SMU Libraries - Rees-Jones Library Cataloger (HR Title: Librarian 2 or 3)
Southern Methodist University Inc

Job Info

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Description

Salary Range:

$67,000 - $70,000 commensurate with the rank of Librarian 2

$77,000 - $80,000 commensurate with the rank of Librarian 3

About SMU

SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem - paired with entrepreneurial drive - creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU's relationship with Dallas - the dynamic center of one of the nation's fastest-growing regions - offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

Southern Methodist University Libraries seeks a rare book cataloging librarian for the newly-established Rees-Jones Library of the American West. This is a three-year, grant-funded position, with full benefits, with the possibility of permanent employment after the grant funding expires.

The Rees-Jones Library consists of over 30,000 accessions, including books, pamphlets, maps, prints, photographs, manuscripts, works of art, realia, and ephemera bearing on the history of the Trans-Mississippi West. A private collection, the Rees-Jones Library will be housed in its own building (soon to be under construction) on the SMU campus. When combined with the existing holdings of the DeGolyer Library at SMU, the Rees-Jones Library, scheduled to open in 2027, will be a major center for teaching, research, and public programming on the American West.

This is an extraordinary opportunity for an experienced cataloger to work with great rarities and more common imprints, dating from the 16th century to the present. Many of the books, pamphlets, and broadsides are unique while others are held by only a handful of institutions. Whoever catalogs the collection will receive an intensive survey of the history of the Trans-Mississippi region through handling primary materials. In addition to these personal rewards, whoever catalogs the founding collection will also be able to take a good deal of professional satisfaction in knowing that their work will be indispensable in making these materials accessible to researchers.

SMU is a nationally ranked private research university in Dallas, TX, with eight degree-granting schools. SMU Libraries includes six libraries on the main campus and one library at our satellite location in Taos, NM.

SMU Libraries and the SMU campus is dedicated to diversity and inclusion. We seek to hire a person who shares our values of a diverse and equitable workplace based on teamwork with a proactive and positive approach in all that we do.

Essential Functions:

• Performs complex and original cataloging for special collection and rare book materials in a variety of formats and languages.
  
• Performs authority control for consistent data entry including creation of new authority records,
  
• Resolves problems encountered in the cataloging process.
  
• Collaborates with colleagues (including the Rees-Jones Library Archivist) to improve the intellectual and physical control of special collections.
  
• Promotes and highlights collection materials through blog posts, newsletter stories, annual reports, etc.
  
• Pursues professional development and continuing education opportunities.
  

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Required Qualifications:

Master's degree in Library/Information Science (or equivalent) from an ALA-accredited institution;

Minimum of 2 years professional cataloging experience.

Minimum of 2 years professional cataloging experience for appointment at the Librarian 2 level, and a minimum of 5 years professional cataloging experience for appointment at the Librarian 3 level;

Demonstrated knowledge of current national cataloging and rare book standards (including, but not limited to: RDA, DCRM(B), LC subject headings, LC classification scheme, MARC metadata encoding, bibliographic citations, appropriate thesauri for rare materials (LCGFT, RBMSCV, TGM, AAT, etc.));

Experience in performing authority control;

Ability to work in a team environment and to establish and maintain effective working relationships;

Analytical ability and attention to detail;

Ability to learn and apply new technologies and standards;

Experience with integrated library systems or library services platforms, preferably Ex Libris Alma;

Experience using OCLC cataloging products (Connexion Client and/or WorldShare Record Manager); and,

Experience with Microsoft Office products, including Outlook.

Evidence of contributing to the field of librarianship demonstrated by service, scholarship, and other professional activities.

Valid driver's license and willingness to travel occasionally to off-site locations, as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in cataloging rare materials in accordance with standards including DCRM;

Training in authority record creation through the Name Authority Cooperative Program (NACO);

Experience with Ex Libris Alma integrated library system;

Cataloging proficiency in Spanish and/or German language materials;

Advanced degree in American history or another field related to the collection; and,

Coursework or research in bibliography, history of the book, the history of collecting, and/or provenance studies; and,

Willingness to travel occasionally to off-site locations, as needed.

For consideration for the rank of Librarian 3: Evidence of leadership in librarianship, demonstrated by formal and informal leadership appointments.

Deadline to Apply:

Open until filled. Applications submitted by September 13, 2024 will receive priority consideration.

To be considered for this position, applicants are required to submit:

(1) A resume or CV;

(2) A cover letter that addresses the education and experience required and preferred for this position; and,

(3) Three to five MARC bibliographic records created by the applicant (saved as a single document).

EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.

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