Head, Collection Management and Metadata Services

Description

This position is a non-tenure eligible appointment at the rank of Senior Librarian Faculty.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Galter Health Sciences Library & Learning Center seeks an innovative and passionate librarian to provide vision and leadership for the Collection Management and Metadata Services department. The Head of Collection Management and Metadata Services will manage department services in a manner designed to prioritize access, utility, discoverability, and innovation in support of the library’s strategic priorities. Focus areas include collection development, acquisition of new resources, collection budget tracking, vendor negotiations, cataloging and metadata, and discovery system support. The Head of Collection Management and Metadata Services actively supports ongoing collaboration with library partners (University Libraries and hospital affiliates) on projects related to shared infrastructure such as integrated library and discovery systems (Alma/Primo VE, ArchivesSpace, et.al.), cooperative licensing agreements, and other overlapping workflows. The Head of Collection Management and Metadata Services supervises a staff of 4 professional librarians and 1 paraprofessional employee. Galter Library is a contemporary, forward-looking health sciences library and we’re excited to grow our team in ways that reflect our dynamic and highly collaborative information environment.

POSITION REPORTS TO: Deputy Director 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

•  Manages the day-to-day operation of the Collection Management and Metadata Services department
• Supervises and mentors departmental personnel as individuals and as a team. Monitors training opportunities to ensure staff have the skills and tools necessary for supporting library services in a rapidly changing environment
• Aligns departmental planning, priorities, goals, objectives, and services with strategic initiatives of Galter Library, Feinberg School of Medicine, and Northwestern University
• Recommends and implements departmental policies, programs, and procedures, including priorities and staff assignments, as well as actively supports Performance Excellence activities for the department
• Coordinates department discussions and projects focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, including critical cataloging
• Collects and analyzes data from various systems to guide decisions related to budget planning, collection development, system configuration, and project planning
• Advises and assists with original and complex copy cataloging for all formats, including print, non-print, and digital resources - ensuring compliance with national and local standards, such as MARC, RDA, AACR2, NACO, LCSH, MeSH, NLM Classification, LC Classification and other appropriate cataloging and metadata standards
• Collaborates with Galter Library Digital Systems department to configure and optimize library systems - including the catalog, discovery system, and institutional repository for interoperability, discovery, and access
• Collaborates with Galter Library Special Collections department in areas of shared interest including metadata creation and organization for physical items and digital objects, configuration and maintenance of archives information management systems, and related areas
• Assists with library and campus-wide discussions surrounding licensing negotiations for electronic resources
• Contributes to library-wide planning activities and collaborates with colleagues on projects in areas of shared interest
• Actively participates in library programs and services where appropriate, including collaboration on discovery and metadata projects
• Works creatively, collaboratively, and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equity, and inclusiveness within the Galter Library and on campus
• Seeks grant opportunities to fund innovation efforts
• Serves on University and Library committees and working groups as appropriate
• May be called upon to represent Galter Library in School or University discussions about issues related to the work of the department (collection development, metadata, acquisitions, or other relevant topics)
• Participates in scholarly societies, professional organizations and workgroups; attends academic conferences, and represents the library in relevant academic activities as appropriate
• Serves on the Galter Library Leadership Team, led by the Director

 REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES:  

• Master’s degree in library or information science from an ALA-accredited program or international equivalent, or other appropriate degree or equivalent experience
• Broad knowledge of technical services workflows and services, 5 years post-MLS professional experience across a range of technical services workflows; cataloging, metadata, acquisitions, and e-resources management preferred
• Knowledge of emerging technologies and standards related to metadata and resource management, such as linked data, discovery tools, and digital repositories
• Supervisory experience and demonstrated evidence of successful project management experience
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively with a diverse population of faculty/staff, students, and colleagues
• Knowledge of emerging trends in academic research and scholarly communications as they pertain to metadata work and technical services
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both in person and virtually using a variety of media and technologies
• A keen commitment to building relationships, positive collaborations, and community.  

Rank: Senior Librarian Faculty 
Term: non-tenure eligible appointment 
Title: Head, Collection Management and Metadata Services
Closing Date for Receipt of Applications: until filled 
Proposed Starting Date: Negotiable 
Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience, minimum $78,000

The Galter Health Sciences Library is a highly collaborative, innovative, and nurturing library. We share Northwestern’s commitment to excellence, and foster the creation and sharing of knowledge among the faculty, staff, and students of the Feinberg School of Medicine and its affiliates. We strive to build and sustain an environment of inclusive excellence, recognizing the value of diversity as we carry out our mission. Galter Library encourages and supports a healthy work/life balance for our team and for our campus community.

We strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for this opportunity. Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.