Librarian I | Collection Services Department

Nature of Work

This full-time position in GRPL's Collection Services Department is responsible for ensuring the accurate description and discoverability of items in the library’s collections.

This position provides original and complex copy cataloging and metadata services for library materials, directs necessary database maintenance, provides statistics, and performs other catalog management activities to ensure the library’s records and those supplied by other vendors meet local and national description standards. This role also provides training and guidance to library staff members who work in the online catalog.

This position has a focus on creating description entries for print and non-print materials in English and non-English languages by performing original cataloging, or by identifying, downloading, and modifying MARC records found in OCLC WorldCat. They also contribute original MARC records to the online catalog, assist with authority work, de-duplication, and error correction in the online catalog.

Supervisory duties include 2 part-time copy-cataloging Library Assistant IIs. This position serves on the department leadership team, evaluates practices to address DEI issues in cataloging, and balances quality cataloging records with speed.

This position is regularly scheduled at the Main Library Monday - Friday from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Examples of Work

• Contribute to selection, development, and evaluation of materials related to public collections, including physical, digital, and library of things formats.
• Perform original (including complex) and copy cataloging of all formats of library materials to facilitate their identification, access, and use.
• Interpret and apply Library of Congress subject headings, the Dewey Decimal System, the AAACR2, RDA, and the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) manuals in cataloging and classifying library materials.
• Review and enhance vendor-supplied MARC records for batch loading into the library catalog using MarcEdit.
• Maintain authority records and perform needed authority work in the database.
• Consult with libraries in order to resolve cataloging and database problems, report trends in bibliographic services, answer questions, transmit information, and discuss options for handling library materials.
• Attend professional meetings, in-service programs, and external professional development events; keep current with developments in cataloging standards.
• Coach, mentor, and train direct report staff. Provide continuous performance management and conduct employee performance evaluations. Address performance and/or behavior issues, clarifying expectations, providing feedback, and determining appropriate actions needed to correct performance and/or behavior.
• Contribute to discussions regarding the selection of electronic databases in a team environment.
• May occasionally represent library interests with third party vendors.
• Serve as the subject matter expert in cataloging (bibliographic and holdings records) for the ILS (Evergreen) and how it interfaces the catalog with other systems.
• Communicate with public services staff regarding catalog discrepancies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Training and Experience

• Master's degree in library science from an ALA accredited institution and 1-3 years of experience in original, copy cataloging, and classification of materials.
• Eligible for certification from Library of Michigan is preferred.
• The ability to communicate in both English and Spanish is preferred.
• Experience cataloging in the Evergreen ILS, BiblioCore catalog discovery layer, and familiarity with SQL programming language and queries is preferred.

Other Necessary Qualifications

Ability to:

• Provide professional, friendly service to library staff and patrons; ability to make independent, reliable decisions related to catalog functions; ability to model engaging and consistent customer service.
• Communicate professionally with diverse groups both verbally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with other staff and the general public; work collaboratively.
• Set priorities and meet deadlines in a busy environment; adaptability and judgment to reprioritize as needed.
• Communicate about and bring projects to completion.
• Perform and create standardized processes and documentation; ability to follow procedures in processing materials.
• Learn and keep up-to-date on GRPL policies, procedures, and documentation as they relate to collections; ability to communicate and train around these functions and relay accurate information as needed.
• Understand systems and maintain an organized and effective work process.
• Prepare clear and concise reports.
• Manage emotions in the workplace and maintain professional composure and judgment.
• Work with supervisor and process feedback regarding job performance.
• Contribute to a positive team environment.

Demonstrated knowledge of:

• Library of Congress subject headings, the Dewey Decimal System, the AAACR2, RDA, and the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) manuals in cataloging and classifying library materials.
• Use of MarcEdit, WebDewey, RDA Toolkit, and ILS reporting functions.
• The community and its characteristics; awareness of current trends in patron interests and needs; ability to keep current with services available to the community as they relate to the scope of the position.
• Database evaluation and user experience.
• Advanced search technologies and research methods.
• Resolving cataloging problems.
• Supporting frontline staff.

Understanding of:

• General office procedures, processes and equipment; ability to operate a variety of office equipment, including computer workstations, typical electronic devices, and software; proficiency in the use of electronic devices for library work.
• Project Management: Structure and direct others’ work on projects or services.