Special Collections Cataloging Coordinator
- Employer
- The University of Kansas
- Location
- Lawrence, KS
View more
- Administrative Jobs
- Institutional & Business Affairs, Arts & Museum Administration
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Institution Type
- Four-Year Institution
Job Details
The University of Kansas Libraries seeks an experienced, enthusiastic and innovative individual to develop, document and implement workflows that will provide effective bibliographic control of special collections materials in order to increase discoverability of these valuable materials for research, teaching and learning. The Special Collections Cataloging Coordinator serves as the supervisor of the Special Collections Cataloging Unit, reporting to the Head of Cataloging & Archival Processing.
The KU Libraries’ Special Collections Cataloging Unit catalogs materials in a wide variety of formats, including contemporary and rare books, early printed books, artists’ books, maps, serials, audiovisual materials, etc., for KU Libraries’ Kenneth Spencer Research Library. This Special Collections Cataloging Coordinator position supervises full-time staff, student assistants, and oversees the training and work assignments of other Department staff assisting with the Unit’s projects.
The University of Kansas Libraries support a safe and inclusive environment for all members of our diverse communities at KU. We are committed to building a diverse and pluralistic workforce and strongly encourage applications from diverse candidates. This position will demonstrate a commitment to advancing diversity efforts in the Libraries and contributes to an inclusive environment.
This is a full-time, 12-month, tenure-track faculty position. Rank considerations are based on professional performance, research, and service experience sufficient to qualify for appointment at the rank of Assistant Librarian or Associate Librarian.
See the Libraries Criteria for Academic Ranks document: http://policy.ku.edu/libraries/criteria-academic-ranks-library-faculty
Additional information about the Libraries promotion and tenure procedures can be found at the following website: http://policy.ku.edu/libraries/promotion-and-tenure-procedures-faculty-university-kansas-libraries
Job DescriptionProfessional Responsibilities (70%)
- Manages daily cataloging operations, including supervision of staff, distribution of materials to department staff, serving as a resource for cataloging questions, and carrying out quality control.
- Provides original and complex copy cataloging for materials published in multiple languages in Spencer Research Library’s collections according to national & local standards.
- Manages and resolves issues identified during database cleanup projects.
- Recruits, trains, supervises, and evaluates the work of the Special Collections Cataloging Unit staff and student assistants.
- Establishes cataloging priorities for collections material based on unit resources and organizational needs, including determining appropriate levels of treatment for groups of materials.
- Maintains awareness of best practices and emerging standards/technologies related to special collections cataloging.
- Along with the four other unit heads in the Department, serves as a member of the Department’s Management Team, a peer body that oversees the planning and administrative functions of the Department. Works closely with the other unit heads in the Department and staff throughout the libraries on matters relating to published materials in Spencer.
- Demonstrates a commitment to advancing diversity efforts and contributes to an inclusive environment.
Research (20%)
- Contributes to the profession's collective knowledge by engaging in scholarly research activity. Research may involve the publication of articles, books, book reviews, grant-supported inquiry, or editorial work.
Service (10%)
Required Qualifications
- ALA-accredited MLS or equivalent from a foreign institution by date of appointment.Minimum of two years’ experience cataloging a variety of bibliographical formats, including but not limited to: monographs, serials, sound recordings, visual materials, etc.Demonstrated experience with common cataloging standards, e.g., Resource Description and Access (RDA), Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), MARC21 formats, etc. as evidenced by application materials.Supervisory experience as evidenced by application materials.
- Two years supervision of full-time staff.
- Knowledge of bibliographic description for rare materials.
- Demonstrated proficiency and capability with information technology systems in the context of a research library, e.g. OCLC, Voyager, RDA Toolkit, Catalogers’ Desktop.
- Demonstrated project management, organizational, analytical, and problem solving skills.
- Familiarity with non-MARC metadata standards and encoding schemes such as Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS), Encoded Archival Description (EAD), and Dublin Core.
- Reading knowledge of at least one western European language other than English.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to work independently, collaboratively, and in teams.
- Cover letter addressing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.
- Resume.
- Contact information for three professional references (including at least one previous or current supervisor).
- Completion of the online application.
- Application review begins Monday, January 3, 2022. To ensure consideration, apply no later than Sunday, January 2, 2022.
Organization
Working at the University of Kansas
Join the University of Kansas, and you’ll become part of a Jayhawk family that spans the globe. Wear your KU shirt in London, Istanbul, Buenos Aires, Nairobi or anywhere else, and you will likely hear a resounding “Rock Chalk!” from a stranger. Of course, the appropriate response is an enthusiastic “Jayhawk!” Because, after all, they’re not really strangers, they’re family.
