[Metadatalibrarians] Staff position: Strategic Resource Description Specialist

[Ruth Kitchin Tillman]

Position posting at: https://jobs.nd.edu/postings/8122

This is a new position which will work within our cataloging department to
support both University Archives, which just joined the library, and Rare
Books and Special Collections. Please share with persons currently working
as descriptive support staff who may be interested in joining a workplace
where their skills and experience in archival description will be needed
and respected. (My personal take on the position.)

Ruth Tillman
Digital Collections Librarian
Hesburgh Libraries
University of Notre Dame

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As a member of the Strategic Resource Discovery Services (SRDS) team in the
Resource Description & Discovery Services (RDDS) unit, the incumbent in
this position performs a variety of cataloging and resource description
functions to support the discovery of the Hesburgh Libraries' most unique
collections, with a particular focus on identified priorities in Rare Books
and Special Collections and University Archives. Reporting to the
Supervisor, SRDS, and working closely with archival processing staff, this
individual is responsible for both MARC 21 based cataloging of rare and
special collections materials and for providing support for the creation of
finding aids for archival collections in the Hesburgh Libraries. This
position also supports description, discovery and metadata needs for
digital exhibits, collections and special projects, as needed. The
incumbent will perform a variety of tasks to support discovery of special
and archival collections, including creation of preliminary brief records
to guarantee minimal access to strategic resources as soon as possible
after receipt; copy and original cataloging; archival description and
arrangement; name and subject authority work. While this is not a
supervisory position with direct reports, the incumbent will function as a
lead or expert resource for other RDDS staff who may contribute to the
description of archival resources and may monitor their work.

Position responsibilities include:

- Archival processing support for Rare Books and Special Collections and
University Archives, including description and arrangement; includes
application of DACS (Describing Archives: A Content Standard), EAD (Encoded
Archival Description) and locally established best practices and standards;
use of an archival management system (such as ArchivesSpace or AtoM)
- MARC 21 based cataloging of materials housed in Rare Books and Special
Collections (primarily printed books but could include other formats such
as maps, broadsides, etc.); creation of MARC versions of EAD finding aids;
requires application of descriptive standards such as AACR2, RDA, DCRM,
DACS; includes application/interpretation of name and subject authority
standards
- Resource description support for digital projects/collections/exhibits as
required; may require creation of MARC records or application of metadata
schemes such as Dublin Core, VRA, etc

Required Qualifications

- Bachelor's Degree required, Humanities preferred.
- 3 – 4 years experience
- Archival processing experience
- Experience using an archival management system
- Demonstrated experience applying DACS/EAD
- Evidence of formal archival training, particularly in description and
arrangement, such as SAA (Society of American Archivists) courses or
certification (attach if applicable)
- Strong working knowledge of/demonstrated formal training in at least one
language other than English for the purposes of bibliographic description
and subject analysis. High level of comfort with technology as it relates
to computer use, including basic file management, troubleshooting, use of
standard office software applications such as Microsoft Office; excellent
verbal and written communication skills; ability to work independently and
within teams.

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience using OCLC Connexion for original cataloging and authority
work in an academic library setting; experience using the cataloging module
of an integrated library system, (Ex Libris' ALEPH product preferred)
- Fluency in MARC 21
- Demonstrated experience applying AACR2/RDA/DCRM
Rare book/special collections cataloging experience

Department Hiring Pay Range: $37,000 - $50,000