[Metadatalibrarians] Job: Metadata and Cataloging Librarian for Special Formats

[Graciani Picardo, Paloma]

*Apologies for cross-posting*

Dear colleagues,

Here is an exciting job opportunity for your consideration!

The Harry Ransom Center seeks candidates for the position of Metadata and Cataloging Librarian for Special Formats. The Center is an internationally renowned humanities research library and museum at The University of Texas at Austin. Its extensive collections provide unique insight into the creative process of writers and artists, deepening our understanding and appreciation of literature, photography, film, art, and the performing arts. With over 42 million literary manuscripts, nearly one million rare books, over five million photographs and 100,000 works of art, the Center is actively engaged in strategic planning around developing, managing, interpreting, and caring for the Center's rare and unique collections, in accordance with the highest professional standards and a commitment to inclusion and diversity. A reconceived unit for Description & Access to Printed & Published Media now seeks a skilled and collaborative professional, engaged with the dynamic environment of bibliographic metadata, to join our cataloging team.

The Ransom Center's early book and manuscript collections include 16th-through 18th-century printed works in the Wrenn library, the Pforzheimer library of early modern books and manuscripts, the Recusant collection, the Queen Anne collection, and extensive holdings of 18th-century books and periodicals. The Robert Lee Wolff Collection of 19th-century Fiction includes more than 18,000 volumes of Victorian fiction published in Britain between 1820 and 1910. Printed holdings from the 20th-through 21st centuries are rich in author collections and author libraries which supplement our literary manuscript and archival collections. More information about printed collections, as well as collections in art, photography, performing arts, literature and film can be found at http://www.hrc.utexas.edu/collections/guide/.

Reporting to the Metadata Librarian & Head of Description and Access, Printed & Published Media, the Metadata and Cataloging Librarian for Special Formats will use expertise in rare books and special formats cataloging to enhance access and discovery for a variety of Ransom Center collections, while contributing to cross-departmental metadata initiatives and shaping new cataloging approaches compatible with current and emerging initiatives such as linked data, RDF, BibFrame, etc.  For application instructions please see: https://utdirect.utexas.edu/apps/hr/jobs/nlogon/180518010080.

Essential Functions

*       Performs original and complex copy cataloging in MARC according to established national guidelines and standards appropriate for printed, published, and visual materials, including but not limited to pre-1821 monographs, maps, playbills, ephemera, photo albums and portfolios, musical scores, and selected works of art.

*       Maintains workflows and communication within the unit on issues requiring expertise and guidance in rare books and special formats cataloging.

*       Collaborates with other Description& Access units and with UT Libraries in support of cross-departmental metadata transformation and catalog management and maintenance activities, including data clean-up and manipulation in multiple access platforms such as the Sierra ILS, CONTENTdm and local Name Authorities.

*       Contributes name authority records to PCC NACO.

*       Trains Federal Work Study students and interns to advance the initiatives of the department and provides quality assurance to ensure integrity of the unit output.

*       Stays abreast of linked data and other bibliographic initiatives related to cultural heritage and cultural objects.

Marginal/Incidental functions

*       Liaises with curators and other staff to acquire and track printed and published media.

*       Participates in weekly and occasional weekend public service or reference work.

*       May participate in Center and campus committees and initiatives.

Required qualifications

*       Master's degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited program, or international equivalent.

*       Experience cataloging library materials, preferably rare books and special formats.

*       Evidence of knowledge of MARC and non-MARC bibliographic exchange formats, metadata content standards, controlled vocabularies.

*       Evidence of knowledge of the role and function of authority control.

*       Demonstrated ability to manage time effectively, balance multiple responsibilities, and adjust accordingly to changing priorities, needs, and deadlines.

*       High level of initiative, self-motivation and self-development skills.

*       Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills, to effectively work with internal and external audiences in fostering an atmosphere of positive participation and communication.

Preferred Qualifications

*       At least 2 years of experience post-MLIS managing workflows on a library setting and coordinating cataloging projects.

*       Experience creating authority records, and contributing to PCC NACO.

*       Experience cataloging serials or non-printed and published formats.

*       Experience working with metadata transformation and mapping.

*       Supervisory or training experience.

*       Demonstrated awareness of new and emerging bibliographic standards and technologies, and a commitment to their effective application.

*       Knowledge of rare material handling and preservation.

*       Reading knowledge in one or more languages other than English.

*       A record of professional engagement and service or willingness to develop one.

*       Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion.


Paloma Graciani Picardo
Metadata Librarian and Head, Printed & Published Media
Harry Ransom Center
The University of Texas at Austin
P.O. Box 7219
Austin, Texas 78713-7219
P: (512) 232-6434
www.hrc.utexas.edu<http://www.hrc.utexas.edu/>