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Catalog Management Librarian

Catalog Management Librarian

University of Iowa Job Location: Iowa Apply By: 04/06/2020 Date Created: 03-10-2020

Catalog Management Librarian, Cataloging-Metadata Department University of Iowa Libraries Specialist Librarian (PLB2/4A)   The University of Iowa Libraries seeks an innovative, collaborative, and service-oriented cataloging librarian for the position of Catalog Management Librarian. Under the general direction of the Head of Cataloging-Metadata, the Catalog Management Librarian assumes the role of a “catalog wrangler” to ensure internal consistency and overall quality control of the library catalog. This position requires a deep knowledge of MARC-based bibliographic data and cataloging best practices, an understanding of how the catalog impacts user experience in discovery platforms, advanced problem-solving skills, and the ability to translate the needs of non-catalogers into functional specifications. The University of Iowa Libraries uses Alma as the staff interface for the Libraries’ management system and Primo as the user interface. Working in close collaboration with the Library IT department, the Catalog Management Librarian is responsible for applying and recommending changes to principles, policies, and best practices within these systems in order to maintain the very high quality of bibliographic records. The incumbent is responsible for evaluating and implementing batch processes in a primarily MARC-centric environment. The Catalog Management Librarian acts as a data custodian for the library catalog and is responsible for developing and implementing efficient workflows for maintenance of bibliographic, holdings, and item records. This person will work and collaborate with a variety of library staff in both public and technical services to ensure access to and inventory control of the library’s vast holdings. Specific Duties and responsibilities include:
  • Implement strategies for streamlining or automating extraction and transformation of MARC bibliographic and/or inventory records based on a deep knowledge of local cataloging practice in close collaboration with departmental colleagues and Library IT staff as needed.
  • Seek opportunities and identify risks and problems associated with batch changes to bibliographic and/or inventory records based on a deep knowledge of local cataloging practice.
  • Develop and refine efficient and effective workflows and document operational and policy decisions.
  • Engage with a large variety of staff and departments to evaluate processes and projects and provide guidance for next steps.
  • Provide training and support on relevant workflows for library staff in Cataloging-Metadata, Acquisitions, Preservation, and other units as required.
  • Translate user requirements from public services staff into functional specifications for catalog update and maintenance, and translate cataloging staff requirements to Library IT.
  • Evaluate and recommend batch processes for incoming record sets from library staff.
  • Evaluate and process batches of bibliographic records received from vendors.
  • Monitor Alma system updates and software enhancements, serve as an Alma trouble-shooter for Resource Management, and participate actively in relevant Alma user communities.
  • Respond to specific cataloging or Alma issues submitted through the department’s error reporting e-mail account.
  • Actively participate in the Cataloging-Metadata leadership team, contributing to department-level planning and the formulation of cataloging policies and procedures.
  • Keep abreast of developments in cataloging standards and trends, applying new rules, interpretations, and techniques as appropriate.
  • Contribute to the profession through service, research, publishing, and/or teaching.
  • Participate in and contribute to relevant library and University-wide activities and committees.
  • Represent the University Libraries in campus-wide and inter-institutional initiatives.
  • Additional job duties as assigned based on individual knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Qualifications Required:
  • ALA-accredited master’s degree in Library and Information Science
  • Two or more years of professional library experience, and demonstrated interest in professional development that will enhance the candidate’s value to the Libraries, the University, the profession, or the scholarly community.
  • Knowledge of RDA, LC-PCC PS, LCC, LCSH, LCGFT, LCDGT, LCMPT, and MARC21 formats, and a working knowledge of authority control and AACR2.
  • Knowledge of issues related to database maintenance.
  • Experience with Microsoft Excel or other spreadsheet programs.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a team-based setting where consultation, flexibility, collaboration and cooperation are essential.
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity in the workplace or community.
  • Demonstrated understanding of the mission of a research university and the mission and functions of a large research library.
Desired:
  • Experience cataloging in OCLC Connexion.
  • Experience with creating, updating, and deleting records using batch processes.
  • Experience with the systems and tools used in the department including one or more of the following: Alma, Primo.
  • Familiarity with batch-editing tools such as MarcEdit, Open Refine, or Python.
  • Familiarity with non-MARC metadata formats including Qualified DC and/or EAD.
  • Familiarity with BIBFRAME and linked data, and a general understanding of transition paths from MARC to BIBFRAME.
  • Bibliographic knowledge of one or more languages in addition to English.
The University of Iowa Libraries system consists of the Main Library, the Hardin Library for the Health Sciences and a number of branch libraries. The UI Libraries has more than 5.7 million volumes including thousands of electronic resources.  We coordinate the development and maintenance of the University’s locally-created open access digital resources including the Iowa Digital Library, featuring close to a million digitized texts, images, and audio and video recordings, as well as Iowa Research Online, our institutional repository. Our Special Collections include over 250,000 rare books, ranging in age from the 15th century to newly created artists’ books, as well as 4.7 miles of manuscripts. We also host the Greater Midwestern Regional Library of the National Network of Libraries of Medicine. The University of Iowa Libraries is a member of the Big Ten Academic Alliance, the Association of Research Libraries and a variety of other regional and national collaboratives focused on information services at scale.  The Libraries provides a program of support for professional development activities and its staff members are actively engaged in national cooperative efforts.  The Libraries are a founding member of the Association of College and Research Libraries’ Diversity Alliance.   Application Details: To apply for the position: http://p.rfer.us/UIOWAoYo4vD In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload a resume and cover letter that clearly addressed how they meet the qualifications of this position. Be sure to mark the documents as a "Relevant File" to the submission when completing the application. This position will be posted through at least April 6, 2020 and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended. Applications received by that date will receive priority review. Successful candidates will be subject to a criminal background check and degree verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.   Equal opportunity/affirmative action employer The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, religion, associational preference, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu.  For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543.

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