Alfred University
POSITION DESCRIPTION FORM Title of Position: Technical Services Assistant - Cataloging
Department/School: Scholes Library; University Libraries
Title of Supervisor: Digital Projects/Collection Management Librarian
Part Il: Position Summary
Performs original and adaptive cataloging and classification of library materials in all formats.
Establishes and implements Cataloging goals, priorities and quality control. Defines and oversees related functional tasks to be performed by student assistants. Serves as backup in various functions for the Technical Services Assistant -- Acquisitions and Serials.
Part III: Requirements
Formal Education: Associate’s degree or equivalent required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
Experience: Library cataloging experience preferred, ideally in an academic library. Experience with automated library management systems and previous supervisory experience desirable.
Additional Knowledge/Skills:
Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities. Strong oral and written communication skills, and sustained attention to detail. Knowledge of current rules, resources, and practices in cataloging, classification, and authority control, such as Anglo-American Cataloging Rules, Library of Congress (LC) classification scheme, MARC (machine readable cataloging) format, and RDA. Experience cataloging and editing bibliographic records with cataloging programs, such as OCLC Connexion Client, Classification Web, and an online library system. Excellent computer skills and willingness to acquire new skills and stay current with new technologies. Ability to provide supervision, on-the-job training, and/or guidance to others who work in the division and to student assistants. Proficient in working independently, with minimal supervision and ability to work cooperatively with others establish priorities and follow through on complex projects.
Part IV: Job Responsibilities Cataloging:
● Performs original and copy cataloging, creates and maintains metadata for library materials in all formats, including print, digital and audio-visual material.
● Works in coordination with the librarians to create metadata for and cataloging of theses and dissertations.
● Creates and maintains bibliographic, authority, and holdings data, contributing to both local and internationally shared databases.
● Using Connexion Client software, searches OCLC (Online Computer Library Center) worldwide bibliographic database using specific search syntax to locate existing bibliographic records for newly acquired materials.
● Verifies name, subject and series authority fields using Library of Congress and Machine Readable Cataloging (MARC) formats.
● Checks and matches MARC fixed field codes against descriptive text and MARC variable field indicators for accuracy.
● Gives thorough attention to descriptive content in accordance with AACR2 and RDA including subject headings, added entries, call number, etc. Applies local customization as needed.
● Creates original bibliographic records, including fixed fields, descriptive content, subject headings, MARC tags, indicators, codes and call number.
● Edits existing bibliographic record (or inputs original cataloging) in Connexion Client, using precise keying of text and symbols in MARC format.
● Adds appropriate bibliographic, holdings and item records to the library management system to reflect the library’s collection.
Policies and Procedures:
● Develops, evaluates, and implements Cataloging Department procedures in conjunction with cataloging systems, standards, and tools. Establishes long and short-term priorities, in consultation with librarians as needed.
● Monitors departmental workflow to maximize efficiency.
● Consults with Circulation and Reference faculty and staff as needed to evaluate policies and procedures affecting patron service. Identifies areas of need and investigates means to achieve desired improvements.
Maintenance and Accuracy of Catalog:
● Responsible for the accuracy and integrity of bibliographic, holding and item records in the library management system. Resolves inconsistencies and executes clean-up and enhancement projects as needed.
● Works with librarians on weeding projects, retrieving and deaccessioning materials and arranging for their disposal.
Cataloging Rules and Procedures:
● Attends appropriate workshops and conferences to stay current on cataloging rules and procedures. Monitors print publications and electronic resources dealing with same.
● Consults with librarians in setting priorities and making changes in cataloging procedures.
● Implements rule changes and standard revisions, changes in rule interpretation and their application.
● Remains current on emerging guidelines for integration of new information formats.
Processing Materials:
● Oversees the processing and preparation (labelling, identifying information, security control, etc. of library materials for circulation in all formats.
Statistics:
● Keeps statistics of copy and original cataloging by categories of new materials added to the collection as well as for items withdrawn.
● Maintains databases to keep accurate records of project descriptions and status
● Maintains documentation of local policies and procedures, special faculty requests, and departmental statistics.
Supervise Student Workers:
● Supervises, trains, evaluates and sets priorities for student workers in library procedures and practices, database maintenance, and technical processing of library materials.
Backup:
● Serves as backup in various functions for the Scholes Library Technical Services Assistant-- Acquisitions and Serials, including book acquisitions, receipt and routing of gifts, and serials check-in.
● Provides backup as needed for the Herrick Library Technical Processes Manager.
Other:
● Member of the AU Libraries’ Collection Management Team.
● Commitment to support the Libraries’ values of free and open pursuit of knowledge;
support for intellectual and cultural diversity; innovation, collaboration, and creativity;
excellent service; and effective communication.
● Participates in safety training and complies with safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
● Performs additional duties and assists with special projects as assigned.
This job description is an accurate reflection of the work performed by the position.
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Supervisor Signature Date
