's management plan/scope of collection statement

Knowledge of the mission, policies, history and objectives of the National Park Service

Knowledge of the site's mission, history and objectives

Ability to apply the library management plan/scope of collection statement to the acquisition of library materials and the acceptance of gift materials

Ability to follow established procedures to identify and dispose of library materials outside the library management plan

3. Cataloging and Classification

Description

Items in the library are uniquely described and listed, in order to identify, control, house, retrieve and use materials.

Outline

III.Cataloging and Classification

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of basic library cataloging and classification rules and procedures

Ability to identify key elements from physical material and to translate these into access and identification points and input them into a library card catalog, on-line catalog or database

Ability to identify and assign classification or filing numbers most appropriate to the library using existing records or systems

4. Reference Resources and Skills

Description

Assists users in finding information and materials.

Outline

IV. Reference Resources and Skills

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of basic reference and research materials and resources on site

Ability to direct users to proper reference sources in the library

5. Library Operations

Description

Maintains the library in the most effective and efficient manner.

Outline

V. Library Operations

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of basic library operations, procedures, and methods

Ability to maintain circulation records and system

Ability to process library materials such as apply spine labels, book pockets and other tasks as needed

Ability to shelve material in its proper place

Ability to maintain NPS reference resources such as guidelines and databases

6. Computer-related Library and Information Technology

Description

Uses current technology to maintain the library efficiently and effectively and to assist users in finding material and information.

Outline

VI. Computer-related Library and Information Technology

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of basic library and information technology, software and hardware. Ability to operate CD-ROM drives, printers and modems in addition to basic computer skills

Ability to input data into existing on-line catalog or library database to create bibliographic records for materials held in the library

Ability to perform computer applications such as electronic mail, wordprocessing, Windows

7. Archival Management and Preservation

Description

Assists in the preservation and protection of library materials.

Outline

VII. Archival Management and Preservation

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of basic procedures and standards for the preservation, storage and repair of library materials

Knowledge of applicable NPS guidelines, such as NPS-28 Cultural Resources Management Guideline, NPS-77 Natural Resources Management Guideline, Museum Handbook, Appendix D. and National Archives disposition requirements

Ability to perform basic housekeeping functions, e.g., shelving, cleaning, and repair of materials

Ability to stabilize material following established procedures

Ability to follow procedures for correct storage of materials

Ability to monitor physical condition of materials

8. Communications

Description

Communicates to users the policies and procedures of the library and interprets the needs of the users.

Outline

VIII. Communications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Skill in representing and promoting the library

Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and accurately, both orally and in writing

Ability to assist in report preparation in response to management requests

Ability to engage in effective reference interviews with users

DEVELOPMENTAL LEVEL

These Competencies identify the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required to maintain a National Park Service (NPS) library. Successful operation of a NPS site library includes the accounting for, access to and correct storage of Library materials as well as interaction with other staff members to provide for maximum value from the library. Depending on the mission of the NPS site and the size of the library, the individual may become specialized in some library tasks while performing others only on a limited basis. The work is usually performed without direct library supervision, however, support from other NPS Library staff may be available.

1. Library Management

Description

Maintains a National Park Service library.

Outline

I. Library Management

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of library principles, standard methods, and techniques

Knowledge of and ability to apply NPS administrative guideline NPS-84 Library Management Guideline (pending)

Ability to prepare an annual budget request sufficient to cover operating costs, supplies, and new acquisitions. Skill in ranking purchases, tracking expenses and staying within the budget

2. Collection Development and Management

Description

Selects and acquires appropriate library material associated with the site or in support of the site's mission or resource management activities.

Outline

II. Collection Development and Management

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of the library's management plan/scope of collection statement. Ability to evaluate, revise, update and edit library planning documents

Knowledge of the mission, policies, history and objectives of the National Park Service

Knowledge of the site's mission, history and objectives

Ability to apply the library management plan/scope of collection statement to the acquisition of library materials and the acceptance of gift materials and take steps to correct inadequacies in the collection

Knowledge of and ability to use standard sources for collection development and procurement (Books in Print, book reviews, publishers' catalogs, etc.)

Ability to follow established procedures to identify and dispose of library materials outside the library management plan

3. Cataloging and Classification

Description

Items in the library are uniquely described and listed, in order to identify, control, house, retrieve and use materials.

