Senior Manager, Database Maintenance, BookOps

New York Public Library; New York (NY); On-site; USD 108,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

The New York Public Library (NYPL) seeks a Senior Manager, Database Maintenance within BookOps to lead metadata quality control across NYPL and BPL holdings. You will oversee cataloging staff, ensure MARC21/RDA compliance, and collaborate with cross-functional teams on cataloging workflows and policy documentation.

Key responsibilities include managing vendor record ingestion, training program design, and aligning metadata across WorldCat with service-now ticketing workflows across NYPL and BPL.

Qualifications

• ALA accredited Master’s degree (MLS/MLIS) in Library and Information Studies.

Responsibilities

• Supervises and assigns work to a team of catalogers.

Skills

MARC21

RDA

Cataloging

SQL

Attention to detail

Communication

Project management

Education

MLS/MLIS

New York State Librarian证 (Certificate)

Tools

OCLC Connexion

OCLC Record Manager

MarcEdit

Job description

Senior Manager, Database Maintenance, BookOps

Application Deadline: 30 September 2026

Department: BookOps

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Library Services Center

Reporting To: Tomasz Kalata

Compensation: $108,000 - $115,000 / year

Description

Overview BookOps is the shared library services collaboration of New York Public Library (NYPL) and Brooklyn Public Library (BPL). BookOps coordinates the selection, acquisition, cataloging, processing, and distribution of library materials for its member libraries.

The Senior Manager, Database Maintenance is responsible for quality control of bibliographic records in Brooklyn Public and New York Public Integrated Library Systems (ILS). The Senior Manager oversees a team that loads vendor records, performs catalog clean-ups, and ensures healthy bibliographic and authority control across both library systems.

Some expectations for this role are that within:

1 month, this person will:

• Become familiar with the range of cataloging systems, tools, and workflows utilized in the Cataloging Department
• Perform daily authority and bibliographic records quality routines
• Get introduced to BookOps team and stakeholders in other departments, including participation in relevant committees and groups across NYPL and BPL

3 months, this person will:

• Learn in-depth about circulating and research collections classification and local cataloging policies
• Evaluate existing cataloging quality control workflows and propose improvements in areas needed attention
• Contribute to local cataloging policies documentation
• Establish close relationships with the Selection, Acquisition and Processing Departments to effectively troubleshoot issues stemming from work in those units

6 months and beyond, this person will:

• Formulate strategic approaches and structured schedules to resolve metadata quality issues, manage vendor record ingestion, and synchronize BPL and NYPL holdings within the WorldCat database
• Manage and mitigate complex metadata discrepancies and requests routed through the ServiceNow ticketing platform
• Help design and implement comprehensive cataloging training programs grounded in recurring error analysis

Responsibilities

• Supervises and assigns work to a team of catalogers responsible for loading vendor records
• Directs the implementation of quality assurance procedures to maintain metadata integrity in alignment with MARC21, RDA, DDC, LCSH, and local standards
• Collaborates with department management to design, manage, and assess cataloging processes
• Oversees collection of departmental cataloging statistics and produces analysis and reports on cataloging activities
• Documents and keeps up-to-date database maintenance workflows
• Manages work assignment and resolution of reported issues on the ticketing platform (ServiceNow)
• Attend meetings within the library organization as needed, and interact with vendors as appropriate
• Approve schedules and hours of direct reports; provide coverage as needed in the absence of other department managers
• Performs other related duties as required

Required Education, Experience & Skills

Required Education & Certifications

• ALA accredited Master’s degree (MLS, MLIS) in Library and Information Studies
• Public Librarian’s professional certificate issued by the State of New York (can be obtained at time of employment)

Required Experience

• 7+ years of experience creating original cataloging metadata/bibliographic records in a library environment
• 3+ years of supervisory experience
• 2+ years of experience performing bibliographic and authority control in an ILS
• Experience with the ILS, OCLC Connexion client, OCLC Record Manager, and MarcEdit

Required Skills

• Proficiency in MARC21 standard for bibliographic and authority data
• Proficiency in RDA guidelines for records in print and non-print formats
• Understanding of authority records; demonstrated experience with PCC and NACO programs
• Proficiency in Dewey Decimal Classification and Library of Congress Subject Headings
• Proficiency in SQL and regular expressions
• Strong organizational and planning skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in working tactfully with other library staff in a team setting
• Critical judgment skills in cataloging responsibilities
• Knowledge and awareness of emerging trends in cataloging and metadata
• Proficient in reading and writing in one or more non-English languages
• Demonstrated attention to details
• Familiarity with Google Workspace

Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directs and supervises a small team of librarians and paraprofessionals
• Acts as a substitute for department management colleagues as circumstances require
• Participates in the recruitment, interviewing and selection process of candidates in vacant positions in the Cataloging Department

More...

Core Values

All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:

• Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
• Be Resourceful in solving problems
• Be Curious in all aspects of your work
• Be Welcoming and Inclusive

Work Environment

• Office setting

Physical Duties

• Requires occasional travel within NYC

Pre-Placement Physical Required?

No

Union/Non Union

Non-Union

FLSA Status

Exempt

Schedule

• 9am-5pm - Monday through Friday
• 35 hours per week

This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.

The New York Public Library

Salary Statement

Union Salaries are determined by collective bargaining agreement(s).