Lead, Visual Materials Description & Cataloging

Association of Research Libraries; Job; On-site; EUR 80,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

The New York Public Library is seeking a Manager of Visual Materials Description to oversee cataloging for photographs, prints, and related items. You will lead original and copy cataloging, ensure consistent descriptive practices, and guide workflows across departments at the Library Services Center and its centers.

You will collaborate with curators and technical services, develop documentation, and advance standards like RDA, DCRM, and MARC while supporting access to rare and unique

Qualifications

• Strong original cataloging skills for visual materials at item and collection level.
• Familiarity with standards like RDA, DCRM, DACS, MARC.
• Experience with visual materials metadata and encoding standards.
• Ability to work with multilingual materials and diverse collections.

Responsibilities

• Perform and oversee original and copy cataloging for visual materials.
• Plan and manage cataloging workflows aligned with priorities.
• Develop departmental cataloging documentation with key partners.
• Contribute to institution-wide cataloging standards across units.
• Review cataloging for accuracy and consistency.
• Support migration and maintenance of bibliographic data in systems.
• Lead or contribute to strategic initiatives in description and access of visual materials.
• Represent NYPL in professional organizations and projects.
• Perform other duties as required.

Skills

Original cataloging

RDA/DCRM

MARC standards

VRA-Core

CIDOC-CRM

BIBFRAME

Metadata crosswalks

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

MLS/MLIS or related advanced degree

Tools

Sierra ILS

XML standards

Job description

The New York Public Library is seeking a Manager of Visual Materials Description to oversee cataloging for photographs, prints, and related items. You will lead original and copy cataloging, ensure consistent descriptive practices, and guide workflows across departments at the Library Services Center and its centers.

You will collaborate with curators and technical services, develop documentation, and advance standards like RDA, DCRM, and MARC while supporting access to rare and unique