Cataloging and Metadata Librarian

Description

The Bowdoin College Library seeks an engaged, versatile and experienced cataloger for the position of Cataloging and Metadata Librarian. As one of two full-time catalogers in an active and highly collaborative technical services department, the Cataloging and Metadata Librarian works with a broad range of formats and materials, including audiovisual materials, serials, rare books, scores, and maps. The ideal candidate will be attentive to details and standards while taking an expansive view of how inclusive cataloging and metadata can support the academic library setting as well as further the research and teaching goals of the college.

As the intellectual heart of the Bowdoin campus, and serving as a major research library in the state of Maine, the College Library is highly valued for its rich and extensive collections, outstanding staff, and vibrant spaces, including Hawthorne-Longfellow Library—the main library building—and three specialized branch libraries for music, art, and science.  Bowdoin College Library develops its collections cooperatively and strategically with the libraries of Colby and Bates colleges, with which it shares a combined catalog (CBBcat), providing significant opportunities for collaboration among the three schools on cataloging standards, best practices, and other initiatives.

The Bowdoin Library strives to be forward-thinking, diverse, and welcoming.  In line with its goals to address the ways in which structural racism has permeated long-standing library practices, it is committed to developing, describing, and stewarding diverse and inclusive collections that represent the voices and experiences of BIPOC and other marginalized communities.

Reporting to the Head of Cataloging, the Cataloging and Metadata Librarian supports timely and efficient access to library materials in all formats and languages by creating and enhancing catalog records according to national and international standards in WorldCat and the local library system (Sierra). While most items are processed prior to arrival through the library’s vendors (GOBI, WorldShare, etc.), many require original or enhanced cataloging to be fully accessible.  The position works with a broad and interesting range of materials and coordinates the workflow of physical items through the cataloging process.  The position also performs a variety of complex database maintenance work in concert with colleagues at Colby and Bates to ensure the integrity and fullness of cataloging data. The incumbent serves as an expert in non-MARC metadata and evolving cataloging standards and best practices, including emerging trends associated with critical cataloging.

Education/Skills:

Required: A Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited library program or an advanced degree in a related discipline.  Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a service-oriented disposition and ability to work well independently and collaboratively; ability to pay close attention to detail; excellent problem-solving skills. Understanding of linked data principles (e.g., BIBFRAME, RDF). Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.

Preferred: Reading knowledge of a foreign language. Knowledge of non-MARC metadata schemes and structures relevant to the ingest and management of digital objects within a repository environment (e.g., Digital Commons, Islandora). Knowledge of programming/scripting languages and/or tools for data manipulation (e.g., MarcEdit, OpenRefine).  Familiarity with Descriptive Cataloging of Rare Materials (DCRM) standards.

Experience Requirements/Equivalents

Required: Two or more years of cataloging experience using MARC and RDA, including experience in original cataloging of non-print formats. Experience classing materials according to LC classification scheme. Demonstrated knowledge of metadata standards and schema (e.g., MARC, Dublin Core), content standards (e.g., RDA, DACS), controlled vocabularies and classification (e.g., LC authorities, subject thesauri, LC classification).

Preferred: Experience cataloging rare books according to DCRM(B) standards. Experience planning and implementing metadata schema for digital collections.

About Bowdoin College

Bowdoin embraces diversity in all forms, and the College is home to talented students, faculty and staff with a variety of racial, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds; religious beliefs; and gender identities, among other factors.

We encourage applications from candidates committed to the support of an inclusive campus community and those who will enrich and contribute to the College’s multifaceted diversity. We value a community in which individuals of all backgrounds are warmly welcomed and encouraged to succeed.

Founded in 1794, Bowdoin has maintained its commitment to the liberal arts for well over 200 years. Bowdoin’s reputation as a preeminent liberal arts college rests on the excellence of its faculty, students, and staff; intimate size; strong sense of community; and connections to the people, history, and natural beauty of Maine.

Bowdoin’s campus is situated in a beautiful natural setting. Located in Brunswick, Maine, a town of approximately 20,000, the College is a short drive from the Maine coast, twenty-five miles from Portland and 120 miles from Boston.

Applications

Further details and instructions to apply can be found on our online application:  https://careers.bowdoin.edu/postings/7002.  First consideration will be given to applications that are received by March 1, 2021.

Interviews for this position will be held virtually.

For questions, please contact careers@bowdoin.edu

Bowdoin College complies with applicable provisions of federal and state laws that prohibit unlawful discrimination in employment, admission, or access to its educational or extracurricular programs, activities, or facilities based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry and national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, marital status, place of birth, genetic predisposition, veteran status, or against qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities on the basis of disability, or any other legally protected statuses.