Copyright Specialist (Registration)

Library of Congress•Washington, DC

About The Position

The Copyright Registration Specialist serves in the Registration Program of the U.S. Copyright Office, in the Literary, Performing Arts, and/or Visual Arts Divisions. The role examines copyright claims and registration materials, determines whether deposited works contain sufficient original creative authorship and meet eligibility requirements, and registers, questions, or refuses claims as appropriate. Specialists create public records for registered claims in accordance with Copyright Office policies and rules, using facts from applications and bibliographic information from deposits. The work includes applying Registration Program and division guidelines, checking application statements against the deposited work, researching copyright issues using applicable laws, regulations, Office practices, registration records, and other resources, and drafting or evaluating correspondence to resolve issues. Specialists explain copyright principles to audiences ranging from the general public to attorneys and industry professionals. They manage a complex and changing workload, use electronic registration system software, and use standard applications such as Microsoft Office to prepare communications and other documents. The positions are nonsupervisory, in the bargaining unit, and follow a flextime work schedule. Relocation expenses are not authorized.

Requirements

Progressively responsible experience and training sufficient to perform the duties without more than normal supervision.
Ability to identify, analyze, and resolve problems.
Ability to communicate in writing.
Ability to work with a variety of written information, procedures, and instructions.
Ability to utilize computer technology and software applications.
Ability to plan, prioritize, organize, and execute work.
Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

Responsibilities

Examine copyright claims in applicable categories of works and register, question, or refuse claims as appropriate.
Determine whether deposited works contain sufficient original creative authorship and meet applicable eligibility requirements.
Review registration materials to verify claim facts and compare application statements with information in deposited physical or electronic works; question discrepancies as appropriate.
Research copyright issues using the Copyright Act, U.S. Copyright Office regulations, the Compendium of U.S. Copyright Office Practices, prior registration records, and other Office resources.
Draft email correspondence explaining common problems and relevant copyright principles, and evaluate correspondence about copyright claims.
Communicate copyright principles to audiences with a range of copyright knowledge, including the public, attorneys, and industry professionals.
Create public records for registered claims using application and deposit information in accordance with Office policies and rules.
Manage a complex, dynamic workload and examine claims efficiently using electronic registration system software.
Use standard software applications, including Microsoft Office, to create emails, letters, and other documents.
Perform other duties as assigned.