Classification and Qualification Standards for the GS-1410 Library-Information Service Series

Gao ID: GGD-83-97 August 12, 1983

In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) development of proposed classification and qualification standards for the Library-Information Service occupational series.

GAO determined that OPM did not exceed its legal authority to develop classification and qualification standards and that its actions were generally consistent with those affecting other recently developed standards. However, OPM has not fully addressed the criticisms made by librarians regarding proposed changes that would: (1) reduce the entry grade for persons hired with a Master of Library Science degree earned in less than 2 full academic years; and (2) redefine the GS-5 entry-level requirements. GAO also believes that librarians' concerns about documentation and sampling aspects of OPM methodology deserve further consideration. GAO suggests that, to further enhance the credibility of its surveys, OPM may wish to research the feasibility of conducting statistically reliable occupational surveys and providing for a documentation process that shows more clearly how conclusions are supported.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

Director: Rosslyn S. Kleeman Team: General Accounting Office: General Government Division Phone: (202) 512-9204


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