Cataloging Librarian

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu .

Libraries Job Description

Job Summary

The Cataloging Librarian serves as the Smith College Libraries’ local expert in bibliographic cataloging, creating rich metadata to provide timely access to the Smith collections. Reporting to the Metadata Technologies Librarian, the Cataloging Librarian will work alongside technical services colleagues as a member of the Collection and Discovery Services team. This is an opportunity to work with a collaborative group of professionals who are diligent in selecting, acquiring, describing and providing access to library resources and materials. The Cataloging Librarian will also work closely with the Josten Performing Arts Library and Hillyer Art Library, either cataloging materials directly or advising staff. Smith College is a member of the Five College Consortium and we have recently moved to a shared catalog in the FOLIO integrated library system. This person will work closely with peers at the other member campuses to maintain this environment.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions

Cataloging operations: (75%)

• Perform original and complex copy cataloging using OCLC Connexion, RDA and LC Classification on physical and digital resources in a variety of formats and subjects.
  
  
• Remain current on national cataloging and metadata policies and issues.
  
  
• Identify and apply supplemental vocabularies to records important to Smith's teaching mission.
  
  
• Provide leadership and guidance to staff responsible for the cataloging, classification and organization of library materials.
  
  
• Connect with other campus resources when language or format expertise is necessary.
  
  
• Evaluate and enhance existing MARC records to meet Five College cataloging requirements.
  
  
• Work with consortium partners in the Five Colleges to develop procedures, resolve problems and ensure consistency.
  
  

Authority control and database maintenance: (20%)

• Collaborate with College Archives, faculty, and others to organize and bring under intellectual control institutional repository materials stored in ScholarWorks.
  
  
• Participate as a member of the NACO Massachusetts Five College Funnel to provide authority control for Smith scholarship.
  
  
• Update the Smith catalog to reflect headings changes and evolving national standards.
  
  

Other Functions

5%

• Work closely with Stacks on projects that impact how resources are organized in the catalog.
  
  
• Assist Special Collections in the cataloging of rare books produced in the 19th and 20th centuries, primarily in English
  
  
• Participate in goal setting and planning for Cataloging and Collection & Discovery Services.
  
  
• Serves on Teams, Committees and Working Groups at Smith and within the Five Colleges.
  
  
• Perform related duties as required.
  
  
• All employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses)

• Three years experience cataloging a variety of digital and physical formats, preferably in an academic setting.
  
  
• MLS/MLIS degree from an ALA-accredited program OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
  
  
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness in interactions with coworkers and a willingness to reflect those principles in descriptive work.
  
  
• Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience cataloging records in WorldCat using OCLC Connexion Client or WorldShare Record Manager.
  
  
• Ability to train colleagues and prepare effective training materials and documentation.
  
  
• Demonstrated interest in professional development; attending conferences, membership or leadership in committees,
  
  
• NACO training.
  
  
• Experience using an integrated library system like FOLIO, Alma or similar.
  
  
• Ability to work outside of bibliographic comfort zones, including non-Roman scripts or rare books and music cataloging.
  
  

Skills

• Applied knowledge of RDA, LCSH, LC Classification, MARC21 and Qualified Dublin Core.
  
  
• Familiarity with AACR2, Getty vocabularies, RDF, Wikidata and linked data.
  
  
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team-based setting where consultation, flexibility, collaboration, and cooperation are essential.
  
  

Additional Information

For the care and safety of our community, Smith College requires that all employees be vaccinated as a condition of employment and as such, the incumbent will be required to be immunized against COVID-19 on or before their first day of employment. Proof of vaccination status will be required. Individuals may seek medical or religious exemption with HR, but must do so prior to their arrival.

Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application. You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button.

Review of applications will begin

November 21, 2022

Compensation Grade:

Grade J

Position Type:

Regular

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu .

Diversity and a culture of inclusion among students, staff, faculty, and administration are crucial to the mission and values of Smith College. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, age, color, religions, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or veteran status in the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff, and the operation of any of its programs and activities, as specified by all applicable laws and regulations. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.