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Special Collections Program Coordinator, Ohio State University, Columbus OH

Posted June 12, 2014

Job Description: The Special Collections Cataloging Coordinator is central to our efforts to make locally owned collections of distinction accessible and discoverable which in turn supports many other areas of the Libraries’ strategic plan. This position will lead a program of effective and consistent processes to provide access to the diverse Ohio State University Libraries Special Collections through the library catalog and other library discovery tools.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Works collaboratively with the Special Collections Processing Coordinator and curatorial staff to improve intellectual and physical control over materials described in the library catalog and establishes policies, procedures and best practices.
  • Develops and implements workflows, policies, and procedures to efficiently and effectively catalog special collections material. 
  • Manages daily cataloging operations, including distribution of materials to department staff, serving as a resource for cataloging questions, and carrying out quality control.
  • Provides training for department staff and students in cataloging rules, policies, and procedures.
  • Collaborates with curatorial personnel and Processing Coordinator for archival materials to establish priorities and provide appropriate description.
  • Performs original and complex cataloging for a variety of collections as needed, with a focus on pre-1800 materials and collections that require a more detailed level of cataloging. When appropriate, applies Descriptive Cataloging of Rare Materials rules.
  • Coordinates receipt and review of newly acquired materials, including collaborating with Acquisitions and curatorial personnel to verify receipt, process invoices, and determine priority and processing plans.

Education & Experience 

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in a field relevant to a Special Collection at OSUL, or equivalent education/experience.
  • Considerable supervisory experience.
  • Considerable experience with original cataloging of library materials, including expertise in standards used for library cataloging including AACR2, MARC, RDA or an equivalent combination of education/experience.
  • Ability to understand, interpret, and apply complex policies and procedures.
  • Experience with project planning and development of workflows. 
  • Ability to prioritize, problem solve, delegate and monitor project life cycles.
  • Ability to build and cultivate essential partnerships with key stakeholders to promote organizational goals.
  • Demonstrated initiative with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively across the organization.
  • Strong communication skills and attention to detail.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Advanced degree in History, English, Medieval Studies, or related field.
  • Experience with Descriptive Cataloging for Rare Materials (DCRM), manuscripts cataloging, and/or descriptive bibliography.
  • Familiarity with metadata standards, such as Dublin Core or EAD.

Target Hiring Range: $38,000 – $45,000 annually.  For additional details and to apply, please visit the personnel postings at https://www.jobsatosu.com/ by 7/6/14.  Job Opening Number: 382311. 

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