Openings at Embassy of The United States

Duties

As Head of Acquisitions, serves as the Program Director for all acquisitions and the Supervisory Librarian and expert in the major and primary functions of the LOC-Nairobi for the identification, selection and acquisition of published and/or available primary research in 30 countries and territories in Africa of interest to the U.S. national libraries and 30+ U.S. research universities and libraries. Serves as the area studies experts for the countries covered by LOC-Nairobi, assigning and monitoring bibliographic and area specialization to three subordinate Acquisition Librarians (Library Acquisitions Specialists). Implements Library of Congress approval plans for both General Collections and the Law Library. Responsible for accuracy and assignment of duties in creating Initial Bibliographic Control (IBC) records. Has line authority over the 11 FSN staff responsible for acquisition, initial cataloging, and shipping; also serves as supervisor for 25 contracted Bibliographic Representatives in countries covered by the office. 

Establishes production goals and ensures accuracy of entries to bibliographic databases, such as initial bibliographic records. Participates in specialized training by Library of Congress in Washington D.C., and passes this training on to subordinate staff as appropriate.

As part of the management team of the office, incumbent participates with other section heads plus the Field Director in determining office-wide policies for the office.

Position is supervised by the Field Director

Qualifications and Evaluations

Requirements:

EXPERIENCE: 5 years’ work experience in library or book trade is required

JOB KNOWLEDGE:  

Thorough knowledge and understanding of LOC selection and acquisitions policies. In-depth knowledge and critical overview of commercial and noncommercial publishing sector in the countries covered by LOC-Nairobi. In depth knowledge of principles of librarianship, particularly as they relate to acquisitions in the Africa. Familiarity with political, cultural, social and economic trends in the area; and knowledge of the needs of the Africana collections of the Library of Congress and AfriCAP Participants. Incumbent must have general knowledge of host country government procedures, as well as the region covered by LOC-Nairobi Office. Knowledge of Machine Readable Cataloging (MARC) formats, Resource Description and Access (RDA) cataloging rules, and basic knowledge of accounting practices and procedures as they apply to the acquisition of library materials. 

Education Requirements:

• Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science is required

Evaluations:

LANGUAGE: Level 4 English ( Fluent, speaking, reading, writing) (This may be tested) is required; Level 4 Kiswahili (Fluent, speaking, reading, writing), Level II French or Portuguese (read, write)