Outline

III. Cataloging and Classification

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of basic library cataloging and classification rules and procedures

Ability to identify key elements from physical material and to translate these into access and identification points and input them into a library card catalog, on-line catalog or database

Ability to identify and assign classification or filing numbers most appropriate to the library using existing records or systems

Ability to construct or modify and implement alternative filing arrangements for special collections, according to NPS library management guidelines and standard library principles, when neither Library of Congress or Dewey Decimal classification systems are appropriate or merited

4. Reference Resources and Skills

Description

Assists users in finding information and materials.

Outline

IV. Reference Resources and Skills

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of reference and research materials and resources, on site, and/or through computer connections

Ability to direct users to proper reference sources in the library

Ability to assist users in using computer reference sources, either in-house or on-line

Knowledge of basic computer-based databases (in-house, on-line, CD-Rom). Ability to create subject bibliographies for users from these sources

5. Library Operations

Description

Operates the library in the most effective and efficient manner.

Outline

V. Library Operations

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of standard library operations, procedures, and methods

Skill in maintaining circulation records and systems

Ability to process library materials such as apply spine labels, book pockets and other tasks as needed

Ability to shelve material is its proper place

Knowledge of NPS reference resources, such as guidelines and databases and their producers. Ability to maintain these sources.

6. Computer-related Library and Information Technology

Description

Uses current technology to operate the library efficiently and effectively and to assist users in finding material and information.

Outline

VI. Computer-related Library and Information Technology

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of library and information technology, software and hardware. Ability to operate CD-ROM drives, printers and modems in addition to basic computer skills

Ability to retrieve bibliographic and other information using primary automated catalogs and bibliographies, including on-line, CD-Rom, database management software (Pro-Cite, NPS Union Catalog, AlICAT, imaged documents, etc)

Ability to input data into existing on-line catalog or library database to create bibliographic records for materials held in the library

Ability to perform computer applications such as electronic mail, wordprocessing, spreadsheets, Windows

7. Archival Management and Preservation

Description

Assists in the preservation and protection of library materials.

Outline

VII. Archival Management and Preservation

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of basic procedures and standards for the preservation, storage and repair of library materials

Knowledge of applicable NPS guidelines, such as NPS-28 Cultural Resources Management Guideline, NPS-77 Natural Resources Management Guideline, Museum Handbook, Appendix D. and National Archives disposition requirements

Ability to perform basic housekeeping functions, e.g. shelving, cleaning, and repair of materials

Ability to stabilize material following established procedures

Ability to follow procedures for correct storage of materials

Ability to monitor physical condition of materials and to prioritize treatment

8. Communications

Description

Communicates to users the policies and procedures of the library and interprets the needs of the users.

Outline

VIII. Communications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to work with a variety of people in complex situations

Skill in representing and promoting the library services

Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and accurately, both orally and in writing

Ability to prepare reports on library activities in response to management requests

Ability to engage in effective reference interviews with users

Ability to instruct volunteers and users in library procedures and processes, both orally and in writing

FULL PERFORMANCE LEVEL

These Competencies identify the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required to operate a National Park Service (NPS) library. Successful operation of a NPS site library includes the accounting for, access to and correct storage of Library materials as well as interaction with other staff members to provide for maximum value from the library. Depending on the mission of the NPS site and the size of the library, the individual may become specialized in some library tasks while performing others only on a limited basis. The work is usually performed without direct library supervision, however, support from other NPS Library staff may be available.

1. Library Management

Description

Manages a National Park Service library.

Outline

I. Library Management

Knowledge of library principles, standard methods, and techniques

Knowledge of and ability to apply NPS administrative guideline NPS-84 Library Management Guideline (pending)

Ability to prepare annual budget request sufficient to cover operating costs, supplies, and new acquisitions. Skill in ranking purchases, tracking expenses and staying within the budget

Ability to develop, monitor, and adjust annual goals and objectives for the library

Ability to develop a long term strategic plan and multi-year budget plan for the library

2. Collection Development and Management

Description

Selects and acquires appropriate library material associated with the site or in support of the site's mission or resource management activities.

