Copyright Specialist (Registration)

The Library of Congress shares its vast collections of books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, audiovisual materials, and priceless artifacts to cultivate curiosity and spark imagination. We engage, inspire, and inform Congress and the American people with a universal and enduring source of knowledge and creativity. We seek highly talented professionals to join a vibrant and collaborative community. Your work here will have lasting impact on the Library and its users well into the future.

This position serves as a Copyright Registration Specialist within the Registration Program in the U.S. Copyright Office. As a Copyright Registration Specialist, you will: Examine claims to copyright in all categories of works applicable in the particular Division assigned, and register, question, or refuse claims as appropriate. Determine whether the works deposited contain sufficient original creative authorship and whether all applicable eligibility requirements have been met. Using specific guidelines established by the Registration Program and the particular Division assigned, examine registration materials to determine the correct facts of the claim, check the accuracy of the application statements against information included in the physical or electronic work deposited, and appropriately question discrepancies. In appropriate circumstances, perform research on copyright issues involving the Copyright Act, U.S. Copyright Office regulations, the Compendium of U.S. Copyright Office Practices, Third Edition, prior registration records, and other Office resources. Draft email correspondence that efficiently and accurately explains common problems, including the explanation of any relevant copyright principles, and evaluate correspondence relating to copyright claims. Convey copyright principles to a widely diverse audience, ranging from persons with no knowledge of copyright to copyright attorneys and industry professionals. Create a public record for registered claims based on copyright facts from the application and bibliographic facts from the deposit in accordance with Copyright Office policies and rules. Maintain a complex and dynamic workload in an effective and timely manner, and efficiently examine claims to copyright utilizing the electronic registration system software. Proficiently use standard software applications, such as Microsoft Office applications, to create email, letters, and other documents. Perform other duties as assigned. The position description number for these positions is 327081. The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area. The incumbents of these positions will work a flextime work schedule. These positions are non-supervisory and are in the bargaining unit. Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.

Conditions of Employment Library of Congress employees are prohibited from using illegal drugs, including marijuana. The Library is part of the Federal Government and abides by federal law, so regardless of individual state or District of Columbia laws, marijuana use is illegal, considered criminal activity, and can affect your employment at the Library. In addition, past or current drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment. Copyright is a form of legal protection provided by the laws of the United States (Title 17, U. S. Code) to authors of literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and other works. The United States Copyright Office, located within the Library of Congress and under the direction of the Register of Copyrights, administers the Copyright Law, advises Congress and government agencies on legal and policy matters; provides international representation on copyright issues; administers the national copyright registration system; provides collections materials to the Library through voluntary registration and mandatory deposit programs; records documents relating to copyright chain of title; administers statutory license provisions of the law, including collecting and distributing royalties; maintains the world's largest database of copyright public records; and, provides information and reference services to the public. The Office of Registration Policy and Practice (RPP) contributes to the mission of the U.S. Copyright Office "to foster creativity" by maintaining and improving the Copyright Office's core functions of examining copyright applications and deposits; issuing certificates of registration; corresponding with applicants, attorneys, and industry professionals to resolve issues with registration materials; refusing copyright claims; cataloging copyright submissions; and providing information on copyright registrations to the general public, attorneys, and courts. RPP also provides leadership to the Copyright Office in the development and adoption of new solutions to improve quality, productivity, and efficiency in the Registration Program that will provide benefits to creators and the general public. These positions are located in the Literary, Performing Arts and/or Visual Arts Divisions, Registration Program, Copyright Office.