Metadata Manager, Cataloging

Description

Overview
BookOps is the shared library services collaboration of New York Public Library (NYPL) and Brooklyn Public Library (BPL). BookOps coordinates the selection, acquisition, cataloging, processing, and distribution of library materials for its member libraries. 

The Manager, Cataloging Metadata is responsible for leading creative approaches to metadata curation and management in the Cataloging Department, developing workflow applications and formulating cataloging policy and procedural decisions to ensure optimal resource discovery and access across NYPL and BPL collections. The position entails ongoing development and maintenance of applications written primarily in Python in support of cataloging functions.

We are looking for someone we can count on to:

Own:

• In-depth understanding of library metadata and cataloging standards
• Knowledge of programmatic tools suitable for automation in cataloging work

Teach:

• Their cataloging colleagues about technological trends in our field, including linked data and BIBFRAME format
• BookOps staff in the use of bibliographic tools and metadata applications

Learn:

• Emerging technologies in computer programming suitable for the cataloging field in support of BookOps’ operations

Improve:

• Efficiency in cataloging workflows and quality of bibliographic and authority data in the catalog
• BookOps’ readiness for transition to new metadata structure standards

Some expectations for this role are that within:

1 month, this person will:

• Become familiar with the range of cataloging systems, tools, and workflows utilized in the department
• Contribute to documentation of existing, simple cataloging batch processes
• Perform ongoing data manipulations using previously developed batch processes and applications

3 months, this person will:

• Work collaboratively with their team and stakeholders on simple data manipulations and ILS ingests
• Design mapping and execute programmatic crosswalks to MARC format from various other formats
• Include unit and integration tests for all the code they write
• Perform code review of other contributors work

6 months and beyond, this person will:

• Contribute to existing core cataloging application by maintaining them and developing new functionality
• Develop, test, document and maintain new applications and workflows in support of technical services
• Perform data analysis using bibliographic records, ticketing system information and various cataloging statistics
• Work collaboratively with Selection, Acquisitions and Processing to plan and implement  related automated workflows
• Contribute to open source projects that focus on bibliographic data

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and evaluate Cataloging Department workflows in coordination with the department management team to maximize cataloging efficiency and responsiveness to the needs of other library departments and users
• Develop, test, and maintain cataloging applications, automated batch processes and crosswalks for bibliographic data
• Explore emerging metadata trends in cataloging, including linked data and BIBFRAME, for possible project implementation
• Contribute to open source projects that focus on library technical services work
• Manage the implementation of OCLC Connexion macros and constant data
• Conduct training workshops for Cataloging, as well as Selection and Acquisitions staff in the use of in-house developed bibliographic tools and metadata applications
• Attend meetings within the library organization as needed, and interact with metadata committees and vendors as appropriate
• Approve schedules and hours of direct reports; provide coverage as needed in the absence of other department managers

Required Education & Certifications

• ALA accredited Master’s degree (MLS, MLIS) in Library and Information Studies
• Public Librarian’s professional certificate issued by the State of New York (can be obtained at time of employment)

Required Experience

• Two or more years of experience creating original cataloging metadata/bibliographic records in a library environment.
• At least one year of experience with Python

Required Skills

• Python
• Familiarity with SQL and relational databases such as MySQL or Postgres. 
• Familiarity with Version Control Systems (Git, etc.)
• Some experience using RESTful APIs
• Proficiency in MARC21 standard for bibliographic and authority data
• Proficiency in RDA guidelines for records in print and non-print formats
• Some knowledge of non-MARC library metadata schema (Dublin Core, etc.)
• Familiarity with OCLC Connexion client, MarcEdit or other metadata editing software

Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervises a small team of direct reports consisting of librarians and collection processing staff
• Participates in the recruitment, interviewing and selection process of candidates in vacant positions in the Cataloging Department