Resource Description Librarian, University of Houston Libraries, (Houston, Tx)
Posted May 5, 2025
Description
The University of Houston (UH) Libraries seeks a Resource Description Librarian to create, modify, and enhance catalog records for a variety of formats, with a particular focus on rare books, manuscripts, and ephemera. This position collaborates with librarians and archivists in establishing cataloging priorities to ensure access, discoverability, and accessibility of UH Libraries collections.
Primary duties include original and complex copy cataloging in a variety of formats and languages, within a shared cataloging environment that includes participating UH System libraries. Reporting to the Head of Resource Management and Metadata, the successful librarian will develop local best practices and adopt cataloging policies in accordance with professional standards and UH Libraries policies, all in service to the organization’s values and strategic plan.
Additional responsibilities include managing cataloging projects, such as data transformation between MARC and non-MARC standards (EAD, Dublin Core, etc.), and collection level cataloging. This position also includes opportunities to contribute name authority records to the Library of Congress Name Authority File (LCNAF), pending completion of Name Authority Cooperative program (NACO) training and review. The successful librarian will be provided mentorship and professional enrichment opportunities to develop expertise as needed and will be expected to maintain knowledge of current trends, standards, and best practices.
The Resource Description Librarian is a librarian position. Librarians hold academic rank pursuant to the University of Houston Librarians’ Bylaws Document. They are expected to develop a record of service, scholarship, and professional development. The UH Libraries support the ongoing professional development of librarians, and our goal is to recruit librarians committed to continuous learning.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in library and information science (MLIS) from an American Library Association-accredited program
- Familiarity with original and copy cataloging of resources using Original RDA in a MARC-21 environment with LC controlled vocabularies (LCSH, LCGFT, etc.) and LC classification (LCC)
- Familiarity with bibliographic utilities (such as OCLC Connexion, WorldShare, etc.) and integrated library systems (such as Ex Libris Alma, Voyager, etc.)
- Experience engaging with rare materials, or knowledge of bibliography and the history of the book, as demonstrated by experience and/or coursework
- Ability to work effectively and collegially in a team-based environment
- Attention to detail and problem-solving abilities
Compensation
Salary: $63,500-$65,000 expected hiring range, depending on qualifications. Comprehensive benefits package; choice of retirement programs including TIAA; tax-deferred annuity program available; release time to take a class up to 3 hours/week; no state or local income tax.
How to Apply
Visit https://libraries.uh.edu/about/employment/resource-description-librarian/ to see full listing and to apply. Position is open until filled.
Potential applicants seeking further information should contact Santi Thompson, Interim Associate Dean for Organizational Development, Learning, and Talent at 713-743-9685 or [email protected].