Resource Description Specialist

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. 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. This position supervises 1-2 people and manages the distribution of cataloging and metadata work among library associates. This position will also function as the point of contact for cataloging questions from University Library employees and for Indiana University Bloomington regarding cataloging issues and policies. Through critical analysis of information resources, the Resource Description Specialist creates descriptive metadata for items not previously cataloged in the United States, serial publications, and original digital collections materials on an as needed basis.

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.
 

Responsibilities

Provide oversight and quality control of the cataloging and bibliographic description of all library collections, both print and electronic, as well as retrospectively and prospectively.

  • Assess and apply metadata principles and practices to the library’s digital collections and ensure quality and compliance with local and DPLA metadata standards 
  • Investigate and implement improvements to digital collections metadata procedures and workflows. 
  • Ensure 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.
  • Ensure that all MARC-based cataloging procedures adhere to local, consortia and national standards while maximizing user identification of and access to library materials  
  • Evaluate and decide the best source of records for large electronic collections and databases.  Manage the accuracy and quality of these records.  Third-party sources include vendors, GOBI, OCLC, Ex Libris, etc.  
  • Ensure the data integrity in the library's online catalog through data maintenance project design and management and training on cataloging procedures.
  • Oversee hiring, training, and supervision of 1-2 FTE with primary responsibility for resource description and coordination of description workflows.
  • Coordinate the workflows for cataloging and digital collections metadata, including distribution of digital collections metadata creation across departments.
  • Supervise 1-2 FTE with primary responsibility for description activities.
  • Collaborate across departments and maintain professional knowledge
  • Proactively collaborate 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.
  • Function as primary point of contact for library staff for any issues, questions, and needed guidance regarding cataloging and digital collections metadata procedures and practices.
  • Perform other cataloging and metadata duties as necessary.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree plus 2 or more years of experience in a relevant library technical services role. Combinations of related education and experience may be considered.

  • Prior supervisory or training experience 
  • 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

Preferred Qualifications

3 years technical services/cataloging experience or equivalent education. Relevant Library Science coursework or MLS.

  • 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
     

Compensation and Application

This is a full-time (40 hours/week) position. Minimum compensation is $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.

This position will be available no earlier than September 1, 2022. Priority given to applications received by August 1, 2022. To apply, visit https://jobs.iu.edu/. Please include a resumé and cover letter discussing your interest in this opportunity and the experience you would bring to the position. Questions regarding interview accommodations, the position, or the application process should be directed to Joycelynn Marshall, University Library Human Resources Coordinator, at the following email address: jomoakle@iu.edu.