YCBA Catalog Librarian, Rare Books & Manuscripts

17-Mar-2025

YCBA Catalog Librarian, Rare Books & Manuscripts

Yale Center for British Art - Rare Books and Manuscripts

93981BR

University Job Title

Catalog-Metadata Librarian

Bargaining Unit

None - Not included in the union (Yale Union Group)

Time Type

Full time

Duration Type

Regular

Compensation Grade

Administration & Operations

Compensation Grade Profile

Associate (00)

Wage Ranges

Click here to see our Wage Ranges

Searchable Job Family

Library

Total # of hours to be worked:

37.5

Work Week

Standard (M-F equal number of hours per day)

Work Location

Central Campus

Worksite Address

1080 Chapel Street

New Haven, CT 06510

Work Model

On-site

Position Focus

Reporting to the Curator of Rare Books and Manuscripts, the Catalog Librarian creates, enhances, and maintains original and copy cataloging records for a wide range of materials in a variety of formats dating from the 16th century to the present - including printed books, maps, manuscripts, serials, auction catalogs, and realia – in multiple languages, including English, French, Latin, Italian.

Responsibilities:

1. Descriptive cataloging of rare printed materials performed in accordance with national standards and the requirements of Yale’s local on-line system.
2. Enhancing catalog records with detailed bibliographic data and provenance based on analysis of physical evidence and research on book history and art history.
3. Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of revisions in cataloging rules and trends and applies new rules, interpretations, and techniques as appropriate.
4. Working with the Curator to establish cataloging priorities for collection materials including determining appropriate levels of description.
5. Training and revising the work of catalog assistants, students, and interns.
6. Working with colleagues in the Department of Prints & Drawings to harmonize descriptive practices.
7. Collaborating with librarians and staff of the YCBA Reference Library, Archives, Collections Information and Access, and other departments within the museum.
8. Collaborating with other Yale libraries and departments, including the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, the Art and Architecture Library, the Lewis Walpole Library, and the Yale University Art Gallery.
9. Participating in YCBA and Yale library-wide planning and committee work. Expected to be active professionally.

Essential Duties

1. Provides original cataloging/creates metadata for materials in all formats and subject areas. Applies descriptive standards (RDA, AACR2, DCRM, DACS, or VRC, etc.), structural standards (MARC, MODS, METS or EAD, etc.), and controlled vocabularies (LCNAF, or LCSH, etc.).
2. Provides intellectual and physical management of ORBIS and other library databases.
3. Analyzes bibliographic and metadata problems, recommends policies, develops processes and best practices, and creates documentation.
4. Engages with cataloging and technical service staff, other librarians, curators, and collection managers in an effort to meet their needs, and the needs of our users.
5. Researches, plans and oversees special projects.
6. May manage vendor services and relationships.
7. Trains and revises the work of students, assistants and other librarians.
8. Participates in national metadata/cataloging initiatives, i.e., the Program for Cooperative Cataloging programs (BIBCO, NACO, SACO).
9. Participates in the library's management, assessment, training and development programs.
10. Keeps abreast of national and international developments including new metadata standards, technologies, trends, and techniques.
11. Establishes a record of service to the Library, the University and the profession.
12. May be required to assist with disaster recovery efforts.
13. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education And Experience

1. Master's degree from an American Library Association accredited library school. In selective cases a graduate degree in a related subject field may be substituted.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of current national cataloging/metadata content and structural standards. Knowledge of subject analysis and classification systems.
3. If supervision of professional and/or support staff is a principal responsibility, supervisory experience is required.
4. Experience designing projects and bringing them to conclusion in a timely fashion.
5. Demonstrated excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications; analytical ability; accuracy and attention to detail.
6. Ability to initiate and adapt to change.
7. Experience working collegially and cooperatively within and across organizations.
8. Experience working collaboratively and independently with varied groups within a complex organization and rapidly changing, team environment.

Required Skill/Ability 1

Knowledge of RDA, LC-PCC Policy Statements, Library of Congress subject heading practice, MARC21, and other relevant LC cataloging standards.

Required Skill/Ability 2

Proven experience working with bibliographically complex rare printed materials.

Required Skill/Ability 3

Demonstrated experience in cataloging rare materials, in a wide variety of formats.

Required Skill/Ability 4

Minimum of three years’ demonstrated experience in cataloging rare materials.

Preferred Education, Experience And Skills

Preference for strong knowledge of British history, art history, or literature. Good reading knowledge of at least 1 Western European language. Working knowledge of basic preservation & conservation standards. Working knowledge of automated library information management systems, preferably Ex Libris/Alma. Strong service orientation & ability to work independently & collaboratively.

Drug Screen

No

Health Screening

No

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

Posting Disclaimer

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the particular position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring departments.

EEO Statement

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale’s Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

Note

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus

YCBA Catalog Librarian, Rare Books & Manuscripts | Yale University