How to Get a Federal Library Job

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The U.S. government operates more than 1,000 libraries across all 50 states and around the world. Librarians and library technicians work for all three branches of the federal government -- legislative, executive, and judicial -- and in both civilian and military agencies. From the Library of Congress in Washington to the National Park of American Samoa Library in Pago Pago, federal and armed forces librarians provide a wide range of services in a variety of settings.

This “How to Get a Federal Library Job" panel will discuss the different paths to employment as a federal or military librarian, and provide practical tools for navigating these paths. We will discuss the USAJOBS website, the mysteries of the federal resume format, how to navigate the federal hiring process, and the differences among federal agencies in terms of hiring and operations.

The following federal librarians will join us to share tips, tricks, and advice:

  • Dianne Babski, Director, User Services and Collection Division, National Library of Medicine in Maryland
  • Lee Lipscomb Sergent, Assistant Librarian, Federal Judicial Center in Washington, DC
  • Sundeep Mahendra, Head of Research Access and Collection Development, Geography and Map Division, Library of Congress
  • Ebony McDonald, Librarian, 39th Force Support Squadron, Incirlik Air Base in Turkey 
  • Dr. Stephanie Rollins, Director of Library Services, Air University Library, Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama

Upon completion of this webinar, participants will:

●     Successfully navigate the USAJOBS site, submit federal applications, and prepare a federal resume.

●     Understand the federal hiring process and differences between hiring protocols in the three branches (executive, legislative, and judicial).

●     Prepare an effective federal job search strategy.

This webinar is open to all librarians, library staff, and students. It is aimed at students, new librarians, and experienced librarians interested in a career change.

This event is presented by the Federal and Armed Forces Libraries Interest Group (FAFLIG). FAFLIG is part of the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA). Our mission is to promote the library and information service profession in the federal and military communities. We are a common forum and professional network for library staff, supporting their current needs and helping them prepare for the future. Please contact faflig.ala@gmail.com to get involved.

 

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