Head of Database Management

Description

The University of Chicago Library invites applications for the position of Head of Database Management.

The Head of Database Management manages the section of the Technical Services Department responsible for integrating externally- and locally-created metadata into the Kuali OLE library management system. Provides support for batch record assessment and loading, automated authorities processing, and iterative data enhancement. Hires, trains, coordinates, and supervises the work of one clerical staff; directs some data management activities supported by other units in the Collection Services Division. 

Works closely with other managers in the Library to standardize activities affecting data integrity, to prioritize metadata activities that help the Library achieve its strategic directions, and to promote data management strategies based primarily on users' needs in a time of changing standards and expanding means of access.  May also provide guidance and support for metadata initiatives beyond those of the department itself.  In particular, s/he will be a key participant in efforts to ensure that metadata for digital collections (often represented by diverse data types) are effectively integrated with traditional library collections across various discovery tools, and that the tools themselves are appropriately configured to make best use of available data.

S/he is expected to be an innovator in the field of data and systems management; keep current on developments in metadata management; evaluate and, as appropriate, promote the use of innovative tools and services for ongoing enhancement of existing metadata; understand the Library's existing data within its historical contexts; employ data management strategies that facilitate collection management as well as optimize discovery and access; effortlessly shift between micro and macro levels when evaluating the practices, principles, standards, and strategies employed by the Library to provide access to collections.

As the library community begins work to transition its data infrastructures from the present MARC environment to one that facilitates the management and use of library data as linked data, this position will help lead the Library in its efforts to engage in local, regional, and national initiatives to experiment with, test, and implement these new data applications.

SECTION MANAGEMENT:
Responsibilities of the Head of Database Management include managing the day-to-day operations of the section, including:  coordinating the Library's batch loading of metadata for print and electronic resources; planning and execution of data maintenance projects; monitoring distributed maintenance activities in other technical services units of the Library; statistics gathering and tracking; the timely processing of vended authority control and cataloging services; and participating in ongoing Kuali OLE development.

The Head of Database Management works with other managers in the Collection Services Division, as well as the other technical services units in the Library (East Asia Collection and the D'Angelo Law Library), to coordinate database maintenance, record enhancement, authority control, and cataloging activities with regard to their impact on overall integrity of the database.  S/he works with the Integrated Library Systems Department on issues of large-scale bibliographic and authority record loading, authorities processing, and maintenance.  S/he provides evaluation, preprocessing, and load profile preparation for bibliographic record sets to be added to the Kuali OLE database; monitors, resolves, and responds to reports of database errors from public and staff users of the catalog.

DEPARTMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Head of Database Management is a member of the Technical Services management team, and actively participates in planning for staff utilization, policy and procedures development, and organizational change.  This individual works closely with and advises the management team on matters pertaining to holdings, item, descriptive/bibliographic, and authority data, and coordinates special data enhancement projects with appropriate sections.  S/he represents the department, as appropriate, on Library and external committees and work groups, including those related to the development of Kuali OLE.

INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Committee on Collection Development; Catalogers' Forum; various Kuali OLE working groups; ILS Migration Steering Committee; membership on other Library and external professional committees and work groups, as assigned or requested.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: graduate library degree from an ALA-accredited institution; minimum of three years of experience managing descriptive and authority data;experience working with MARC records; familiarity with emerging library linked data standards and applications (e.g., RDF, BIBFRAME); flexibility and creativity in adapting to rapidly-changing data management environments; ability to achieve and maintain a reasonable and consistent production level that meets Library expectations; ability to meet local and national standards for quality; excellent analytical, and oral and written communication skills, including the ability to construct clear documentation; ability to perform complex problem solving and decision making.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: supervisory experience; previous experience in an academic/research library; experience working with library metadata content standards, Resource Description & Access (RDA) and the Anglo American Cataloguing Rules (AACR2); experience working with non-MARC metadata standards (e.g., Dublin Core, MODS, METS); proficiency in XML; systems migration experience; experience implementing discovery tools; formal project management training.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: Appointment salary based on qualifications and experience. Benefits include retirement plan, insurance, and paid time off. There is a tuition benefit plan for college age and younger children.

Apply here at: https://academiccareers.uchicago.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=53806

Please submit a cover letter, CV and reference contact information through the above site by February 15, 2015. Review of applications will begin upon receipt and continue until the position is filled.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status or status as an individual with disability.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity / Disabled / Veterans Employer.