Resource Description Specialist (Library Services Specialist)
Indiana University

Special Instructions Summary

This position will be available no earlier than September 1st, 2022. Priority will be given to applications received by August 1st, 2022. To apply, visit here.

Questions regarding interview accommodations, the position, or the application process should be directed to Joycelynn Marshall, University Library Human Resource Coordinatior, at the following email address: jomoakle@iupui.edu.

Department

UNIVERSITY LIBRARY (IN-LIBR-IUINA)

Department Information

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) University Library (UL) is seeking a Resource Description Specialist to join the Resource Acquisition & Description Team.

The Resource Acquisition & Description Team acquires print and digital resources and provides complete, accurate, timely, and cost-effective bibliographic access to all library holdings, be they traditional or nontraditional.

As the state's premier urban research institution, IUPUI is committed to being a welcoming campus community that reflects and enacts the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion that inform academic excellence. IUPUI condemns racism in all its forms and has taken an anti-racist stance that moves beyond mere statements to re-examining its policies, procedures, and practices.

As part of the IUPUI campus, the University Library values diversity in the experience and backgrounds of our staff. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, disability status, or protected veteran status. Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application process may contact library administration.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Head of Resource Acquisition & Description, the Resource Description Specialist ensures complete, accurate, timely, and cost-effective bibliographic access to all library holdings and collections, including both traditional and nontraditional resources.

Department-Specific Responsibilities

• Provides oversight and quality control of the cataloging and bibliographic description of all library collections, both print and electronic, as well as retrospectively and prospectively.
• Assesses and applies metadata principles and practices to the library's digital collections and ensure quality and compliance with local and DPLA metadata standards.
• Investigates and implements improvements to digital collections metadata procedures and workflows.
• Ensures alignment and implementation of digital collections metadata standards across collections to facilitate goal of interoperability and optimize discoverability in both internal and external discovery environments.
• Ensures that all MARC-based cataloging procedures adhere to local, consortia and national standards while maximizing user identification of and access to library materials.
• Evaluates and decides the best source of records for large electronic collections and databases. Manages the accuracy and quality of these records. Third-party sources include vendors, GOBI/OCLC, Ex Libris, etc.
• Ensures the data integrity in the library's online catalog through data maintenance project design and management and training on cataloging procedures.
• Oversees hiring, training, and supervision of 1-2 Full-Time Employees (FTE) with primary responsibility for resource description and coordination of description workflows. Manages the distribution of cataloging and metadata work among library associates.
• Coordinates the workflows for cataloging and digital collections metadata, including distribution of digital collections metadata creation across departments.
• Supervises 1-2 FTE with primary responsibility for description activities.
• Collaborates across departments and maintains professional knowledge.
• Proactively collaborates with the IUPUI University Library Center for Digital Scholarship, Special Collections & Archives, and Herron Art Library in establishing appropriate approaches (both manual and automated) for the creation of digital collections metadata for individual projects.
• Functions as primary point of contact for University Library employees and for Indiana University Bloomington for any issues, questions, and needed guidance regarding cataloging and digital collections metadata procedures and practices.
• Through critical analysis of information resources, creates descriptive metadata for items not previously cataloged in the United States, serial publications, and original digital collections materials on an as needed basis.
• Performs other cataloging and metadata duties as necessary.

General Responsibilities

• Assists faculty, students, and other patrons, handling library-related issues and resolving non-routine problems related to library activities.
• Monitors library systems. Creates and updates basic records, maintains automated records, reviewing for completeness and accuracy.
• Collects and collates data, compiles statistics, and uses compiled information to prepare unit reports.
• Manages the cataloging of new items, performing audits of outstanding items, and/or inter-library loan materials processing.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

Required

• Bachelor's degree

WORK EXPERIENCE

Required

• 2 years in a related field

Preferred

• Supervisory or training experience
• 2 years of experience in a relevant library technical services role
• 3 years of technical services/cataloging experience or equivalent education
• Relevant Library Science coursework or MLS

Combinations of related education and experience may be considered

SKILLS

Required

• Proficient communication skills
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism
• Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills
• Demonstrates a high commitment to quality
• Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment
• Seeks to acquire knowledge in area of specialty
• Experience with information systems and web-based applications, such as databases, online search and discovery tools, and cataloging/metadata applications
• Understanding of common security protocols related to Internet use and protecting the information privacy of library users

Preferred

• Familiarity with all bibliographic record formats and standards including MARC, Resource Description and Access (RDA), Anglo-American Cataloging Rules (AACR2r), Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), and Library of Congress classification (LCC)
• Knowledge of and experience with metadata schema and their application, including the ability to effectively apply metadata in traditional and digital library environments, and controlled vocabularies
• Ability to learn and utilize current and emerging metadata schema such as MODS, METS, EAD, and TEI
• Familiarity with library software, integrated library systems, and digital collection platforms (e.g. OCLC Connexion, SirsiDynix Symphony WorkFlows, and OCLC CONTENTdm)
• Familiarity with web-based cataloging tools such as Classification Web and Cataloger's Desktop
• Proficiency in complex copy cataloging for a variety of formats using the RDA cataloging standard
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Ability to independently comprehend and apply national and local cataloging standards
• Ability to independently prioritize and adapt to production schedules, meet deadlines, and achieve goals
• Ability to work creatively and independently and as a team member
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Excellent problem-solving, organization and time management skills
• Detail-oriented
• Strong user-centered service orientation
• Familiarity with authority control and Library of Congress Name Authority File (LCNAF) record creation
• Proficiency in original cataloging for a variety of formats using the RDA cataloging standard
• Project management experience

Working Conditions / Demands

This role requires the ability to effectively communicate and to operate a computer and other standard office productivity equipment. The position involves sedentary work as well as periods of time moving around an office environment and the campus. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.

Advertised Salary

Minimum of $48,500 annually.

Excellent benefits include 30 personal days and 10 paid holidays a year, health, dental, and life insurance options, plus enrollment in IU's defined contribution retirement plan. All full-time staff members are also eligible for IU's tuition benefit. This position is considered exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and in accordance with university policies, will not earn compensatory time for hours worked over standard 40-hour work week.

Work Hours

This is a full-time position working 40 hours per week.

Job Classification

Career Level: Core

FLSA: Exempt

Job Function: Educational Resources & Tech

Job Family: Library Services

Click here to learn more about Indiana University's Job Framework.

Posting Disclaimer

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there may be differences in the working conditions as advertised in our standard job postings (e.g., the ability to travel from one campus to another, etc.). If you are invited for an interview, please discuss your questions or concerns regarding the working conditions at that time.

This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.

If you wish to include a cover letter, you may include it with your resume when uploading attachments.

New employees will be provided with information regarding Indiana University's COVID-19 vaccine policy, which includes the opportunity to request an exemption. To learn more, view our COVID-19 vaccine information page.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Indiana University is an equal employment and affirmative action employer and a provider of ADA services. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual qualifications. Indiana University prohibits discrimination based on age, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status. Indiana University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admission, as required by Title IX. Questions or complaints regarding Title IX may be referred to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights or the university Title IX Coordinator. See Indiana University's Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information.

Campus Safety and Security

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, containing policy statements, crime and fire statistics for all Indiana University campuses, is available online. You may also request a physical copy by emailing IU Public Safety at iups@iu.edu or by visiting IUPD.

Contact Us

Request Support
Telephone: 812-856-1234

This job has expired.