SLIS Jobline Your Source for Professional, Pre-Professional, and Internship Positions

Library Cataloging and Processing Manager, Boston Public Library, MA

Posted July 8, 2022

Description:

Under the direction of the Chief of Collections, the Cataloging and Processing Manager provides leadership and oversight to the cataloging and processing of all items in the Boston Public Library’s (BPL) extensive collection of more than 20 million circulating and non-circulating items including books, serials, government documents, microfilm, archives, visual materials, and other formats. The BPL is a member of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), one of only two public libraries to hold this distinction. This position is responsible for the content and quality of data in the library’s integrated library system and other bibliographic databases. Responsibilities include oversight of the day-to-day operations and staff of the Technical Services Department; establishment and enforcement of cataloging best practices, standards, policies, and procedures in coordination with catalogers and department heads; and collaboration with public service staff to maximize discovery and public access to library resources and collections.

Reports to

Chief of Collections or delegate

Supervises

Professional and support staff

Responsibilities:

Scope of Responsibility

  1. Provides expertise and leadership to all facets of cataloging, bibliographic description, access, processing, and distribution of library collection materials in all formats.
  2. Oversees the day-to-day operations of the Technical Services team. Hires, trains, evaluates, and mentors Technical Services staff.
  3. Manages the development and maintenance of the library’s discovery systems including its integrated library system (ILS) and other relevant discovery tools.
  4. Develops and implements standards and procedures for catalog data quality assurance, workflow automation, batch data editing, and oversight of vendor-supplied services.
  5. In consultation with colleagues, develops, maintains, and disseminates relevant cataloging and training documentation related to institutional processes, standards, local practice, and procedures. This work encompasses a variety of formats, including monographs, serials, audiovisual, and electronic resources.
  6. Establishes institutional procedures and processes for name, series, and subject authority work and contributions to national authority files.
  7. Collaborates closely with Collections, Library Services, and Web Services to enhance public access to library collections.
  8. Monitors national and international cataloging standards and trends and adapts local policies and procedures appropriately.
  9. Develops and maintains relationships with vendors that support the acquisition, cataloging, and processing of library collections. Evaluates vendor-supplied records, prepares import profiles and oversees bulk loading of records.
  10. Provides leadership of cooperative cataloging efforts supporting the MBLN system.
  11. Works with cataloging team to develop strategies for retrospective conversion of library collections not represented in the online catalog.
  12. Works with cataloging and curator teams to evaluate and contextualize legacy language and ensures descriptive work is conducted in an equitable and inclusive manner.
  13. Works with Special Collections department heads to integrate specialized content management systems (such as ArchivesSpace) with the library’s integrated library system.
  14. Works with Research Collections Manager and relevant staff to provide description and access to content in the Federal Depository Library Program.
  15. Collaborates with relevant departments to facilitate the transfer of materials within the BPL.  Works with Research Collection Manager and Preservation Manger to develop criteria and workflows for transferring collections to offsite storage.
  16. Works with the Chief of Adult Library Services, relevant departments, and vendors to describe and provide access to electronic content in the BPL’s collection.
  17. Commits to keeping current in the best practices of the profession by taking advantage of training and development activities, by reading professional literature, and by participating in professional activities.
  18. Represents library at local and national conferences as assigned.
  19. Performs other related and comparable duties as assigned.

Competencies

  • Demonstrated success leading a Technical Services operation within a large library.
  • Extensive expertise and understanding of a wide range of cataloging principles and best practices across formats.
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze and streamline work processes.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with all library units to improve service delivery to the public.
  • Knowledge of authority control processes and a demonstrated understanding of the Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC) and its national programs for shared bibliographic (BIBCO) and authority records (NACO and SACO). Ability to implement these processes on an organizational level.
  • Demonstrated experience with effective planning, document writing, project management, and implementation of cataloging policies and processes.
  • Ability to identify, plan, and prioritize job responsibilities and tasks and determine and implement project timelines.
  • Thorough knowledge of automated processes relevant to managing library Technical Services operations.
  • Ability to recognize and set priorities and to use initiative and independent decision-making skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
  • Ability to think creatively and innovatively.
  • Ability to execute library policy.

Minimum Entrance Qualifications:

Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university and a master’s degree in library science from an ALA accredited library school. 
  • Relevant subject knowledge and/or specialized training required. 
  • In exceptional instances specialized education, training, and/or experience may be substituted for a part or all of the educational requirements.

Experience:

  • Demonstrated five (5) years of professional experience managing a library cataloging unit required. Two (2) must be in a supervisory capacity. Supervisor experience cannot be substituted.
  • Demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing Technical Services workflows for a large library system, reflecting current and emerging trends in bibliographic access, implementation, and development of integrated library systems.
  • Advanced knowledge of cataloging procedures and standards for bibliographic and authority data, including MARC21, AACR2, RDA, LCSH, and LCC required.
  • NACO and SACO training and experience strongly desired.  Familiarity with or interest in developing metadata standards and applications like BIBFRAME desirable.
  • Experience with national bibliographic utilities (OCLC), integrated library systems (Polaris preferred), vendor cataloging services, and automated routines for bibliographic maintenance.
  • Experience with the development or oversight of shared print collections desirable.
  • Knowledge of one or more languages other than English highly desirable.

Requirements:

  • Ability to exercise good judgement and focus on detail as required by the job.
  • Residency – Must be a resident of the City of Boston upon the first day of hire.
  • CORI – Must successfully clear a Criminal Offenders Record Information check with the City of Boston.

Terms:
Union/Salary Plan/Grade: PSA/P/6
Hours per week: 35

How to Apply:

For more information about this position, visit: Cataloging and Processing Manager Position

Full-time Opportunity Professional Job Listings in New England