Library: Library Technology and Catalog Librarian Position Description

Library Technology and Catalog Librarian Position Description

W.W. Clark Memorial Library
University of Portland
Position Description

Job Title: Library Technology and Catalog Librarian

Department: Technical Services and Collection Development

Reports to: Head, Technical Services and Collection Development

Primary purpose of the job:
Leads informed exploration of current and emerging technologies related to today’s academic library services, working collaboratively across all Library and Information Services departments. Works closely with the Information Services Division to effectively implement approved library technology projects and goals.

Serves as Head of the Library’s Cataloging Unit and is responsible for meta-data services, most specifically bibliographic integrity, and catalog creation and maintenance, sharing responsibility for the Library’s Innovative Interfaces system with the staff of Information Services.

Key or essential duties of the job and results to be accomplished:

Technology:

• Provides vision and leadership to meet current technology needs and to anticipate future trends in the evolving academic library environment.
• Leads and coordinates planning, development, implementation and support of library technologies, systems and services; working closely with staff of both the Library and Information Systems.
• Serves as the in-house library expert on the latest developments and opportunities in library technology, actively providing current technology awareness education to colleagues.
• Leads evaluation of library hardware and software
• Acts as the primary liaison to the University’s Information Services Division.
• Participates in the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting and upgrading Web-based contract services and in-house computer-related resources.

Cataloging and Metadata services:

• Supervises and leads cataloging unit staff, coaching and facilitating their work and staff development, acts as a resource person, evaluates and trains staff, and takes a significant role in hiring of section staff.
• Sets policy and goals, and develops training materials/methods for Cataloging Unit
• Manages the library’s Innovative Interfaces, Inc. system including maintenance and upgrades, serving as primary contact with III, and acting as a resource person for other librarians and staff in III related issues; assures database quality, including authority control
• Liaisons with University Archives to facilitate access to its resources through the Library’s catalog

Job duties performed on an occasional or periodic basis:

• Participates actively in-house, and in local, regional and national professional associations/settings that support higher education and academic libraries, including:
  • Serving on committees within the library and at the University
  • Representing the library within professional organizations
  • Participating in professional development
• Original cataloging
• Other duties as appropriate

Supervisory responsibilities:

This position will directly supervise the Cataloging Technical Assistant (1 FTE) and Retrospective Conversion Coordinator (.5 FTE) as well as student employees.

Required education, skills, knowledge:

Leadership qualities are required in both the technology and cataloging dimensions of this position.

• MLS (Masters Degree in Library Science) from a fully accredited program or equivalent Information Technology degree combined with library systems and cataloging knowledge and experience.
• 3 years of experience with increasing responsibility, preferably in an academic library setting.
• Expertise in, and experience with, current and emerging library issues and technologies.
• Knowledge of computer hardware, operating systems and network architecture helpful.
• Professional level knowledge of catalog creation and maintenance along with cataloging and classification principles, national standards and practices
• Demonstrated ability to work with others to conceive and plan projects
• Demonstrated ability to manage a variety of responsibilities, and apply new processes and technologies to library operations
• Working knowledge of a national bibliography, preferably OCLC; and an automated system, preferably Innovative Interfaces.
• Supervisory experience.

Physical requirements of the job (e.g.: moving from floor to floor, moving equipment, work in the stacks):

• Able to communicate effectively orally, in writing, and by listening
• Able to use PC, laptop, and keyboard

Return to the Job Listing on the UP Employment page

4/19/07