Cataloging & Metadata Librarian, William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA
Posted October 25, 2017
Job Description:
The Cataloging & Metadata Librarian will focus on original and complex cataloging and metadata projects that enhance the discovery of our collections. The position will focus primarily on the special collections of the William & Mary Libraries, but may include other materials that require original cataloging. This position will become expert not just in cataloging, but also in how patrons discover materials through new initiatives such as linked data, RDF, BibFrame, etc. or through websites and online exhibits. They will lead a small group of staff in finding scalable workflows to reduce our backlogs and move efficiently through special collections materials while providing accurate, helpful metadata for researchers. Most importantly, they will bring a positive, creative, playful approach to problem solving, serving as an excellent colleague and partner in the discovery of our wonderful collections and resources.
This position is part of the Libraries’ Content Services Team, which includes acquisitions, cataloging, systems, continuing resources, budget & finance, digital services, and collection development and is led by the Associate Dean for Collections & Content Services. This position reports to the head of cataloging and will collaborate closely with their supervisor, the staff they supervise, and others in the team and library on their goals and responsibilities.
Some of the major responsibilities of this position include:
- Producing original cataloging for various media (including rare books, manuscripts, archives, e-resources) using MARC records (RDA standards), BibFrame description, and possibly other standards as the catalog and discovery systems develop.
- Leading a small team of staff (2.5 positions) to efficiently and thoughtfully provide access to special collections and other library materials. Create a positive work environment that models playful innovation and creativity, efficiency in handling projects, thoughtful listening and collaboration, and using data (including user studies) to make decisions.
- Collaborate closely with colleagues in Special Collections and Content Services to set priorities, goals, processes, and policies that improve access and usability of our collections.
- Collaborate and consult with librarians and staff across the library consortia (including librarians at Colonial Williamsburg’s Rockefeller Library and the Law Library of William & Mary) about their cataloging and metadata needs.
- Serve as a consultant regarding the metadata needs of digitized special collections.
- Focus on forward thinking approaches to the discovery and use of library collections. Research current professional practices and trends. Keep abreast of vendor options and ideas that are developed by groups including OCLC, other academic libraries, and broad range of web developers who might inform the way we provide access to our materials.
The successful candidate will be an excellent communicator and a stellar project manager. The candidate will combine a good background in cataloging with an open mind about new initiatives designed to improve access to collections. He/she will strive to be positive and fair as a supervisor and creative and collaborative as colleagues. She/he will be comfortable leading a project and taking the initiative when they see problems that deserve attention. The successful candidate will be interested in the mission and goals of the team and the library at large and eager to support those goals through their primary work and any committees or cross-functional teams they join.
William & Mary is one of America’s oldest and best universities. Located in beautiful, historic Williamsburg, Virginia, the university claims both Jon Stewart and Thomas Jefferson as alumni. U.S. News and World Report recently ranked us sixth among all public universities, and the Library itself was ranked 17th on the list of best college libraries in the country. Working at William and Mary Libraries offers the opportunity to make a positive impact in the educational experience of our small, smart, diverse student body and the chance to experiment with new technologies and projects. The Libraries provide support for training and opportunities for campus wide engagement.
The College is committed to offering its employees an attractive program of benefits that fosters well-being, acknowledges the need for balance in the work, family and personal lives of employees which, in turn, enables and sustains a productive workplace. To view benefits available, please go to http://www.wm.edu/offices/hr/currentemployees/benefits/classifiedandoperational/index.php.
Living in Williamsburg offers residents multiple opportunities to explore and experience U.S. American history, to visit riverfront beaches and restaurants, to play at major tourist attractions, and to invest time in personal pursuits, such as music, art, museums, shopping, food and wine/beer, hiking/bicycling, nature, sports and water sports, festivals and more. Williamsburg feels like a small college and tourist town, but offers a wide range of restaurants and shopping opportunities, and is close enough to larger cities such as Richmond and Virginia Beach that a world of exploring can happen within an hour radius.
This position is open until filled. Review of applications begins November 30, 2017.
To apply go to https://jobs.wm.edu/postings/29830
Requirements
Required Qualifications:
- Master of Library Science (MLS) or equivalent from an American Library Association accredited program or international equivalent.
- Experience using tools such as MarcEdit, OCLC Connexion, and OpenRefine to perform original and complex copy cataloging.
- Strong commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity and inclusion.
- Experience working with special collections materials (in public or technical services roles or as a researcher).
- Adaptable, positive outlook and interest in user experiences and needs.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience cataloging rare books, manuscripts, archives, or other special collections materials.
- Experience creating, reviewing and editing of metadata for digital collections.
- Awareness/familiarity with existing and emerging metadata standards and schemes, such as RDF, XML, Dublin Core, linked data, and BIBFRAME.