Library Collection Processing Manager (On-site: Bethesda, MD)

Description

 ICF is looking for a multi-faceted onsite Library Collection Processing Manager to join our team. This position will support our National Library of Medicine client. The processing manager will serve as the main point of contact for the client, onsite processing team, and remote ICF management team. This role involves overseeing the daily operations of physical processing staff, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness, and managing the overall pace and productivity of the team. The processing manager will be responsible for regular progress reporting, management of staff and operations, and identifying any additional support or specialty staff needed.  The role includes the execution of a work plan to process a large number of collection materials.  The processing manager will use a mixed methodology that may include: analysis of current workflows and processes for similarities and differences; interviewing staff and observing their work; environmental scans of similar processes; determining best practices and industry trends; and other methods. The processing manager will lead consensus-building sessions with NLM USCD Collection and Discovery Branch staff and leadership, develop and model workflows and processes, and iteratively draft and present new workflows and policies. It is important to note that there may be more than one workflow and process, and different materials will require different workflows. The ideal candidate is a task-oriented problem solver who is self-motivated and able to multi-task while adhering to strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

This position will be on site in Bethesda, Maryland.

Key Responsibilities:

• Client and Team Coordination:

  • Act as the main point of contact for the client, onsite processing staff, and remote ICF management team.

• Resource Planning:

  • Collaborate with the ICF Project Manager to provide staff utilization and resource planning.

• Reporting:

  • Generate and provide monthly productivity reports on cataloging/processing efforts.

• Management:

  • Coordinate with the project coordinator to execute the formalized work plan.

  • Partner with NLM to ensure requirements are clear and achievable.

  • Align with NLM to develop instructions and training plans, as well as change management processes, and document all efforts accordingly.

  • Train staff in accordance with established instructions and processes.

  • Escalate issues to ICF management as needed.

  • Manage teams performing all processing efforts as well as any necessary SMEs (e.g., linguistics).

  • Monitor staff performance and provide feedback.

  • Determine if prioritization of records is manageable/feasible and manage change appropriately.

  • Execute workflows and processes identified by project coordinator and NLM staff.

  • Determine specialist/expert staff as needed.

• Activities requiring operational oversight and/or execution (includes, but is not limited to):

  • Identifying basic records and completing the physical processing of the collection materials.

  • Updating existing cataloging records, including bibliographic, holdings, and item records.

  • Identifying and then withdrawing / disposing of duplicate collection materials in alignment with existing NLM workflows. 

  • Developing guidelines for specific materials to assure all records and finding aids created follow appropriate national and international standards and NLM local policies. 

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in library science or library & information science from an ALA-accredited college or university.

• 3+ years of experience managing large-scale processing projects.

• 1+ year of experience working with fragile materials, possibly in a special collections environment.

• 1+ year of experience overseeing and executing the physical processing of collection materials.

• 1+ year of experience with library and cataloging experience preferred (e.g., use of and familiarity with MARC21, Alma, Cutter Sanborn Tables, IndexCat, etc.)

• Ability to obtain a public trust clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Some familiarity with a variety of European languages preferred.       

 Professional Skills:

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.

• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.

• Commitment to client satisfaction and delivering high-quality work.