Special Collections Cataloger

Service Area Overview

The Collections & Content Strategy service area provides leadership in the development, discovery, and long term stewardship of the University of Minnesota Libraries' wide-ranging collections. With over 7.7 million print volumes, and millions of electronic resources, the University of Minnesota Libraries' research collections address all current and emerging areas of study at the University. Our collections are amongst the largest in the country. C&CS directs and oversees the acquisition, licensing, description, and discovery of content to meet the needs of the University community and all those interested in our collections. We also facilitate access to resources held at our extensive network of partner libraries throughout the world. The C&CS service area also develops and stewards the technologies and systems that support the metadata, fulfillment, and discovery of our robust resources for both the Twin Cities campus and the system campus libraries. We provide digitization, management, and preservation of the Libraries' physical collections to ensure long-term, broad access to those resources in our possession. Our aim is to increase access to, and awareness of, unique resources for scholars throughout the world. We also provide services and expertise to campus content creators on our collections, intellectual property rights, and copyright information while advocating for sustainable models for scholarly communication and information sharing. We work collaboratively with Libraries staff across the University of Minnesota system, campus partners, and external partners to advance the mission of the Libraries and the University.

Department & Unit Overview

The Cataloging, Metadata, and Digitization Services (CMD) department supports the University's mission of learning, research and outreach activities by providing well-aligned, highly functional, and distinctive information, digitization, and discovery services for use by the University and, whenever possible, the global community (e.g., HathiTrust, OCLC, Google, Digital Public Library of America.) This department is composed of two units, Cataloging & Metadata and Digitization, each of which support the strategic goals of the Libraries and University community.

Position Summary

This position consists primarily of creating and editing metadata, at all levels, as well as providing assistance to the department in the role of resource person for cataloging and catalog maintenance. While this position may catalog resources across Libraries collections and formats, the primary focus of this position is cataloging of special collections materials.

Schedule: Hybrid, Monday - Friday during business hours (between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.), 4 days on site, 1 day remote.

Responsibilities

Metadata Editing and Creation (80%)

• Create and transform metadata for resources managed by the Libraries, reflecting current metadata standards and departmental policies and procedures, with particular emphasis on special collections material.
• This work includes a combination of copy, complex copy, and descriptive cataloging as well as classification, authority work, and subject assignment within a predetermined scope.
• Often resolve rather than refer complex cataloging problems.
• Participate in special cataloging projects, and assist with data cleanup or record maintenance tasks.
• Coordinate the work of providing locally digitized materials to HathiTrust, including working with other staff in LES and DLS to ensure that the catalog record and digital assets meet the required standards.
• Implement collection-specific workflows in conjunction with local and national cataloging policies.

Workflow Coordination (10%)

• Serve as a cataloging resource person in the unit for authority work, classification, subject headings, and cataloging questions.
• Assist, as necessary, the department by providing training, organizing, reviewing, and monitoring of work, and by assisting with writing or review of documentation.
• Participate in committees or working groups and interact with other department members to problem-solve, create work procedures, and improve workflow.
• Communicate with special collections staff as appropriate to resolve cataloging issues.
• Assist with the planning and execution of ASC Cataloging Unit project work.

Learning and Teaching (10%)

• With guidance from supervisor, engage in continuing education in emerging technologies and standards in data description and discovery, through attending workshops, webinars, independent reading, or other activities.
• Share learning with others in the unit or department via presentations, projects, reports, or informal discussions.

Required:

• Five (5) years experience cataloging library resources. Experience can consist of a combination of copy, complex copy, and original cataloging.

OR

Five (5) years of relevant library or research experience, which can include at least three years of college education (in any major) plus (2) years of relevant library experience.

• Experience cataloging using standard library databases and systems, such as OCLC Connexion and Alma.
• Experience performing accurately in a detail oriented environment.
• Ability to work independently and to work effectively as a team member.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage and make progress on multiple ongoing projects.
• Demonstrated commitment to incorporating principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion into everyday work.

Preferred:

• Experience consulting and interpreting authority records as a component of cataloging work.
• Bibliographic knowledge of one or more non-English languages, preferably non-English European languages.
• Experience with or demonstrated interest in working with special collections, historic materials, and/or cultural heritage collections.
• Experience in training and writing documentation.
• Familiarity with cataloging tools such as Classification Web, Cataloger's Desktop, and the Library of Congress Authority File.
• Familiarity with additional metadata encoding schemes, such as BIBFRAME and Dublin Core.
• Interest in and aptitude for learning and applying new software and technologies.
• Experience cataloging a variety of library materials in multiple formats; examples may include realia, games, zines, etc.

Pay Range: $26.47/hour

Time Appointment: 100% (40 hours/week)

Position Type: Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Please attach the following documents in Word or PDF Format (DO NOT copy and paste.)

• Resume.
• Cover Letter.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).