Description
DEFINITION
Performs professional and supervisory duties in managing the daily operations of the technical services department including cataloging, purchasing and organizing collection, training, professional librarian work; and to aid the Library Director.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives supervision from the Library Director.
Exercises supervision over Cataloging Department.
EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES-Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Supervises daily system support activities and daily workflow in the technical services department; ensures timely maintenance of bibliographic and holdings records; communicates with library staff on behalf of technical services and system support; oversees a variety of assignments necessary to effectively manage Technical Services and system support areas and provide overall support to the library’s operations.
Responsible for cataloging of library materials, catalogs materials through Online Computer Library Center (OCLC), edits holdings, retrieves records and make corrections to the bibliographic and holdings records.
Evaluates materials for correct placement in the library’s online catalog. Ensure accurate and consistent metadata to improve public discovery and browsing.
Evaluates and maintain the adult fiction and nonfiction collection. Makes recommendations for collection development based on community needs, usage levels, and relevance of materials. Classifies materials, evaluates materials, utilizes statistical data and reports for collection maintenance, and makes withdrawals according to library guidelines. Also, able to maintain statistics for state accreditation.
Assumes responsibility for the quality control of Machine-Readable Cataloging (MARC) data in local systems, including but not limited to performing cataloging maintenance projects that improve large batches of records running routine quality reports, and executing responses to quality issues.
Assumes responsibility for the ongoing syncing of local MARC information with external databases such as OCLC, including but not limited to performing routine holdings, adds, deletes, and supporting data cleanup.
Assists in preparing the annual budget, particularly as it relates to cataloging needs. Evaluates and purchases materials for the cataloging department.
Review new publications and collection development materials and make recommendations on materials for acquisition and disposition as appropriate.
Coordinate activities and work with other departments at the library.
Other Important Responsibilities and Duties:
Prepares statistical and other reports and analysis.
Attends workshops, conferences, and professional seminars to stay current with the latest developments and technologies in the field of library and information science.
Ability to supervise cataloging department, plan and assign their work. Communicates effectively and presents ideas clearly.
Conducts performance reviews for the cataloging clerks. Participates in the recruitment and onboarding of new staff under the direction of the library director.
Performs exceptional internal and external customer service.
Undertakes special projects at the request of the Library Director. Perform other related duties and duties assigned by Director.
May need to attend some Houston Area Database Consortium (HADC) meetings on the Director’s behalf.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge Of:
Can create original records as needed. Creates and maintains authority records for the online catalog.
Serves as a resource to assists cataloger(s) and other staff for complex cataloging issues.
Current principles and practices of public library service and the future emerging roles of the public libraries.
Broad experience in library cataloging, including working with a variety of material types and MARC formats.
Ability to analyze and streamline work processes in cataloging.
Proficiency with computers and technology including Windows, Microsoft Office, mobile devices and apps, computer networks and printers, internet, and online databases.
Provides professional reference desk coverage.
Basic mathematics principles.
Modern office methods, practices, procedures and equipment.
Aptitude for dealing with the public in a professional and courteous manner.
Purchasing methods, policies and procedures.
Ability To:
Exercise sound judgement and rational thinking under stressful circumstances.
Operate effectively in an economically and culturally diverse environment.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Work independently and work well with others, including in a collaborative manner to achieve desired outcomes.
Be accurate, thorough and timely in the completion of assignments.
Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgement.
Operate assigned equipment including a computer, printer, copier, scanner, microfilm reader/scanner, and other library electronic devices.
Use library automation and information/database retrieval systems. Learn new computerized searching techniques on a variety of informational and bibliographic databases.
Resolve complex cataloging issues, address errors, and find practical solutions.
Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations
reading and writing
locating and classifying various library materials
communicating with others
Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include the following standing or sitting for extended periods of time
kneeling, squatting, climbing, stooping, filing, dragging, holding, lifting, pushing, pulling or carrying objects weighing up to 25 lbs.
operating assigned library equipment
Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of making sound decisions
demonstrating intellectual capabilities
perform daily library tasks
Experience and Training Guidelines
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Two years of professional library experience (cataloging preferred) in a library.
Training:
Possession of a Master of Library Science degree from an accredited college or university is required.