Temp - Map Cataloger - Brooklyn Historical Society

Brooklyn Historical Society Othmer Library


Job Announcement: Map Cataloger Position


The Brooklyn Historical Society Othmer Library in Brooklyn, NY is seeking an
energetic, team-oriented candidate for a temporary, two and a half year
appointment, grant-funded Map Cataloger position. The successful candidate
will report to the Special Collections Librarian.

Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will be responsible for creating original and
enhanced item-level MARC catalog records for our collection of maps into the
integrated library system Aleph, an Ex-Libris product. The map collection
consists of rare, and in many cases unique, historical maps and atlases
mainly of Brooklyn, New York City, and Long Island. The map cataloger will
be responsible for maintaining the highest possible level of quality in rare
materials cataloging practice consistent with BHS' and NYU's cataloging
standards and the standards and policies of the Library of Congress and the
OCLC bibliographic utility. The Project Map Cataloger will also survey the
maps and atlases collections, in conjunction with the Special Collections
Librarian, to determine project workflows and priorities; aid in the
creation of a map cataloging manual that will serve as both a training and
reference tool; and assist in overseeing the work of a paraprofessional copy
cataloger. In addition to cataloging responsibilities, the map cataloger
will be expected to cover the reference desk during the library's open hours
2-4 times a month, as needed.

Required Qualifications:

* Masters in Library and Information Science;

* One to two years of recent cataloging experience, including a substantial
amount of map cataloging using AACR2R and other special collections
cataloging resources;

* Experience using USMARC formats, Library of Congress rule interpretations,
practices, and standards, including LC subject headings and classification
schemes, authority control;

* Experience with integrated library systems, preferably Ex-Libris' Aleph;
* Effective oral and written communication skills;
* Ability to work as both independently and as part of a team;
* Strong organization and time-management skills;

* Attention to accuracy and detail is essential;

* Familiarity with MARC, AACR2, and with the use and application of
standardized vocabularies;
* Ability to lift, bend, and reach boxes or volumes weighing up to 40 lbs
repeatedly, including handling these materials while standing on rolling
ladders and stepstools; and demonstrated reliable attendance.



Preferred Qualifications:

* Experience dealing with library reference;

* Knowledge and interest of New York City and Long Island history, with an
emphasis on early Brooklyn history.



Compensation:

Salary is $40,000 a year. Benefits include full medical and dental benefits;
sick and vacation days; and optional pre-tax public transportation payroll
deduction. This is a temporary, grant-funded position which will not extend
past the grant period, ending May 31, 2012.



To Apply:

Applicants should apply in writing, including with their letter a complete
statement of qualifications, a full resume of their education and relevant
experience, and the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three references
who are knowledgeable about their qualifications for this position. Send
applications to:

Elizabeth Call
Special Collections Librarian
Brooklyn Historical Society
128 Pierrepont St.
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Or EMAIL: library@brooklynhistory.org

When emailing, please use the Subject line: Map Cataloger Application [your
last name]



Applications received via email preferred. Application period closes
12/11/2009



The Brooklyn Historical Society is dedicated to a policy of
non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, age,
sex, religion, national origin, the presence of any mental, physical, or
sensory disability, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by
federal or state law.



About the Othmer Library:

BHS' Othmer Library and archives house the most comprehensive col-lection of
Brooklyn-related materials in the world. In 1993, the U.S. Department of
Education designated the Othmer Library as a "major research library" under
Title II-C of the Higher Education Act. Today the collection includes more
than 100,000 books and pamphlets, 60,000 photographs and prints, 2,000 feet
of archival collections, and more than 2,000 maps and atlases. These
materials include family histories, rare books, periodicals, serials,
journals, personal papers, institutional records, and oral histories that
document Brooklyn's many different ethnic groups and neighborhoods.

We draw from these holdings to create interpretive exhibitions that prompt
students, scholars and members of the general public to reconsider the
fundamental facts of history in light of primary source documents and
artifacts. BHS serves almost 80,000 people annually by providing
opportunities for civic dialogue and community engagement for children and
adults through exhibit tours, public programming, research opportunities,
educational programs for New York City students, and professional
development workshops and written curricula for teachers.

November 23, 2009

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