Special Collections Cataloger

ELUNA Content Working Group; Delaware; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press seeks an early career librarian to perform original and complex copy cataloging and authority work for special collections across languages and formats.

Responsibilities include original and complex copy cataloging for early printed books and 19th–21st century items, contributing to local procedures, creating NACO records, and participating in special cataloging projects, with ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in library science.
• Familiarity with cataloging rare books and special collections materials.
• Knowledge of book and printing history, bibliography, and best practices for rare books.
• Understanding of primary source materials in research environments.
• Basic familiarity with MARC, LCC, subject headings, and RDA.
• Written knowledge of at least one language other than English.

Responsibilities

• Perform original and complex copy cataloging for early printed books in multiple languages.
• Perform original and complex copy cataloging using RDA for 19th–21st century items in various formats/languages.
• Contribute to development of local procedures.
• Create and enhance NACO records.
• Participate in special cataloging projects as needed.
• Engage in professional development and scholarly activities.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in library science

Tools

MARC format

LCC classification

RDA

DCRM

Job description

The Cataloging & Metadata Department of the University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press seeks a dynamic early career librarian to perform original and complex copy cataloging and authority work for special collections materials across multiple formats and languages. The Special Collections Cataloging Unit is a 5-member team that provides description and access to Special Collections materials including early printed books, ephemera, graphic materials, maps, sheet music, and three-dimensional objects.

Reporting to the Coordinator, Special Collections Cataloging Unit of the Cataloging & Metadata Department, major responsibilities include:

• Perform original and complex copy cataloging for early printed books in a variety of languages following DCRM standards.
• Provide original and complex copy cataloging using RDA for 19th–21st century items in a variety of formats and languages.
• Contribute to development of local procedures.
• Create and enhance NACO records.
• Participate in special cataloging projects as needed.
• Actively engage in professional development and other scholarly activities.

This position will be filled at one of two levels depending on candidate experience.

Appointment in rank based on relevant professional experience (Assistant Librarian, pay grade 29E or Senior Assistant Librarian, pay grade 30E. This position is part of the librarian career ladder governed by the University of Delaware Library Rank and Promotion System which guides professional development and advancement. The level of consideration and associated responsibilities will be confirmed prior to interview scheduling.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in library science.
• Basic familiarity with the cataloging of rare books and special collections materials. Working knowledge of book and printing history, bibliography, and best practices related to rare books and special collections materials. Basic familiarity with DCRM, related rare book resources and tools, and trends in rare book cataloging.
• An understanding of the unique role of primary source materials in today’s research environment and their use by faculty, scholars, and students.
• Basic familiarity with the MARC format, Library of Congress classification and subject headings, and RDA.
  Ability to perform complex analytical work and problem solve; flexibility; judgement; attention to detail.
• Ability to work productively and cooperatively in a complex environment while maintaining effective working relationships.
• Excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work productively and cooperatively in a complex environment while maintaining effective working relationships.
• Knowledge of and interest in critical cataloging practices.
• Written knowledge of at least one language other than English.
• Commitment to fostering a respectful educational environment and workplace and an ability to work effectively with a wide range of faculty, staff, and student population.
• Strong commitment to service excellence.
• Commitment to professional growth.
• Cataloging experience in an academic library, preferred.
• Experience cataloging with DCRMR or at least one of the DCRM modules, preferred.
• Familiarity with authority work, preferred.
• Basic knowledge of or experience with non-MARC formats and non-AACR2/RDA metadata standards, preferred.
• Basic knowledge of Linked Open Data, preferred.

Tagged as: Alma, Primo