Rare Materials Metadata Specialist

Georgetown University; Lexington (VA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

Georgetown University seeks a Rare Materials Metadata Specialist to complete bibliographic metadata for the Nicholas Scheetz Book Collection within the Booth Family Center for Special Collections.

The role requires creating original records, performing enhanced copy cataloging, and working with Alma and OCLC systems. Collaboration with librarians and staff across the WRLC institutions is essential.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library or Information Science or an advanced degree with cataloging experience.
• 2+ years of original and enhanced copy cataloging experience.
• Knowledge of MARC and non-MARC metadata formats and standards.

Responsibilities

• Create original bibliographic records for rare materials.
• Search Alma and OCLC Connexion for records.
• Update item records and perform enhanced copy cataloging.

Skills

MARC metadata handling

OCLC Connexion

Alma ILS

Descriptive bibliography

Provenance research

Education

MLS/MLIS or advanced degree

Tools

OCLC

Alma

Job description

Georgetown University comprises two unique campuses in the nation’s capital. With the Hilltop Campus located in the heart of the historic Georgetown neighborhood, and the Capitol Campus, just minutes from the U.S. Capitol and U.S. Supreme Court, Georgetown University offers rigorous academic programs, a global perspective, and unparalleled opportunities to engage with Washington, D.C. Our community is a close-knit group of remarkable individuals driven by intellectual inquiry, a commitment to social justice, and a shared dedication to making a difference in the world.

Job Overview

This is a 40 hour per week, full-time term position. It is a one-year appointment with the possibility of reappointment for an additional year. Working in the Technical Services department and office area under the direction of the Unit Head of Metadata Services, the Rare Materials Metadata Specialist will work to complete the creation of bibliographic metadata for the Nicholas Scheetz Book Collection held in the Booth Family Center for Special Collections. The bibliographic metadata will be added to the Library’s integrated library system (Alma) by June 30, 2027.

Primary duties include creation of original bibliographic records; searching the Library’s system (Alma) as well as OCLC Connexion for specific bibliographic records; updating item records in the Library’s system (Alma), enhanced copy cataloging, and physical processing of the items using rare book ID strips, Tyvek envelopes, and barcodes; assists with reference questions and exhibition descriptive text. This position will also have shared supervision from the Curator of Rare Books in the Booth Family Center for Special Collections.

Work Interactions

• Works closely with librarians, specialists, and paraprofessionals in the Technical Services Department and the Booth Family Center for Special Collections
• Works with staff at other WRLC (Washington Research Library Consortium) institutions

Work Mode Designation

This position has been designated as On-Campus. Please note that work mode designations are regularly reviewed in order to meet the evolving needs of the University. Such review may necessitate a change to a position’s mode of work designation. Complete details about Georgetown University’s mode of work designations for staff and AAP positions can be found on the Department of Human Resources website: https://hr.georgetown.edu/mode-of-work-designation.

Requirements and Qualifications Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Library or Information Science from ALA-accredited institution and/or an advanced degree in a relevant discipline with previous cataloging experience
• 2 or more years of experience in performing original and enhanced copy cataloging, enhancement and enrichment of bibliographic materials
• Demonstrated knowledge of MARC and non-MARC metadata formats, standards and schema
• Working knowledge of special collections and rare book metadata standards including Descriptive Cataloging of Rare Materials and Books (DCRM(B)), Descriptive Cataloging of Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance, and Early Modern Manuscripts (AMREMM), and RBMS (Rare Books and Manuscripts Section) genre terms
• Working knowledge of descriptive bibliography and issues specific to rare materials
• Experience with a national bibliographic utility, such as OCLC, and a local integrated library system, such as Alma
• Working knowledge of current metadata standards such as FRBR, Resource Description and Access (RDA), Program for Cooperative Cataloging/Library of Congress Policy Statements, Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), Library of Congress Classification (LCC), and other emerging standards
• Strong research skills to support the description of rare materials including provenance, binding information, and publishing information
• Knowledge of preservation practices for rare books
• Strong writing and oral skills to assist with donor correspondence, weekly reports, and departmental updates
• Ability to work in a continually changing environment, to exercise initiative, and to work independently as well as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of issues and emerging trends in metadata, discovery tools, digital library development, digital preservation, & cataloging standards and practices
• Experience working in an academic or research library
• Aptitude for complex, analytical work with attention to detail, demonstrated problem-solving skills, and flexibility
• Experience working and communicating with donors Sponsored Project Management (if applicable) If this position serves as the Department Financial Manager for a Sponsored Project, please insert the text found on the HR website:

Pay Range:

The projectedsalary or hourly pay range for this position which represents the full range of anticipated compensation is:

$47,586.00 - $87,558.13

Compensation is determined by a number of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s individual qualifications, experience, education, skills, and certifications, as well as the University’s business needs and external factors.

Need Assistance:

If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process, please visit the Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance website for general information about requesting accommodations, as well as information about requesting accommodations specifically for applicants. You also can also contact the Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance at [phone] or [e-mail].

Need some assistance with the application process? Please call 202-687-2500. For more information about the suite of benefits, professional development and community involvement opportunities that make up Georgetown’s commitment to its employees, please visit the Georgetown Works website.

EEO Statement:

GU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, and will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, citizenship, color, disability, family responsibilities, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, matriculation, national origin, race, religion, personal appearance, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Benefits:

Georgetown University offers a comprehensive and competitive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, retirement savings, tuition assistance, work-life balance benefits, employee discounts and an array of voluntary insurance options. You can learn more about benefits and eligibility on the Department of Human Resources website.