Wesleyan University, in Middletown CT, is seeking a Library Assistant to join our Cataloging and Digital Initiatives teams!
Details and application portal: https://careers.wesleyan.edu/postings/8568
The position, which falls within the Discovery & Access department,
is 0.8 FTE (i.e. 28 hours a week), but has full benefits. The ideal
candidate should be tech-savvy, detail oriented, innovative, and possess
a passion for metadata and a willingness to learn new skills.
Position Details:
The Wesleyan University Library’s Discovery & Access department
coordinates the movement of library resources from the point of purchase
to discovery. The department manages the Library’s general access
collection of print and electronic resources, and the digital
collections that highlight the Library’s unique resources alongside
faculty and student scholarship.
Reporting to the Head of
Cataloging, and with oversight from the Head of Digital Initiatives, the
Library Assistant for Cataloging & Digital Initiatives improves
access and discovery of library resources by creating and maintaining
descriptive metadata across library collections. The library assistant
will divide their time equally working both for Cataloging and for
Digital Initiatives.
Specific responsibilities include:
Facilitate access to library collections in all formats and languages by
creating metadata in multiple systems, performing original and complex
copy cataloging in MARC format, and original cataloging in non-MARC
formats. Create and improve descriptive and administrative metadata for
both physical and digital objects, including audiovisual materials,
photographs, and text-based materials. Analyze legacy data, and design
and execute projects to edit metadata both in the library catalog and
other metadata systems. Work in close partnership with the Digital Asset
Coordinator to coordinate and monitor metadata creation for digital
collections. Collaborate in the design and implementation of projects to
address bias in our institution’s metadata, and to create more
inclusive descriptions of our resources in support of the library’s
diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice goals. Assist with
documentation of local standards and practices in metadata management.
Search outside authority sources (Library of Congress, VIAF, Wikidata,
etc.) for existing Linked Data representations of people and places, and
in their absence create and apply authority records where appropriate.
Train and supervise a diverse group of student workers, managing quality
control and reviewing CSV and XML data entry. Other duties as assigned.
Work schedule: 28 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Typical hours
fall between 9am and 5pm, but there can be some flexibility, both with
hours and with days worked. This is an on-campus position.
This 0.8 FTE position is in the secretarial/clerical bargaining unit.
Minimum Qualifications:
Associates degree and a minimum of 6 years of experience in libraries
or in related field(s), or an equivalent combination of education,
training, and experience. One year of descriptive metadata work or
related experience, using descriptive standards and vocabularies such as
MARC, RDA, MODS, DC, and LCSH. Strong analytical and technology skills,
and the ability to learn new software applications and metadata
standards. Experience working with Excel, Google Sheets, or similar
software. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the
ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.
Demonstrated ability to understand and apply documentation from a
variety of sources and to contribute to in-house documentation. Ability
to work effectively both independently and in a collaborative, team
environment. Effective communication skills, ability to communicate
processes to others. Demonstrated commitment to work within a diverse
environment and interact collegially with individuals of different
backgrounds.
Preferred Qualifications: Working
knowledge of data formats such as XML, CSV, and JSON. Knowledge and
experience in working with Alma Primo and/or Islandora. Working
knowledge of OpenRefine and a strong interest in strengthening scripting
and querying skills through professional development. Familiarity with
linked data concepts, ontologies, and vocabularies.
Salary Range: $24.61/hr ($35,832) - $25.47/hr ($37,084)
To apply: Please submit completed employment application, cover letter, and resume via Wesleyan’s employment portal: https://careers.wesleyan.edu/postings/8568