Outline

II. Collection Development and Management

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of the principles behind the development of collection development documents. Ability to write, evaluate, revise, update and edit library planning documents

Knowledge of the library's management plan/scope of collection statement

In-depth Knowledge of the mission, policies, history and objectives of the National Park Service. Ability to apply this knowledge to library management situations

Knowledge of the site's mission, history and objectives

Ability to apply the library management plan/scope of collection statement to the acquisition of library materials and the acceptance of gift materials and take steps to correct inadequacies in the collection

Knowledge of and ability to use standard sources for collection development and procurement (Books in Print, book reviews, publishers' catalogs, rare book dealers, etc.)

Ability to follow established procedures to identify and dispose of library materials outside the library management plan

3. Cataloging and Classification

Description

Items in the library are uniquely described and listed, in order to identify, control, house, retrieve and use materials.

Outline

III. Cataloging and Classification

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of basic library cataloging and classification rules and procedures

Ability to identify key elements from physical material and to translate these into access and identification points and input them into a library card catalog, on-line catalog or database

Ability to perform basic copy cataloging

Ability to identify and assign classification or filing numbers most appropriate to the library using existing records or systems

Ability to construct or modify and implement alternative filing arrangements for special collections, according to NPS library management guidelines and standard library principles, when neither Library of Congress or Dewey Decimal classification systems are appropriate or merited

Ability to create and utilize in-house finding aids in order to reflect the specialized subject needs of the site and its library collections

4. Reference Resources and Skills

Description

Assists users in finding information and materials.

Outline

IV. Reference Resources and Skills

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of reference and research materials and resources, on site, and/or through computer connections

Ability to direct users to proper reference sources in the library

Ability to assist users in using computer reference sources, either in-house or on-line

Knowledge of computer-based databases (in-house, on-line, CD-Rom). Ability to create subject bibliographies for users from these sources

Ability to develop and implement basic current awareness programs, which may include book reviews, new book lists, current contents service, etc

5. Library Operations

Description

Operates the library in the most effective and efficient manner.

Outline

V. Library Operations

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of standard library operations, procedures, and methods

Skill in maintaining circulation records and systems

Ability to process library materials such as apply spine labels, book pockets and other tasks as needed

Ability to shelve material in its proper place

Ability to initiate interlibrary loan requests and receive and distribute incoming material

Ability to maintain interlibrary loan log and/or records in accordance with copyright laws and to provide needed statistics

Knowledge of NPS reference resources, such as guidelines and databases and their producers. Ability to maintain these sources

6. Computer-related Library and Information Technology

Description

Uses current technology to operate and manage the library efficiently and effectively and to assist users in finding material and information.

Outline

VI. Computer-related Library and Information Technology

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of basic library and information technology, software and hardware. Ability to operate and troubleshoot CD-ROM drives, printers and modems in addition to basic computer skills

Ability to retrieve bibliographic and other information using primary automated catalogs and bibliographies, including on-line, CD-Rom, database management software (Pro-Cite, NPS Union Catalog, ALICAT, imaged documents, etc)

Ability to input data into existing on-line catalog or library database to create bibliographic records for materials held in the library

Ability to perform computer applications such as electronic mail, wordprocessing, spreadsheets, Windows

Ability to use DOINET/Internet and other on-line resources

7. Archival Management and Preservation

Description

Assists in the preservation and protection of library materials.

Outline

VII. Archival Management and Preservation

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of basic procedures and standards for the preservation, storage and repair of library materials

Knowledge of applicable NPS guidelines, such as NPS-28 Cultural Resources Management Guideline, NPS-77 Natural Resources Management Guideline, Museum Handbook, Appendix D. and National Archives disposition requirements

Ability to identify NPS documents meeting NPS Technical Information Center's scope of collection and providing archival copies to the Center as needed

Ability to perform basic housekeeping functions, e.g., shelving, cleaning, and repair of materials

Ability to stabilize material following established procedures

Ability to follow procedures for correct storage of materials

Ability to monitor physical condition of materials

8. Communications

Description

Communicates to users the policies and procedures of the library. and interprets the needs of the users.

Outline

VIII. Communications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to work with a variety of people in complex situations

Skill in representing and promoting the library services

Ability to learn quickly, adapt to new situations and to develop rapid response strategies to meet new challenges

Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and accurately, both orally and in writing

Skill in preparing and giving presentations

Ability to prepare reports on library activities in response to management requests

Ability to engage in effective reference interviews with users. Skill in interpreting the users' needs

Ability to instruct volunteers and users in library procedures and processes