Director of Metadata and Cataloging Services

The University of Chicago Library

Director, Metadata and Cataloging Services

(Search Re-opened)

The University of Chicago Library seeks a talented and innovative individual to take the lead in conceptualizing, developing and managing descriptive practices. Library patrons are exposed to a rapidly changing information environment, including new search technologies, the increasing replacement of traditional with on-line resources, and the provision of many supporting services electronically. Libraries are challenged to continue to guide researchers effectively in this environment.

Reporting to the Assistant Director for Technical and Electronic Services, the Director of Metadata and Cataloging Services will lead in developing and managing traditional and non-traditional bibliographic access and control processes that support the collections and services of the Library. The Director's ability to articulate relationships between traditional and non-traditional processes will be key to providing leadership and coordinating the development of the library discovery and retrieval environment with other departments, including the Digital Library Development Center; cataloging units in the D'Angelo Law Library, the East Asian Collections, and the Special Collections Research Center (SCRC); and other areas where discovery and delivery methods are created and maintained. The Library's current discovery and delivery environment includes the Library's web space, a new faceted browser (Aquabrowser), SFX, Metalib and OPAC (Horizon). The Library is also involved in efforts with the Google Book Project and the Committee on Institutional Cooperation (CIC). Of increasing importance is facilitating patron discovery and use of non-library information and resources.

Current major projects include bibliographic support for burgeoning electronic collections, such as mass digitization projects, and preparing for an onsite automated storage and retrieval system. The University of Chicago Library is a leader in national forums related to cataloging policy, standards, and practice; the Director of Metadata and Cataloging Services is expected to be active in those areas.

The department is currently organized into Database Management and Copy Cataloging, Original Cataloging, and Serials and Digital Resources Cataloging. Staff consists of 7 professionals, 3 exempt staff, and 13 clericals. The Director will play an active role in the Library's strategic planning process, serve on the Library Council, and ensure the sustained professional development of departmental staff.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provides leadership for traditional and non-traditional metadata creation and management in the face of changing standards, user expectations, and tools, to take advantage of the opportunities they provide.
Participates in re-conceptualizing the intersection of library and patron information environments.
Ensures that patrons can discover and use a wide variety of information resources by coordinating ongoing initiatives, including faceted browsing; introduction of new data and content sources to the catalog, e.g., records for the CIC Google Book project; and linking disparate access systems within the library, on campus, and beyond.
Contributes to the development of processing models in support of digital initiatives, such as the creation of digital collections and online finding aids, as well as preservation efforts utilizing digital technology.
Participates in reviewing, analyzing, and recommending for adoption appropriate discovery and retrieval tools for digital content.
Leads the cataloging operations in support of the Library's short- and long-term requirements for cataloging and metadata; and develops goals, policies, local cataloging practices, and priorities for the Department to address the needs. The Cataloging Department is responsible for original and complex cataloging workflows, in addition to database management, including coordination of record loads, authority record processing, vendor services such as Marcadia, and local maintenance transactions.
Manages and motivates departmental staff to achieve department goals and meet changing requirements for cataloging, database integration, and electronic resource support.
Oversees the Library's participation in cooperative cataloging programs such as PCC, BIBCO and NACO; encourages and enables departmental participation in those programs.
Coordinates the work of the Cataloging Department with the other departments of the Technical and Electronic Services Division (Acquisitions and Integrated Library Services); other cataloging units, including the Law and East Asian libraries; and other library divisions. Participates actively in planning within Technical and Electronic Services and the Library as a whole.
Contributes leadership to the coordination of cataloging and metadata creation for SCRC's materials both in the Cataloging Department and SCRC. Provides leadership for the cataloging components of the Hidden Collections Initiatives being pursued by the library.
Works closely with Public Services and Access Services to ensure that our discovery and delivery tools effectively serve our patrons.
Develops mechanisms to coordinate library metadata and cataloging policy.
Develops and sustains productive relationships with groups both locally and nationally involved in information environment development and standards articulation; develops initiatives and partnerships with other research libraries and organizations to reach common objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS: MLIS or MS in library and information science required, as is significant experience in managing a cataloging or metadata creation unit in a large setting and complex information environment. The following skills and knowledge are also required: interest and involvement in the emerging digital information environment; knowledge of relevant standards development; ability to work effectively and collegially with all levels of library staff and patrons, as well as external associates; the ability to manage time, budget, and staff and to meet deadlines in a complex, environment; and excellent communication skills. Experience with project management is highly desirable.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: Appointment salary based on qualifications and experience. Benefits include retirement plan, insurance, and paid time off. There is a tuition benefit plan for college age and younger children.

APPLICATION: Should include resume and names, addresses, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of three references. Review of application will begin upon receipt and continue until the position is filled. Those received by April 15, 2008 will be assured consideration. Applications may be sent by e-mail to chicago-metalibn-search@lib.uchicago.edu with attention to Denise Weintraub. Please note applicant name on resume attachment. AA/EEO employer.