The University of Chicago: The Library

Location: Chicago, IL

Description

General Summary:

The University of Chicago Library is seeking an innovative and forward-thinking individual for the position of Music Metadata Librarian. The successful candidate will be responsible for original cataloging and creation of metadata, primarily of music scores, sound recordings, media and digital resources, but also monographs, serials, and special collections materials in all subjects and European languages.

Working in the central Metadata Management Services Unit, the Music Metadata Librarian will provide leadership and coordination for the metadata provision for the University of Chicago Library’s extensive collection of music resources that is responsive to the needs of the user community and supports the Library’s vision and goals.

The position reports to the Head of Metadata Management Services, a section of the Technical Services Department that provides leadership and expertise for the Library's cataloging activities and creation and management of metadata. Metadata staff are involved in national and local activities related to implementation of BIBFRAME and linked data, and provide strategic direction on metadata standards for the Library’s resources and the University’s institutional repository.

The University of Chicago Library is a long-time member of the Library of Congress Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC) and contributes to BIBCO/NACO/SACO/CONSER programs. The Metadata Management Unit is also active in the Big Ten Academic Alliance Cooperative Cataloging Partnership (BTAA CCP), and the Library of Congress’ Electronic Cataloging in Publication Program (ECIP), which provides pre-publication metadata for the University of Chicago Press publications as well as those of other scholarly publishers.

The successful candidate is expected to combine a thorough understanding of cataloging and metadata standards, music resources, library user needs and behaviors with technical and interpersonal skills. As a member of the library’s professional staff, the Music Metadata is expected to contribute to the library by serving on committees and by participating in library-wide programs and activities, and is expected to be active professionally both locally and nationally.

Essential Responsibilities:

Metadata creation and management:

• Original and complex copy cataloging with all associated authority work, according to the following standards:
  • Resource Description and Access (RDA) via RDA Toolkit
  • Library of Congress-PCC Policy Statements
  • National standards pertaining to providing access to music resources
  • Library of Congress Program for Cooperative Cataloging (BIBCO/NACO/SACO/CONSER)
  • Library of Congress classification via Classweb
  • MARC 21 formats for Bibliographic and Authority data
• Contributes to metadata activities related to music materials, such as digital library metadata development
• Proposes and reviews workflows and policies around the metadata creation for music materials
• Participates in departmental projects and initiatives experimenting with new forms of metadata creation

Professional & Service Activities:

• Engages in professional service activities in areas appropriate to the position and to academic librarianship;
• Contributes to the development of local, national, and international metadata standards and applications.

Qualifications

Required:

• Library/Information Science degree from an ALA accredited institution
• Bachelor’s or Advanced degree in music
• At least one year original music cataloging experience, applying current standards and systems including MARC, AACR2, RDA, Library of Congress Classification, Library of Congress Subject Headings, OCLC Connexion, and library management and discovery systems
• Knowledge of current trends, resources, and methodologies in cataloging and metadata as they relate to description and use of music
• Reading knowledge and ability to catalog materials in two or more non-English European languages
• Willingness to serve on committees and working groups at the departmental, divisional, library and/or national level

Preferred:

• Flexibility about performing different cataloging and metadata tasks as departmental and library needs change, and responsiveness and willingness to work on special projects or assignments
• Previous cataloging experience in an academic/research library
• Experience contributing to the Program for Cooperative Cataloging (BIBCO, NACO, SACO, CONSER)
• Experience applying non-MARC metadata standards (e.g., Dublin Core)
• Understanding of linked data principles, including RDF and ontologies as well as emerging metadata standards (e.g., BIBFRAME) and identity management systems (e.g., ISNI, VIAF, ORCID)
• Additional educational major or degree in the social sciences or humanities

Application Instructions

The Search Committee will evaluate candidates' record and accomplishments in order to determine their ability to interact respectfully and effectively orally and in writing with diverse constituencies including faculty, students, colleagues, and community members; ability to work with library users individually and in groups; ability to perform complex problem solving and decision making; and the ability to plan, prioritize, coordinate and implement projects and a record of demonstrated commitment to professional development.

To Apply: Submit cover letter, curriculum vitae, and reference contact information online through the University of Chicago's Academic Recruiting website: apply.interfolio.com/70101. Review of applications will begin after November 15, 2019. Screening of applications will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed.

Salary and Benefits: Appointment salary based on qualifications and experience. Benefits include retirement plan, insurance, and paid time off.

Questions: Contact Kara Hastings, HR Generalist, khastings@uchicago.edu.