Description

Position: Head of Cataloging

Wright Library
Reports To: Assistant Director for Library Technical Services
Status: Full time, Exempt

Purpose: Provide leadership and operational supervision of the Wright Library’s Cataloging Department, ensuring the efficient production, quality control, and management of bibliographic data and metadata. Drive continuous improvement in cataloging workflows and application of standards to enhance discovery, access, and usability of library collections, advancing the teaching, learning, and research mission of Princeton Seminary while supporting scholars locally, nationally, and globally.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: % of time

Cataloging Workflows, Standards Compliance, and Documentation 70%
Collaborate with the Assistant Director for Library Technical Services by contributing to the development of annual cataloging priorities and project plans
Provide original, complex, enhanced and copy cataloging of library materials in all formats
Respond to the changing bibliographic metadata landscape with flexibility and creativity; apply current cataloging and metadata standards to meet evolving user needs, including MARC metadata creation and management
Perform and guide authority work to support accurate and consistent access
Maintain expert knowledge of national and international cataloging rules and standards, including emerging descriptive principles and practices
Identify, evaluate and implement appropriate tools, techniques, and technologies to support cataloging, serials, and metadata creation and management
Establish and document local cataloging policies and workflows
Compile and interpret cataloging workflow data for reporting and to inform planning and continuous improvement
Work with the Assistant Director for Library Technical Services by contributing professional expertise to ongoing discussions about the future of cataloging and metadata services, including developments in theological and academic librarianship

Departmental Supervision 20%
Manage the daily operations of the Cataloging Department
Supervise and train staff, student workers, interns, and temporary/contract workers
Establish production goals and manage staff progress
Encourage professional growth and the development of cataloging expertise within the department

OTHER FUNCTIONS: 10%
Contribute cataloging-related expertise to library-wide projects, including inventory, data-clean up, etc.
Remain current with emerging trends in the field; assess potential local applications and recommend enhancements as appropriate
Perform other tasks as assigned
Undertake professional development
Serve as requested on committees
Participate in library-wide initiatives and institutional events
Total: 100%

QUALIFICATIONS:
ALA-accredited master’s degree in library or information science, at least three years cataloging experience in an academic library, or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional cataloging experience
Reading and cataloging ability in German; other languages a plus
Demonstrated knowledge of relevant cataloging, metadata, and encoding standards: RDA, MARC21, Library of Congress classification and subject headings
Experience working with integrated library systems and cooperative cataloging programs and initiatives, including OCLC, NACO and others
Demonstrated understanding of existing and emerging descriptive principles and practices
Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision and to work collaboratively with others
Ability to communicate effectively: verbally, writing, and listening
Excellent interpersonal, analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and time management skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:
Experience supervising, mentoring, training, or coordinating the work of staff or student employees
Advanced degree in theology, religious studies, or related discipline
Experience with Anglo-American Cataloging Rules (2nd ed.)
Experience with data transformation tools (e.g., MarcEdit, OpenRefine, etc.)

Princeton Theological Seminary reserves the right to amend this position description at any time.