Principal Cataloger and Linked Data Strategist

Description

The Pennsylvania State University Libraries seeks applications and
nominations for a forward-looking librarian to join the Cataloging and
Metadata Services Department as the Principal Cataloger and Linked Data
Strategist. The Principal Cataloger and Linked Data Strategist will be
responsible for providing leadership and guidance for original catalogers
and for monitoring and participating in the development of national and
international standards, including specification and development of
ontologies. This position will have a leadership role in preparing members
of the Department to undertake work relevant to linked-data and metadata
initiatives, will lead training within the department as rules and
standards arise and change, and will serve as a resource for cataloging and
authority questions throughout the department. Additionally, this position
will have a strong educational component, creating educational
opportunities for interested parties outside of the department (potentially
including faculty and students outside of the libraries).

As Principal Cataloger & Linked Data Strategist, the successful candidate
will be responsible for developing a program of linked-data initiatives in
collaboration with the Metadata Strategist, Special Collections Library,
Digital Scholarship & Repository Development, and other stakeholders within
the University Libraries. The successful candidate will be expected to
understand the linked data landscape and to monitor developments in
emerging standards and projects, to identify potential internal and
external partners, and to contribute to the development strategies and
priorities for the Libraries.

The Principal Cataloger & Linked Data Strategist is also responsible for
working with our technology vendors (SirsiDynix, Backstage Library Works,
OCLC, DCE) and with technology experts within the Libraries to configure,
maintain, enhance, and develop our discovery and repository systems.

This is a tenure-track position, reporting to the Head of the Cataloging
and Metadata Services Department. The Department consists of 30 faculty
and staff, organized into teams, and actively participates in all of the
programs of the Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC). The University
Libraries values diversity of thought, perspective, experience and people,
and is actively committed to a culture of inclusion and respect. We
encourage candidates to apply who thrive in a welcoming multicultural
environment. More information on Penn State’s commitment to Diversity,
Equity and Inclusive Excellence, can be found by visiting
http://equity.psu.edu/psu-diversity-statement. For additional information
about the Libraries’ diversity efforts, please visit
https://libraries.psu.edu/about/diversity.

Qualifications:

Requires a Masters of Library Science degree from an ALA accredited
institution (or equivalent). The successful candidate will have the
requisite cataloging background to act as a resource for a department of
experienced original catalogers. Knowledge of relevant cataloging and
metadata standards and familiarity with cooperative cataloging programs and
initiatives including NACO; technical expertise at the level required for
leading linked data development, including knowledge of semantic web and
linked data standards is also required. A strong commitment to diversity,
equity, respect and inclusion, cooperation and collaboration; and excellent
writing and speaking skills are essential. The successful candidate must
have the demonstrated potential to achieve the requirements for tenure and
promotion in the areas of librarianship, research, and service. Please
visit https://libraries.psu.edu/policies/ul-hrg07 to learn more about the
University Libraries Promotion and Tenure Guidelines.

Preferred Qualifications:

Training and project management experience; experience with data
transformation tools, such as Catmandu or LODRefine; technical knowledge
for converting metadata, such as SPARQL or XQuery; interest in emerging
trends in descriptive practices relating to diverse perspectives and
multiple ways of knowing.

Environment:

The Penn State University Libraries are a strategic asset to Penn State,
advancing intellectual discovery, information literacy, and lifelong
learning, all in support of the University’s strategic goals in teaching,
research, service, and outreach. The University Libraries is ranked among
the top 10 research libraries in North America, according to the
Association for Research Libraries investment rankings, and provides
services at University Park and 22 other campus locations throughout
Pennsylvania as well as online. We serve more than 6,400 faculty and 46,800
students at University Park, and approximately 97,500 students
university-wide. More than 120 faculty librarians in the University
Libraries benefit from extensive technological resources and research
support services. Penn State, a land-grant institution, is a member of the
Big Ten Academic Alliance and the Association of American Universities. The
University Libraries is a member of the Association of Research Libraries,
the Association of College and Research Libraries, and the international
Center for Research Libraries.

The University Park campus is set in the State College metropolitan area, a
university town located in central Pennsylvania. State College offers a
vibrant community with outstanding recreational facilities, a low crime
rate, and excellent public schools. The campus is within a half-day's drive
to Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, or Pittsburgh.
The University Park Airport is served by three major carriers with flights
to Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Chicago and Detroit. For more
information, please visit http://www.libraries.psu.edu and
http://www.cbicc.org.

Compensation and Benefits:

Rank and salary are dependent upon qualifications and experience. Fringe
benefits include liberal vacation, excellent insurance and health care
coverage, state or TIAA retirement options, and educational privileges. In
addition, faculty in the University Libraries are afforded funds for
professional development travel annually. Faculty may be asked to travel
as official representatives of the Libraries to certain events and those
trips are reimbursed at full cost within limits established by the
University.

Application Instructions:

Applications and all supporting materials must be submitted online. To
apply, please visit https://libraries.psu.edu/principalcataloger. To be
considered for the position, interested candidates should upload a letter
of application, resume or C.V., and the names and contact information of
three professional references (including email addresses). Review of
applications will begin April 17, 2017 and continue until position is
filled. Questions may be addressed to Lindsey Harter, Faculty Search
Coordinator, at lap225@psu.edu.

Employment will require successful completion of background check(s) in
accordance with University policies.

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is
committed to providing employment opportunities to minorities, women,
veterans, disabled individuals, and other protected groups.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: For more about safety at Penn State, and
to review the Annual Security Report which contains information about crime
statistics and other safety and security matters, please go to
www.police.psu.edu/clery/, which will also provide you with detail on how
to request a hard copy of the Annual Security Report.