Cataloging And Metadata Librarian

R00030402
Poughkeepsie, NY

Department

Main Library

Vassar College is deeply committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees by promoting an environment of transparency and respect for differences. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds who meet the qualifications of a posting. If you need to request an accommodation to fully participate in the search process, please contact careers@vassar.edu.

Job Description

Reporting to the Head of Collections & Discovery, the Cataloging and Metadata Librarian provides leadership and support for the metadata and cataloging operations for the Main and Music Libraries. Working with colleagues across the libraries, they ensure that all collections are easily discoverable in a modern library system. They stay abreast of current cataloging and metadata standards and practices, and work with colleagues to incorporate them into their work. They are also responsible for cataloging unique, distinctive, or otherwise challenging materials that require a professional librarian. They seek ways to improve metadata that minimize harm and create a more welcoming experience for users.

The Cataloging and Metadata Librarian participates as a full member of the Collections & Discovery team, proposing and contributing to departmental initiatives. They supervise two staff members who perform copy cataloging and catalog maintenance tasks, and support other staff who require assistance. They are expected to be active on campus through committees and other activities.

This position is eligible for faculty suffrage and other librarian benefits as outlined in the Faculty Handbook. Occasional travel is required to represent Vassar College Libraries and participate in professional organizations.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with colleagues across the Libraries to develop and implement a metadata strategy that ensures practices are consistent, efficient, and effectively in support of the library's mission.
  
• Maintain awareness of developments in metadata standards and practices and work with team members to implement new practices, and create and maintain clear documentation.
  
• Represent the library in consortial partnerships and professional committees to advance metadata services and ensure consistency across institutions.
  
• Ensure that the libraries' cataloging and metadata practices remain current with innovations in automation tools (e.g. vendor record services, macros, internal scripting/automation, AI).
  
• Perform original cataloging, as needed, for materials in the Main, Music, and Art Libraries in numerous formats:, e.g., streaming media and musical scores.
  
• Provide metadata expertise and support for projects involving digital collections, open access collections, unique materials, and more.
  
• Pursue opportunities to improve existing metadata to create a more accurate, equitable, and welcoming experience for library users.
  
• Supervise two staff members whose primary responsibilities include copy cataloging and catalog maintenance tasks.
  

Required knowledge, skills and abilities

• Master's degree in library or information science and at least three years of cataloging and/or metadata experience in an academic library or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  
• Extensive knowledge of cataloging tools such as Resource Description and Access (RDA), Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), Library of Congress Classification (LCC), and MARC21 formats for bibliographic and authority data, as well as familiarity with current metadata standards such as BIBFRAME, and other emerging data standards, and the ability to apply these standards to metadata workflows and outcomes.
  
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities to address complex metadata challenges.
  
• Demonstrated ability to perform original cataloging for materials in various formats, such as streaming media and musical scores.
  
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex metadata and cataloging projects with attention to detail, accuracy, and adherence to standards and procedures.
  
• Experience with batch loading processes and tools.
  
• Expertise in authority control and database maintenance.
  
• Knowledge of trends in metadata management and digital libraries.
  
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  
• Ability to work independently and as a team member in a rapidly changing environment.
  
• Competence and sensitivity in working at a college in which students are broadly diverse with regard to many facets of identity, including but not limited to gender, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, and religion.
  

Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities

• Experience supervising staff in a union environment.
  
• Experience with data visualization software such as Tableau.
  
• Ability to read music.
  
• Experience cataloging musical scores.
  
• Reading knowledge of one or more non-English languages.
  
• Experience with the Alma library management system.
  

Compensation

The starting annual base salary range is $63,000-$81,000.

When extending an offer, Vassar College considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, budget, and other market and organizational considerations. The starting salary range represents the College's good faith and reasonable estimate at the time of posting.
To apply, visit https://vassar.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Vassar-External/job/Poughkeepsie-NY/Cataloging-and-Metadata-Librarian_R00030402.







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