Database Management Librarian

Description

Tulane University seeks an innovative and highly motivated professional to join the Howard-Tilton Memorial Library as the Database Management Librarian.  Reporting to the Head of Cataloging and Metadata, this critical position will be responsible for ensuring the internal consistency and overall quality control of the library’s discovery systems. 

In order to maintain the integrity of library records, the librarian will oversee enrichment and data cleanup projects using outsource vendors and batch processes, with the objective of positioning the catalog for linked open data readiness.  While the majority of the duties are rooted in traditional MARC data, the ideal candidate will be a creative and technologically proficient individual who will collaborate with metadata creators to ensure harmony between metadata standards used throughout the metadata ecosystem of the libraries. 

The librarian also administers authority control procedures for the libraries and serves as the library’s NACO liaison for PCC.  With the assistance of assigned staff, the librarian oversees the post-authority processes, cataloging of Tulane University theses and dissertations, and departmental and ARL collection statistics processes. As a member of the Technical Services Division, the incumbent collaborates with other librarians in the division to plan and coordinate Technical Services policies, procedures, workflows, and projects.

Tulane University is an AAU/Carnegie I/ARL Research Institution and is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as 44th among the best national universities in the United States.  It is ranked by  Newsweek as 19th among the country's 25 "most service-minded schools,” and ranks 1st in the nation among graduate schools and 10th among mid-sized undergraduate schools that produce the most Peace Corps Volunteers.

Howard-Tilton Memorial Library is the University's main library, with a collection of nearly 4 million physical volumes, 1.2 million ebooks, 197,700 electronic journals, 900 library databases,  thousands of digital images and streaming audio and video files, and numerous other scholarly resources.  The six-floor building has expansive views of the campus and city of New Orleans and is one of the most desirable spaces on campus for studying and events.

The main campus of the university is located in Uptown New Orleans, nestled among the famous moss-covered oak trees and bordering Audubon Park, along St. Charles Avenue.  The nationally registered St. Charles streetcar line and booming Freret Street corridor, with many unique shops and restaurants, are close by, giving this urban campus the feel of a lively and pedestrian- and biking-friendly neighborhood.

Required Qualifications:

• ALA-accredited MLS
• Minimum 3 years original cataloging experience using RDA, AACR2R, LCSH, LCC, MARC 21 formats
• Experience using OCLC Connexion and an ILS
• Experience with authority control processes and utilizing the Library of Congress National Authority File records
• Experience using MS Access, SQL, or other programming language to query library database
• Experience with software for editing data in bulk, such as MarcEdit, OpenRefine, pyMARC, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and solve problems
• Demonstrated ability to organize and complete complex tasks
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively, in a rapidly changing and culturally diverse environment
• Ability to plan, implement, and direct multiple projects
• Ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced, production-oriented environment
• Ability to communicate effectively using oral and written means
• Knowledge of emerging standards, tools, and developments in resource description and access and identity management, such as BIBFRAME, Linked Open Data, VIAF, ISNI, and ORCID.
• Strong commitment to continued professional development

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience with database management or working with large datasets
• NACO training
• Supervisory experience
• Reading knowledge of a Western European language

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

• Designs, oversees, and participates in catalog cleanup and enrichment projects based on internal reports, changes in cataloging standards or rules, system upgrades, and preparations for linked open data readiness.
• Manages authority control processes, which includes extracting and sending MARC records to vendor, loading returned records, assigning problem reports to staff, and resolving problems with vendor.  Manages resultant changes or enhancements to bibliographic records in batch or single-record edit mode.
• Serves as NACO liaison to PCC.  Coordinates NACO activities, monitors and submits SACO proposals on behalf of the library, and actively contributes new and revised name authority records to the NAF.
• Oversees cataloging and processing workflow for Tulane University theses and dissertations.
• Oversees the collection, tabulation, distribution, and preservation of departmental and ARL collection statistics.
• Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates assigned staff.
• Maintains documentation for areas of responsibility.
• Maintains knowledge of current resource description standards such as RDA, Linked Data, BIBFRAME, and emerging trends in identity management.
• Participates in planning and coordination of Technical Services policies, procedures, workflows, and projects.
• Contributes to the work of the Tulane University Libraries, particularly Howard-Tilton Memorial Library, through service on committees, task forces, and other collaborative projects.
• Participates in national and international professional organizations and activities.
• Other duties and responsibilities, as assigned.

Salary will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Librarians at Tulane are academic appointees who do not have tenure or faculty status, but who receive the benefits of faculty, including a choice of health plans, retirement plans, tuition waiver for themselves, and undergraduate tuition waiver for dependents.  Professional travel support is available.

To apply for this position, please visit https://apply.interfolio.com/85491.  To ensure full consideration, applicants must submit a letter of application, current resume/CV, and the names with full contact information of at least three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is selected.

Tulane University is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution committed to excellence through diversity. Tulane University will not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other status or classification protected by federal, state, or local law. All eligible candidates are encouraged to apply.