Head of Cataloging and Metadata Services

Fondren Library of Rice University is seeking a Head of Cataloging and Metadata Services who will manage the day to day operation of the Cataloging & Metadata Services Department to achieve goals and objectives. Minimum requirements are a master's degree and 5 years of related experience in a library setting with 2 years of experience as a successful manager in a library department. Salary: $80,000 minimum, with hiring salary commensurate with experience and qualifications Benefits at a Glance Applications must be received by May 31, 2022 in order to be considered. Inquiries: Lisa Spiro at lspiro@rice.edu or 713-348-2480. Position Summary Fondren Library of Rice University is seeking a creative and future-oriented leader as the Head of Cataloging & Metadata Services. The successful candidate will provide leadership both in managing current staff and services and in collaboratively envisioning and implementing evolving services of this user-oriented department. The position reports to the Assistant University Librarian for Information Technology and Technical Services. This role serves as a direct manager of the Cataloging & Metadata Services Department. Direct reports are: Metadata/Copy Cataloging Team Lead, Metadata Coordinator, Database and Metadata Management Coordinator and four specialized professional catalogers. The department’s responsibilities are wide-ranging, and include adding record sets to the catalog for electronic resource packages, creating order records in the library system, providing metadata and consultations for a broad range of local digital initiatives. The position manages departmental projects and participates in inter-departmental and library-wide committees and work groups established to further various aspects of the Fondren Library mission. Essential Functions

•       Manages staff in the day-to-day departmental operations
•       Responsible for hiring and retaining staff, career coaching, personal development for direct reports and accountable for the performance of employees
•       Identifies professional developmental needs and creates and implements plans to provide opportunities to provide professional growth and development for staff
•       Resolves employee relations issues and ensures work completion within schedule and constraints
•       Develops and maintains the core services of the metadata services group or unit to optimize the ability of customers to locate information
•       Develops, interprets, and recommends program goals and objectives, policies, and procedures, and courses of action
•       Collects, prepares and analyzes reports and statistics; develops and monitors key metrics for performance against the goals and strategic plans of the library
•       Coordinates the department’s work plan and related planning initiatives, policies and procedures responsive to the organization's mission, goals, and objectives
•       Remains current on technology trends to evaluate emerging technologies for adoption and implementation to enhance library programs, services and collections
•       Reviews and approves expenditures and cost recoveries and tracks against the approved budget
•       Performs all other duties as assigned

Requirements

•       Master's Degree
•       5 years of related experience in a library setting with 2 years of experience as a successful manager in a library department.
•       Demonstrated knowledge of all aspects of library operations including extensive knowledge of contemporary library practices, trends and emerging technologies
•       Knowledge of and experience with outcomes and assessment of library services
•       Knowledge of collection development, archival, acquisitions, metadata/cataloging, database management, library instruction and information literacy, public and technical services, and reference
•       Ability to demonstrate a high level of diplomacy in persuading and influencing a wide variety of people at various levels to achieve results
•       Demonstrated successful experience developing and maintaining library budgets
•       Effective problem solving, analytical and organizational skills
•       Demonstrated broad knowledge of library automation systems, online resources, and instructional technologies
•       Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills and a demonstrated ability to work well with others in a team environment

Environment: Rice University provides a stimulating work environment, with opportunities to participate in the delivery of innovative library services supported by leading edge technologies. Fondren Library (http://www.rice.edu/fondren) is a research library with over 2.8 million volumes and over 155,000 serial titles, including titles available through aggregators. The Library has a state-of-the-art off-site shelving facility. An active program of digital resource delivery and development is grounded in successful collaboration among library and university staff from Digital Scholarship Services, other library departments and university information technology staff.  The department has active participation in the Name Authority Cooperative Program (NACO), American Library Association (ALA), and Digital Library Federation (DLF) groups. Houston is a vibrant, multicultural city, with world-class visual and performing arts ranging from the traditional to the avant-garde. The fourth largest city in the country, Houston enjoys a moderate cost of living and easy proximity to the Gulf Coast. For more information, see: http://www.explore.rice.edu/explor/General_Information.asp Apply at https://tinyurl.com/RiceHeadMetaCat Special Instructions to Applicants: Please attach a cover letter and a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application. Please make sure to include employment dates on the resume in Month/ Year format. Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. Current Rice University COVID policies, which include vaccination, face mask, testing, gatherings, occupancy limits, and travel policies can be found here: https://coronavirus.rice.edu/policies

Learn More »