The Jayhawk community is united by more than 150 years of tradition and by our commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge, transforming the academic experience, and creating solutions through innovative research. KU’s mission is to lift students and society by educating leaders, building healthy communities and making discoveries that change the world.
The University of Kansas is the state’s flagship university and one of just 66 invited members of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). We consistently earn high rankings for academics and recognition as a premier research university.
KU faculty and staff embrace our role as the state’s flagship university, AAU member and R1 institution that serves the state, nation and world. We celebrate the energy and compassion that infuse the Jayhawk spirit; and, we remain true to KU’s historic values: the elevating force of education, the transformative power of research and the healing power of service.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
The University of Kansas is committed to a learning and workplace environment that is representative of our nation and global society, accepts and values everyone, appreciates our common humanity and understands that our multiple differences are the cornerstone of academic preparation, professional excellence and distinction. KU must be a place where all people feel they belong and have access to resources and support that help them attain their educational and professional goals.
We recognize there are inequalities and privileges generated by historical and persistent intersecting differences by race, ethnicity, gender identities, gender expressions, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, abilities, religion, regional background, veteran status, citizenship status and nationality. And we hold ourselves accountable for policies, processes and programs that appreciate these and other differences and create more fair, safe and just learning, working and living environments for KU students, faculty and staff.
Instruction
KU offers a broad array of undergraduate and graduate study programs, and we fulfill our mission through academic and research programs of international distinction, coupled with outstanding libraries, teaching museums and information technology. These resources enrich the academic experience for students from all 50 states and 112 countries, and provide enrichment resources for KU faculty and staff.
Research
The university attains high levels of research productivity and recognizes that faculty are part of a network of scholars and academicians that shape a discipline as well as teach it. KU staff are integral to our research success, participating in and supporting discoveries that expand knowledge and improve lives.
Service
The university and our employees serve society through research, teaching and the preservation and dissemination of knowledge. KU's academic programs, arts facilities and public programs provide cultural enrichment opportunities for the larger community. And, KU offers educational, research and service programs throughout the state. KU employees are encouraged to participate in and serve the campus and surrounding communities in a way that is meaningful to them.
International Dimension
KU offers more than 100 programs of international study and cooperative research for KU students and faculty at sites around the world. The university offers teaching and research that draw upon and contribute to the most advanced developments throughout the United States and abroad. At the same time, KU's extensive international ties support economic development in Kansas.
Values
The University of Kansas, our students and employees are committed to excellence. We foster a multicultural, inclusive environment in which the dignity and rights of individuals are respected. Intellectual diversity, integrity and disciplined inquiry in the search for knowledge are of paramount importance.
Our City and State
KU sits atop Mt. Oread in the center of Lawrence, a town full of natural beauty and culture. In fact, Rolling Stone magazine named Lawrence one of the best college towns in the United States. Lawrence is home to more than 100,000 people, and has a charming, Midwestern friendliness that welcomes visitors and celebrates diversity. In addition to KU, Lawrence is home to Haskell Indian Nations University, the premiere tribal university in the United States.
Lawrence’s historic and thriving downtown features restaurants, nightlife and local shops offering unique finds that you won’t find anywhere else. The town has more than 50 parks, an encompassing mixed-use trail, and quick access to biking/hiking trails along the Kansas River and around Clinton Lake. A five-minute drive from Lawrence, Clinton Lake offers fishing, boating, beaches, camping and other outdoor activities.
Located just 40 minutes west of Kansas City, Lawrence offers the appeal of a mid-size, suburban town with quick access to the amenities of a large city, including an international airport. The Kansas City metro area is home to world-class museums and cultural activities, Jazz clubs and other nightlife venues, expansive shopping options, and exciting professional sports with the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals and Sporting KC.
Kansas is in the center of the country, making it convenient and cost effective to fly or drive to destinations throughout the United States. Far from flat, the Flint Hills, just 90 minutes from Lawrence, offer panoramic vistas that showcase the breathtaking beauty of America.
Making KU Your Home
Something about Lawrence is magnetic. Long-time residents are never surprised when a KU student or employee from out of state decides to make Lawrence their permanent home. And, even those who do leave often find themselves returning to “the nest” at some point in the future. In fact, Lawrence has been named by several publications as one of the best places to retire.
At the University of Kansas, you’ll join a global Jayhawk family and find a place to call home.
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