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Principal Cataloger & Linked Data Strategist

Principal Cataloger & Linked Data Strategist

Penn State Job Location: Pennsylvania Date Created: 03-16-2017

The Pennsylvania State University Libraries seeks applications and nominations for a forward-looking librarian to join the Cataloging and Metadata Services Department as the Principal Cataloger and Linked Data Strategist.  The Principal Cataloger and Linked Data Strategist will be responsible for providing leadership and guidance for original catalogers and for monitoring and participating in the development of national and international standards, including specification and development of ontologies.  This position will have a leadership role in preparing members of the Department to undertake work relevant to linked-data and metadata initiatives, will lead training within the department as rules and standards arise and change, and will serve as a resource for cataloging and authority questions throughout the department.  Additionally, this position will have a strong educational component, creating educational opportunities for interested parties outside of the department (potentially including faculty and students outside of the libraries).  

 

As Principal Cataloger & Linked Data Strategist, the successful candidate will be responsible for developing a program of linked-data initiatives in collaboration with the Metadata Strategist, Special Collections Library, Digital Scholarship & Repository Development, and other stakeholders within the University Libraries.  The successful candidate will be expected to understand the linked data landscape and to monitor developments in emerging standards and projects, to identify potential internal and external partners, and to contribute to the development strategies and priorities for the Libraries.

The Principal Cataloger & Linked Data Strategist is also responsible for working with our technology vendors (SirsiDynix, Backstage Library Works, OCLC, DCE) and with technology experts within the Libraries to configure, maintain, enhance, and develop our discovery and repository systems.   

 

This is a tenure-track position, reporting to the Head of the Cataloging and Metadata Services Department.  The Department consists of 30 faculty and staff, organized into teams, and actively participates in all of the programs of the Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC).  The University Libraries values diversity of thought, perspective, experience and people, and is actively committed to a culture of inclusion and respect.  We encourage candidates to apply who thrive in a welcoming multicultural environment. More information on Penn State’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Excellence, can be found by visiting http://equity.psu.edu/psu-diversity-statement. For additional information about the Libraries’ diversity efforts, please visit https://libraries.psu.edu/about/diversity.

 

Qualifications:

Requires a Masters of Library Science degree from an ALA accredited institution (or equivalent). The successful candidate will have the requisite cataloging background to act as a resource for a department of experienced original catalogers.  Knowledge of relevant cataloging and metadata standards and familiarity with cooperative cataloging programs and initiatives including NACO; technical expertise at the level required for leading linked data development, including knowledge of semantic web and linked data standards is also required.   A strong commitment to diversity, equity, respect and inclusion, cooperation and collaboration; and excellent writing and speaking skills are essential.  The successful candidate must have the demonstrated potential to achieve the requirements for tenure and promotion in the areas of librarianship, research, and service. Please visit https://libraries.psu.edu/policies/ul-hrg07 to learn more about the University Libraries Promotion and Tenure Guidelines.

 

Preferred Qualifications: Training and project management experience; experience with data transformation tools, such as Catmandu or LODRefine; technical knowledge for converting metadata, such as SPARQL or XQuery; interest in emerging trends in descriptive practices relating to diverse perspectives and multiple ways of knowing.

 

Environment:

The Penn State University Libraries are a strategic asset to Penn State, advancing intellectual discovery, information literacy, and lifelong learning, all in support of the University’s strategic goals in teaching, research, service, and outreach.  The University Libraries is ranked among the top 10 research libraries in North America, according to the Association for Research Libraries investment rankings, and provides services at University Park and 22 other campus locations throughout Pennsylvania as well as online. We serve more than 6,400 faculty and 46,800 students at University Park, and approximately 97,500 students university-wide. More than 120 faculty librarians in the University Libraries benefit from extensive technological resources and research support services. Penn State, a land-grant institution, is a member of the Big Ten Academic Alliance and the Association of American Universities. The University Libraries is a member of the Association of Research Libraries, the Association of College and Research Libraries, and the international Center for Research Libraries.

 

The University Park campus is set in the State College metropolitan area, a university town located in central Pennsylvania. State College offers a vibrant community with outstanding recreational facilities, a low crime rate, and excellent public schools. The campus is within a half-day's drive to Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, or Pittsburgh. The University Park Airport is served by three major carriers with flights to Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Chicago and Detroit. For more information, please visit http://www.libraries.psu.edu and http://www.cbicc.org.

 

Compensation and Benefits:

Rank and salary are dependent upon qualifications and experience. Fringe benefits include liberal vacation, excellent insurance and health care coverage, state or TIAA retirement options, and educational privileges. In addition, faculty in the University Libraries are afforded funds for professional development travel annually.  Faculty may be asked to travel as official representatives of the Libraries to certain events and those trips are reimbursed at full cost within limits established by the University.

 

Application Instructions:

Applications and all supporting materials must be submitted online. To apply, please visit https://libraries.psu.edu/principalcataloger.   To be considered for the position, interested candidates should upload a letter of application, resume or C.V., and the names and contact information of three professional references (including email addresses).   Review of applications will begin April 17, 2017 and continue until position is filled.  Questions may be addressed to Lindsey Harter, Faculty Search Coordinator, at lap225@psu.edu.

Employment will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to minorities, women, veterans, disabled individuals, and other protected groups.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:  For more about safety at Penn State, and to review the Annual Security Report which contains information about crime statistics and other safety and security matters, please go to www.police.psu.edu/clery/, which will also provide you with detail on how to request a hard copy of the Annual Security Report.

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