Resource Description Librarian

University of Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 63,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

An established academic institution is seeking a Resource Description Librarian to enhance access to its diverse library collections. This role involves original and complex cataloging of rare books and manuscripts, ensuring discoverability and accessibility. The successful candidate will collaborate with a team of librarians, develop best practices, and engage in professional development opportunities. With a focus on continuous learning, this position offers a chance to contribute to innovative cataloging initiatives and support the library's mission in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Choice of retirement programs

Tax-deferred annuity program

Release time for classes

No state or local income tax

Qualifications

• Master's degree in library science required.
• Familiarity with MARC-21 and original cataloging essential.

Responsibilities

• Create and enhance catalog records for various formats.
• Collaborate on cataloging priorities and manage projects.

Skills

Original RDA

MARC-21

LC controlled vocabularies

Attention to detail

Problem-solving abilities

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in library and information science (MLIS)

Tools

OCLC Connexion

WorldShare

Ex Libris Alma

Voyager

Job description

Department: University Libraries Salary: $63,500-$65,000, depending on qualifications
Description:

The University of Houston (UH) Libraries seeks a Resource Description Librarian to create, modify, and enhance catalog records for a variety of formats, with a particular focus on rare books, manuscripts, and ephemera. This position collaborates with librarians and archivists in establishing cataloging priorities to ensure access, discoverability, and accessibility of UH Libraries collections.

Primary duties include original and complex copy cataloging in a variety of formats and languages, within a shared cataloging environment that includes participating UH System libraries. Reporting to the Head of Resource Management and Metadata, the successful librarian will develop local best practices and adopt cataloging policies in accordance with professional standards and UH Libraries policies, all in service to the organization's values and strategic plan.

Additional responsibilities include managing cataloging projects, such as data transformation between MARC and non-MARC standards (EAD, Dublin Core, etc.), and collection level cataloging. This position also includes opportunities to contribute name authority records to the Library of Congress Name Authority File (LCNAF), pending completion of Name Authority Cooperative program (NACO) training and review. The successful librarian will be provided mentorship and professional enrichment opportunities to develop expertise as needed and will be expected to maintain knowledge of current trends, standards, and best practices.

The Resource Description Librarian is a librarian position. Librarians hold academic rank pursuant to the University of Houston Librarians' Bylaws Document. They are expected to develop a record of service, scholarship, and professional development. The UH Libraries support the ongoing professional development of librarians, and our goal is to recruit librarians committed to continuous learning.

Qualifications:

Required:
- Master's degree in library and information science (MLIS) from an American Library Association-accredited program
- Familiarity with original and copy cataloging of resources using Original RDA in a MARC-21 environment with LC controlled vocabularies (LCSH, LCGFT, etc.) and LC classification (LCC)
- Familiarity with bibliographic utilities (such as OCLC Connexion, WorldShare, etc.) and integrated library systems (such as Ex Libris Alma, Voyager, etc.)
- Experience engaging with rare materials, or knowledge of bibliography and the history of the book, as demonstrated by experience and/or coursework
- Ability to work effectively and collegially in a team-based environment
- Attention to detail and problem-solving abilities

Preferred:
- Experience with original and copy cataloging of rare book, manuscripts, and ephemera
- Ability to catalog materials in languages other than English
- Knowledge of collection level description of archival materials (DACS, EAD, etc.) and transformation or original description in a MARC-21 environment using Original RDA
- Interest in contributing to various initiatives within the Program for Cooperative Cataloging, including NACO, etc.
- Experience with project management

Salary:

$63,500-$65,000 expected hiring range, depending on qualifications. Comprehensive benefits package; choice of retirement programs including TIAA; tax-deferred annuity program available; release time to take a class up to 3 hours/week; no state or local income tax.

Application Deadline:

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Visit the UH Libraries Employment page for more information: http://libraries.uh.edu/about/employment/ . Potential applicants seeking further information should contact Santi Thompson, Interim Associate Dean for Organizational Development, Learning, and Talent at 713-743-9685 or [e-mail] .

Applicants should include the names and contact information for three (3) professional references as part of their application. At the time of application an unofficial transcript of the ALA-accredited library/information science degree is requested.

Official transcripts are required for a faculty appointment and will be requested upon the selection of the final candidate. All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check.

The University of Houston System and its universities are an Equal Opportunity Institution.