The Yale Library seeks a highly collaborative, knowledgeable, and user-centered Catalog/Metadata Librarian to join the Bibliographic Description Unit within Special Collections Technical Services, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library. Reporting to the Associate Director of the Bibliographic Description Unit, the Catalog/Metadata Librarian creates, enhances, and maintains original and complex bibliographic and authority records for a wide range of special collections materials in various formats. They may plan, direct, and review the work of cataloging assistants and/or student assistants and provide project management for cataloging and metadata projects. The incumbent will collaborate closely with colleagues across functional units and throughout special collections and the Library in support of the sustainable stewardship and discovery of special collections materials.
We seek applicants that have an interest in and/or experience engaging with evolving descriptive metadata models and standards, in the politics of metadata, and the materiality of the textual object. Applicants should also be interested in broader questions relating to the creation, survival, transmission, ownership, description, and use of special collections to their understanding within scholarship, the classroom, and within different communities.
The successful candidate will engage in regional and national communities of practice and participate in the implementation of national standards and best practices in Special Collections Technical Services. They will participate in Yale Library and departmental committees and task forces, especially as they relate to their job responsibilities and professional interests, ensuring that Special Collections Technical Services efforts align with Yale priorities and strategic goals.
They will establish a record of service, participating in regional, national, and international professional activities–both to contribute to the profession and to grow individually as a professional librarian.
The position will be assigned a rank of Librarian 1 to Librarian 3 based on a combination of professional experience and accomplishments. Librarian ranking information can be found at http://bit.ly/YULRanksPromotions.
Essential Duties
1. Provides original cataloging/creates metadata for materials in all formats and subject areas. Applies descriptive standards (RDA, AACR2, DCRM, DACS, or VRC, etc.), structural standards (MARC, MODS, METS or EAD, etc.), and controlled vocabularies (LCNAF, or LCSH, etc,). Creates authority records applying standards and best practices, and assigns call numbers using Library of Congress Classification system.
2. Provides intellectual and physical management of library databases. This may include authority control, record loading, ingesting objects, quality assurance processes, and working with stakeholders throughout the library community.
3. Analyzes bibliographic and metadata problems, recommends policies, develops processes and best practices, and creates documentation.
4. Engages with cataloging and technical service staff, other librarians, curators, and collection managers in an effort to meet their needs, and the needs of our users.
5. Researches, plans and oversees special projects.
6. May manage vendor services and relationships.
7. Trains and revises the work of students, assistants and other librarians.
8. Participates in national metadata/cataloging initiatives, i.e. the Program for Cooperative Cataloging programs (BIBCO, NACO, SACO).
9. Participates in the library’s management, assessment, training and development programs.
10. Keeps abreast of national and international developments including new metadata standards, technologies, trends, and techniques.
11. Establishes a record of service to the Library, the University and the profession.
12. May be required to assist with disaster recovery efforts.
13. May perform other duties as assigned.
Required Education and Experience
1. Master’s degree from an American Library Association accredited library school. In selective cases a graduate degree in a related subject field may be substituted.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of current national cataloging/metadata content and structural standards. Knowledge of subject analysis and classification systems.
3. If supervision of professional and/or support staff is a principal responsibility, supervisory experience is required.
4. Experience designing projects and bringing them to conclusion in a timely fashion.
5. Demonstrated excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications; analytical ability; accuracy and attention to detail.
6. Ability to initiate and adapt to change.
7. Experience working collegially and cooperatively within and across organizations.
8. Experience working collaboratively and independently with varied groups within a complex organization and rapidly changing, team environment.
Required Skill/Ability 1:
Reading knowledge of one or more modern European languages.
Required Skill/Ability 2:
Takes responsibility for fulfilling job duties, demonstrating consistently high-quality work, productive output within the framework of the position, thoroughness in executing plans or projects, and the ability to coordinate a variety of activities successfully within set deadlines.
Required Skill/Ability 3:
Collaborates with others within the library and across the university to achieve common goals and forms effective working relationships with staff at all ranks.
Required Skill/Ability 4:
Provides direction and motivation through open communication, modeling of best practices, and openness to change.
Required Skill/Ability 5:
Able to acquire new knowledge and skills that contribute to individual and organizational growth and may contribute to advancement of the profession.
Preferred Education, Experience and Skills
Special collections cataloging experience according to AACR2, RDA, and/or Descriptive Cataloging of Rare Materials (DCRM). NACO experience. Experience cataloging non-monographic formats. Experience working with current and emerging standards and tools, e.g., linked data. Record of involvement or desire to engage with special collections and other cataloging communities.
Salary range
$67,000-$87,000
To learn more and/or submit an application, please visit the Careers at Yale portal (job # 94955BR).
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