HEAD OF CATALOGING AND METADATA CREATION
The New-York Historical Society
Organization
The Library at the New-York Historical Society is one of the oldest
independent research libraries in the United States. Collection
strengths include local history of New York City and State; colonial
history; the Revolutionary War; American military and naval history;
religion and religious movements, 18th and 19th century; the
Anglo-American slave trade and conditions of slavery in the United
States; the Civil War; American biography and genealogy; American art
and art patronage; the development of American architecture from the
late 18th century to the present; and 19th and 20th century
portraiture and documentary photographs of New York City. The
collections include 2 million manuscripts, 500,000 photographs,
400,000 prints, 350,000 books and pamphlets, 150,000 architectural
drawings, 20,000 broadsides, 15,000 printed maps, 10,000 newspapers,
10,000 dining menus, and vast collections of other ephemera.
Responsibilities
The Library of the New-York Historical Society is seeking an
experienced, enthusiastic, and forward-thinking librarian to join its
management team as Head of Cataloging and Metadata Creation.
Reporting to the Director of Library Technical Services and Digital
Initiatives, the position is responsible for: supervising, training,
and evaluating staff in cataloging and metadata creation; performing
original cataloging of books, pamphlets, serials, archival
collections, and other formats; supporting the Library’s digital
program through the creation of metadata for digital collections;
performing quality control and catalog maintenance, as needed;
developing and maintaining cataloging policies and metadata standards;
creating and updating written documentation for the department;
gathering statistics and drafting reports on cataloging projects;
developing creative solutions to address cataloging backlogs;
assisting in developing and drafting grant applications for new
projects; keeping up to date with new trends, issues and standards in
library cataloging and metadata; and working closely and
collaboratively with other Library departments.
Requirements
MLS from an ALA-accredited library school; at least three years’
professional experience cataloging and creating metadata in a research
or academic library setting; experience supervising professional and
paraprofessional cataloging staff, volunteers, and interns; knowledge
of USMARC 21 formats, AACR2, LCSH, LC Classification, DACS, and rules
for descriptive cataloging of rare materials; experience with
cataloging monographs, serials, and archival materials; experience
with non-MARC metadata schema; demonstrated leadership ability; good
attention to detail; excellent oral and written communication skills;
flexibility, and the ability to work independently as well as
collaboratively.
Preferred
Significant experience working with rare books and special collections
materials; knowledge of American history; familiarity with emerging
standards and technologies relating to cataloging and metadata;
experience with the Ex Libris Aleph cataloging system; experience with
the CONTENTdm digital assets management system; strong record of
participation in professional organizations relevant to the position.
Compensation
Salary in the $50,000s, commensurate with experience.
For consideration please send cover letter, resume, salary
requirements, and names, addresses, and phone numbers of three
references to hr1@nyhistory.org. In the subject line please reference
the job title. The New-York Historical Society is an Equal
Opportunity Employer.
The New-York Historical Society
Organization
The Library at the New-York Historical Society is one of the oldest
independent research libraries in the United States. Collection
strengths include local history of New York City and State; colonial
history; the Revolutionary War; American military and naval history;
religion and religious movements, 18th and 19th century; the
Anglo-American slave trade and conditions of slavery in the United
States; the Civil War; American biography and genealogy; American art
and art patronage; the development of American architecture from the
late 18th century to the present; and 19th and 20th century
portraiture and documentary photographs of New York City. The
collections include 2 million manuscripts, 500,000 photographs,
400,000 prints, 350,000 books and pamphlets, 150,000 architectural
drawings, 20,000 broadsides, 15,000 printed maps, 10,000 newspapers,
10,000 dining menus, and vast collections of other ephemera.
Responsibilities
The Library of the New-York Historical Society is seeking an
experienced, enthusiastic, and forward-thinking librarian to join its
management team as Head of Cataloging and Metadata Creation.
Reporting to the Director of Library Technical Services and Digital
Initiatives, the position is responsible for: supervising, training,
and evaluating staff in cataloging and metadata creation; performing
original cataloging of books, pamphlets, serials, archival
collections, and other formats; supporting the Library’s digital
program through the creation of metadata for digital collections;
performing quality control and catalog maintenance, as needed;
developing and maintaining cataloging policies and metadata standards;
creating and updating written documentation for the department;
gathering statistics and drafting reports on cataloging projects;
developing creative solutions to address cataloging backlogs;
assisting in developing and drafting grant applications for new
projects; keeping up to date with new trends, issues and standards in
library cataloging and metadata; and working closely and
collaboratively with other Library departments.
Requirements
MLS from an ALA-accredited library school; at least three years’
professional experience cataloging and creating metadata in a research
or academic library setting; experience supervising professional and
paraprofessional cataloging staff, volunteers, and interns; knowledge
of USMARC 21 formats, AACR2, LCSH, LC Classification, DACS, and rules
for descriptive cataloging of rare materials; experience with
cataloging monographs, serials, and archival materials; experience
with non-MARC metadata schema; demonstrated leadership ability; good
attention to detail; excellent oral and written communication skills;
flexibility, and the ability to work independently as well as
collaboratively.
Preferred
Significant experience working with rare books and special collections
materials; knowledge of American history; familiarity with emerging
standards and technologies relating to cataloging and metadata;
experience with the Ex Libris Aleph cataloging system; experience with
the CONTENTdm digital assets management system; strong record of
participation in professional organizations relevant to the position.
Compensation
Salary in the $50,000s, commensurate with experience.
For consideration please send cover letter, resume, salary
requirements, and names, addresses, and phone numbers of three
references to hr1@nyhistory.org. In the subject line please reference
the job title. The New-York Historical Society is an Equal
Opportunity Employer.
