Cataloging and Metadata Librarian

Job Location

Burlington, VT

Date Posted

August 14, 2024

About The Institution

The University of Vermont Libraries seeks an experienced, enthusiastic and creative cataloger, well-versed in the rapid evolution of cataloging practices, to provide original and complex copy cataloging and to lead the cataloging team in the UVM Libraries. Working collaboratively with colleagues throughout the Libraries, this full-time faculty member leads in establishing cataloging practices and priorities; oversees the creation, modification, and selection of records and metadata for print and digital materials; coordinates with consortial colleagues on shared cataloging work and priorities; and ensures prompt access to newly acquired resources. We seek candidates who are positive, motivated, familiar with best practices, and eager to innovate. 

The Cataloging and Metadata Librarian oversees cataloging and metadata operations for all collections, including general, medical/health sciences, media, digital, and materials in Special Collections. The librarian will supervise, train, motivate, and ensure continuing education for cataloging staff; collaborate with colleagues across the libraries; share knowledge of national and local standards; implement quality assurance processes; and consult with Silver Special Collections and Scholarly Communications colleagues on metadata implementation for digitization projects. 

The University is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through their research, teaching, and/or service. For more information on diversity at the University of Vermont, see: https://www.uvm.edu/president/inclusive-excellence-uvm 

CAMPUS PROFILE

The University of Vermont, established in 1791, is a public research university. Often referred to as a Public Ivy, UVM is the largest institution of higher education in the state, with over 12,600 degree-seeking students enrolled in nine schools and colleges, including a medical school. UVM is known as a small, premier research institution, combining the faculty-student relationships found at small liberal arts colleges with the resources of a major research institution.  

UVM Libraries, comprised of the David W. Howe Memorial Library, Dana Health Sciences Library, and Silver Special Collections Library, delivers distinctive and outstanding service to the campus community, the State of Vermont, and the University of Vermont Medical Center through excellence in instruction, innovation in research and scholarship, and dedication to public service. UVM Libraries uses the Alma library services platform and Primo VE discovery search interface. Digital Commons hosts the institutional repository UVM ScholarWorks, and LIBNOVA hosts an array of unique digital collections via the Center for Digital Initiatives.  

UVM is located in Burlington, Vermont. Uniquely situated near both Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains, the surrounding area offers easy access to a variety of outdoor activities year-round. Burlington enjoys excellent school systems, a dynamic and stimulating cultural scene, and a vibrant and diverse social life. It is also within a short distance of several major metropolitan areas, including Montreal, Boston, and New York City. Further details about UVM Libraries can be found here: https://researchguides.uvm.edu/infoforapplicants. 

Job Description

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

  • Oversees cataloging operations across the UVM Libraries. Facilitates intra- and inter-departmental teamwork. 
  • Establishes policies and priorities for cataloging and metadata creation.  
  • Performs original and complex copy cataloging for all formats, including print, non-print, and digital; ensures compliance with cataloging and classification practices, standards, and schema. 
  • Develops appropriate standards, procedures, and quality-assurance workflows. 
  • Works with colleagues in the Boston Library Consortium within a new Alma Network Zone to establish and maintain consortial cataloging policies and practices.  
  • Trains, mentors, motivates, and ensures continuing education for all who contribute to cataloging and metadata. 
  • Supervises three staff catalogers. 
  • Works with the Silver Special Collections Library to plan projects and identify cataloging and metadata needs around the same. 
  • Works with digitization initiatives within and external to the libraries to plan projects and identify cataloging and metadata needs around the same. 
    • Silver Special Collections Library’s Center for Digital Initiatives. 
    • Scholarly Communications projects such as the University of Vermont Digital Repository. 
    • Assorted other new and growing initiatives as they occur. 
  • Engages in committees, working groups, teams, projects, or other service activities that further the Libraries', the University's, and the profession's missions. 
  • Develops, with support from mentors, a personal agenda of scholarship or creative activities. 
  • A master's degree (M.L.S., M.S., or M.A. in Library or Information Science or other variation) from a program accredited by the American Library Association or the equivalent professional credential in librarianship -or- a master’s degree or PhD in another field plus completion of a formal program providing training as a librarian (e.g., fellowship, graduate certificate), combined with at least one year of experience in a professional role as an academic librarian. 
  • Experience as a full-time professional cataloger 
  • Broad knowledge of cataloging and metadata workflows and services. 
  • Knowledge of cataloging and classification practices, standards, and schema including: MARC, RDA, AACR2, LCSH, MeSH, NLM, LCC 
  • Knowledge of tools and resources for cataloging including: OCLC Connexion and/or WMS, ClassWeb, RDA Toolkit 
  • Interest, capacity, and willingness to engage in scholarship and creative activities. 
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusion, and accessibility; awareness and understanding of diverse thought, cultures, race, religion, gender, and other differences. 
  • Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. 
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. 
  • Experience with leading, supervising, and training. 
  • Familiarity with serials and e-resource management. 
  • Familiarity with cross-walking, normalizing, and transforming XML metadata. 
  • Knowledge of one or more foreign languages. 
  • Familiarity with Alma. 
  • Familiarity and experience with rare book cataloging and/or archival description. 
  • At least two years working in a full-time cataloging or metadata-focused position 
  • Knowledge of DCRM, DACS, Dublin Core, or MODS 
  • Participation in PCC Programs (BIBCO, CONSER, SACO), or NACO authorization 
Salary Information

Salary depends on academic rank: Library Assistant Professor Minimum salary $62,334; Library Associate Professor Minimum salary $74,801; Library Professor Minimum salary $95,839

Librarians at the University of Vermont hold faculty appointments without tenure. As such, librarians are expected to perform in three areas: Educational Mission (Librarianship), Scholarly and Creative Activity, and Service. Decisions about rank at time of initial hire will be based upon each candidate’s previous experience in all three areas and will be at one of the following three ranks:   

  • Library Assistant Professor (Minimum salary: $62,334): Appointment at this rank or higher requires a Masters degree (M.L.S., M.S., or M.A. in Library or Information Science, or other variation) from a program accredited by the American Library Association and the potential to develop and to meet substantially the UVM Libraries Standards for Reappointment and Promotion.    
  • Library Associate Professor (Minimum salary: $74,801): Appointment at this rank typically requires 6 or more years of professional (post-MLS) experience and a consistent record of accomplishment in librarianship, scholarly and creative activity, and professional service.  
  • Library Professor (Minimum salary: $95,839): Appointment to Library Professor requires demonstration of high degree of professional accomplishment, with strong performance in librarianship, scholarship activities, and service over a significant period of time.  

Generous benefits package includes: TIAA/CREF (or alternative plan), managed health care plan, professional development funds, and 22 days of annual leave. Faculty librarians are represented by UVM United Academics.  

For further details about this position and to apply online, please visit our website at: https://www.uvmjobs.com and reference posting number F3142PO. In addition to the online application, candidates are required to submit the following three documents: cover letter, curriculum vitae, and a list of three references.

The search will remain open until the position is filled. For best consideration, complete applications should be received no later than August 26, 2024. For additional information, please contact search co-chair Donna O’Malley, donna.omalley@uvm.edu.

The University of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category legally protected by federal or state law.