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Head, Cataloging and Description, Indiana University Bloomington Libraries, (Bloomington, IN)

Posted June 8, 2023

Indiana University Bloomington Libraries’ Lilly Library seeks an innovative, collegial, experienced librarian to lead the Cataloging and Description Department.  The activities of the Cataloging and Description Department are crucial to the success of the operations of the Lilly Library, and the department is committed to maintaining best practices in its cataloging and processing of materials. In addition, the work of the Cataloging and Description Department supports the Lilly Library’s active program of collection development and outreach to students, faculty, an international community of scholars, as well as the local community of Bloomington and beyond.

The IU Libraries are investing in the Lilly Library by creating innovative staff and librarian positions.  This is one of the exciting opportunities to join Indiana University’s principal rare books, manuscripts, and special collections library.

Position Overview

The Head of Cataloging and Description is responsible for the department’s administration, budgeting, planning, supervision, evaluation, and staffing, ensuring an integrated and coordinated approach to accessioning, cataloging, and processing all Lilly Library materials.  The position also leads staff responsible for organizing and describing library resources in various formats and languages.  Additionally, the position works closely with staff throughout the Lilly Library and Indiana University Libraries, which includes supervision of cooperative cataloging and description projects. All members of the Lilly Library support the IU Libraries’ culture of diversity and inclusion and actively advance the Libraries’ mission, vision, and values.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director of the Lilly Library, the Head, Cataloging and Description will:

  • Manage department operations and budgets, including the direct supervision of full-time staff and student employees responsible for manuscripts processing and performing non-MARC and MARC descriptive metadata creation in various bibliographic formats and languages.
  • Provide guidance and direction to department staff on issues relating to the management, planning, coordination, and establishment of procedural and metadata/cataloging policy.
  • Organize and evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of procedures to ensure that workflows are cost-effective and responsive to the needs of other library departments and users.
  • Prepare and maintain the budget for departmental activities, including outsourcing costs, supplies, equipment, training & development, and part-time (student) employees. 
  • Collaborate with staff within the Lilly Library and Indiana University Libraries to make the Lilly Library’s catalog records, finding aids, and other metadata widely discoverable.
  • Work with Library staff to ensure quality and adherence to standards for finding aids, catalog records, and other descriptive outputs. 
  • Create a program of staff training development to encourage continuous learning for all levels of staff in the Cataloging and Description Department. 
  • Collaborate with other senior staff at the Lilly Library on long-range planning, annual goal setting, and development of policies. 
  • Keep abreast of national developments in cataloging standards and best practices as they emerge and develop.
  • Promote the Libraries’ culture of diversity and inclusion, and support the values outlined in the IU Libraries’ Diversity Strategic Plan (https://libraries.indiana.edu/libraries-diversity-resources).  
  • Serve on IU Libraries and university committees as appropriate and actively contribute to professional engagement and research.

Qualifications

Required

  • ALA-accredited graduate degree in library or information science or international equivalent; candidates with an advanced degree in a relevant subject area and appropriate experience in an academic setting will also be considered.
  • At least five years of increasingly responsible and relevant managerial and professional experience with special collections or archives.
  • Strong supervisory and managerial experience, including staff development and mentoring, as well as management of professional staff.
  • Demonstrated project management experience and the ability to handle multiple responsibilities.  The ability to plan, manage, and complete complex projects in a rapidly changing environment and respond effectively to changing needs and priorities. 
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate and work effectively with diverse populations and a commitment to incorporating the differences, complexities, and opportunities that diversity brings to an organization.
  • Working knowledge of cataloging rules, descriptive standards, and tools such as the DCRM rule books, DACS, AACR2, RDA, LCNAF, LCSH (and other controlled vocabularies), FRBR, FRAD, FRSAD models, LC Policy Statements, authority control practices, and of developments and trends in the field.
  • Familiarity with evolving metadata standards and schema, including MARC, BIBFRAME, EAD, EAC, TEI, MODS, METS, and data management tools.
  • Proficient reading knowledge of one or more Western or non-Western languages significantly represented in the Lilly Library’s collections. 
  • Knowledge of the history of the book and the book arts and the methods and materials that have been used to create and disseminate archival and non-print materials, including but not limited to rare books, maps, prints, photographs, ephemera, archives, manuscripts, original artwork, audiovisual media, and digital materials.
  • Understanding of current developments within the library and archival profession, especially as they relate to cataloging and description.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within and across organizations. 
  • Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills to work effectively with culturally diverse library users and colleagues. 
  • Excellent organizational skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.
  • Must be innovative, resourceful, flexible, and collegial.
  • Ability to meet the requirements of a tenure-track librarian position.

Preferred

  • Demonstrated ability to articulate vision and goals.
  • Record of innovation and creative problem solving, with an interest and involvement in emerging digital information environments.
  • Experience with OCLC and substantial experience with either library or archival management systems such as Archivists’ Toolkit. 
  • Evidence of an ongoing record of professional development contribution.
  • Knowledge and understanding of key issues and trends that affect academic libraries and higher education.
  • Commitment to professional issues, demonstrated through active and ongoing participation in local or national committee work, research, publication, etc., in cataloging or subject matter expertise.

How to Apply

Applications received by July 14, 2023, will receive full consideration, but the search will remain open until filled.  Interested candidates should review the application requirements and submit their application at https://indiana.peopleadmin.com. Questions regarding the position or application process can be directed to: Jennifer Chaffin, Director of Human Resources (Phone: 812-855-5988 – Fax: 812-855-2576 – Email: [email protected]).  For more information about Indiana University Bloomington go to https://www.indiana.edu/.  Expected start date:  October 1, 2023.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary range $65,000 – $75,000 per year; benefits include a university healthcare plan, a university-funded base retirement plan, a 100% university-paid group life insurance plan, and a generous paid time off plan.   For a full list of benefit programs, please refer to the following resources:

For more information about Indiana University Bloomington go to https://www.indiana.edu/.

Indiana University is an equal employment and affirmative action employer and a provider of ADA services. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual qualifications. Indiana University prohibits discrimination based on age, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status.

“Before a conditional offer of employment with tenure is finalized, candidates will be asked to disclose any pending investigations or previous findings of sexual or professional misconduct. They will also be required to authorize an inquiry by Indiana University Bloomington with all current and former employers along these lines. The relevance of information disclosed or ascertained in the context of this process to a candidate’s eligibility for hire will be evaluated by Indiana University Bloomington on a case-by-case basis. Applicants should be aware, however, that Indiana University Bloomington takes the matters of sexual and professional misconduct very seriously.”

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