Would I be interested in a job like this? Am I even qualified for it? I wonder if I know anyone at the Library of Congress. I know I know people in the DC area.

Before anyone freaks out, I’m not really job hunting. I’m trying to figure out what people with my skill sets do, and a good way to do that is by watching job ads. It’s an interesting way to evaulate the skills I already have and help me plan for what I need to focus on next if I want to obtain one of those roles.

jsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/getjob.asp?JobId=62451862&AVSDM=2007%2D09%2D14+10%3A58%3A10&TabNum=1&rc=5

Develops policies and guidelines for multimedia projects and programs relevant to the Library’s digital holdings. Applies technical understanding of multimedia digital content, systems, techniques and technologies.

Conducts IT strategic planning and project management activities related to the life cycle management of digital content. Plans and/or accomplishes a range of IT projects for digital library applications.

Plans and manages projects for digital library applications related to Web-based systems such as monitoring emerging technology and making recommendations accordingly. Provides major input towards a long-term Web technology strategy. Installs and maintains Web-based systems, Web-based information services and/or Web-based research tools.

Analyzes ways in which information technology might improve workflow, operational duties, or information services. Evaluates the usefulness and usability of databases and software applications. Works with computer specialists to translate library requirements into information systems.

Serves as a project leader, team leader or chairperson for working groups, task forces, or committees which have been assigned responsibility for digital library projects and programs. Participates in planning the work of a team, including formulating goals and objectives, task plans, milestones, critical paths, and deliverables.

I wonder how LoC would feel if I told them almost every digital library experience I have has sucked, and the only things that are somewhat close to be usable digital repos don’t masquerade as ones — things like search engines and Flickr and YouTube. I wonder how progressively non-librarian they would want this IT specialist to be, or if they would allow the person to explore why libraries are so far behind the interactive social repository webspheres and see how they thrive as libraries without classic library norms.