Librarian III, NYPL Schomburg (NY)

 

Librarian III (Supervisory Cataloger)

Founded in 1925 and named a National Historic Landmark in 2017, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is one of the world’s leading cultural institutions devoted to the collection, preservation, and interpretation of materials focused on African American, African, and African Diaspora experiences, featuring diverse programming and a collection of over 11 million items that illuminates the richness of global Black history and culture. A research library of The New York Public Library and seeded by the collection of Arturo Alfonso Schomburg 95 years ago, the Schomburg Center provides free access to materials documenting Black life locally, nationally, and internationally.

The Jean Blackwell Hutson (JBH) Research and Reference Division collects, catalogs and provides access to books, serials and microforms containing information by and about people of African descent throughout the world, concentrating on the humanities, social sciences, and the arts. Geographically, the collection emphasizes the Americas, the Caribbean, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

We are seeking an experienced cataloger who will perform original and complex copy cataloging, including descriptive and subject cataloging and authority work, for monographs and serials, with a specialization in serials cataloging, and who will also be responsible for the general supervision of the cataloging unit. 

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day supervision and plan the work the cataloging team (1-3 staff) for best quality records in the most efficient manner
  • Train and update cataloging staff on the latest in cataloging standards
  • Develop and implement goals and objectives for cataloging activities
  • Review cataloger’s bibliographic and authority work
• Respond to cataloging-related inquiries or problems
• Perform original and complex copy cataloging of library materials including monographs and serials to facilitate their identification, access, and use
• Interpret and apply relevant standards such as Library of Congress subject headings, Library of Congress classification, AACR2, RDA and OCLC
• Create, import, and update bibliographic records
• Search and download MARC records from OCLC Connexion to the local ILS (Sierra) and contribute original MARC records to OCLC
• Search the ILS (Sierra) to determine library holdings of particular serial titles and ensure accuracy of issue dates attached to bibliographic records
• Maintain accuracy of bibliographic records for serials by creating/loading new catalog records for title changes and updating existing records of former titles
• Adhere to CONSER standards for participation in Library of Congress PCC/BIBCO cataloging program
• Work within OCLC Connexion and the ILS (Sierra) to establish authority control of author/corporate names and subject headings where appropriate
• Create new name and corporate authority records, as well as update the existing ones based on current RDA standards. Also make proposals for new LC subject headings appropriate to the scope of the library
• Prepare statistical reports
• Manage cataloging special projects such as elimination of backlog 
• Work closely with a team of cataloging, reference and processing staff to provide enhanced access to collections
• Participate in committees that are related to professional responsibilities and serves as a liaison between the Schomburg Center and Cataloging Unit in BookOps
• Perform related duties as required

Skills Knowledge and Expertise

• ALA accredited Master’s degree (MLS, MLIS) in Library and Information Studies
• Public Librarian’s professional certificate issued by the State of New York (can be obtained at time of employment)

Required Experience

• Demonstrated experience using OCLC Connexion for both copy and original bibliographic record creation, including use of constant data and macros
• Demonstrated experience in serials cataloging for a research library collection according to national, consortial, and local standards
• Demonstrated experience in a research library collection using an integrated library system (ILS) such as Innovative’s Sierra
• At least 3-5 years experience as a cataloger

Required Skills 

• Demonstrated knowledge of MARC format and ISBD for serial formats
• Demonstrated knowledge of RDA standards and AACR2
• Demonstrated knowledge of Library of Congress Subject Headings
• Demonstrated knowledge of library classification including LC Classification, DDC, and competency to learn local classification tables
• Knowledge of CONSER standards and practices
• Knowledge of one or more languages other than English is desirable, especially African languages, such as Swahili, Wolof, Amharic, etc.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment to meet planned goals
• Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• Supervise cataloging staff
• Manage cataloging activities
  
  

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Please Note: Effective August 2, 2021, absent a qualifying exception for medical or religious reasons, newly hired employees of the New York Public Library must present proof of receipt of a COVID-19 vaccination and may not begin employment at the Library until 14 days after their receipt of their second dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or 14 days after their first dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.  Newly hired employees who need additional time to receive their vaccination prior to their start date may request an adjournment of their start date with their hiring manager.  The Library will consider such requests on a case by case basis, depending upon the Library’s operational needs, among other factors.  The Library will further consider exemptions for prospective employees who cannot become vaccinated due to a qualifying medical condition or a sincerely held religious belief or practice.  Candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment and who seek a medical or religious exemption to the Library’s vaccination policy will be provided with additional instructions at the time of the conditional offer.

Core Values
All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:

• Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
• Be Resourceful in solving problems 
• Be Curious in all aspects of your work
• Be Welcoming and Inclusive

Physical Duties

• Moderate lifting required 
• Pushing, pulling book trucks
• May require travel within NYC

Union/Non Union
Union/Local 1930

FLSA Status
Exempt

Schedule
35 hours per week to be scheduled between Monday-Friday