Principal Cataloging Librarian, San Diego State University

Location

San Diego

Open Date

Aug 28, 2024

Description

The San Diego State University Library invites applications and nominations for a 12-month, tenure-track position to be appointed at the Senior Assistant or Associate Librarian level (depending on experience), with an anticipated start date in Summer 2025 with the possibility of an earlier start date if desired. The Principal Cataloging Librarian will provide expertise and leadership as part of the Content Organization and Management (COM) team to ensure timely, comprehensive, and effective discovery of all library collections, including digital objects, through the Library Service Platform (Alma) and other discovery services. We seek a creative, collaborative, and forward-looking colleague who can complement, strengthen, and expand partnerships across library departments and with colleagues across Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and the Division of Information Technology.

The SDSU Library supports, promotes, and extends the distinctive teaching, learning, scholarship, and community engagement initiatives of the university, especially as those are highlighted in the university strategic plan, “We Rise, We Defy: Transcending Borders, Transforming Lives.” The unit values incorporating principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in cataloging work as expressed in the ALA Cataloging Code of Ethics.

This is a full-time, tenure-track faculty position at the Sr. Assistant or Associate Librarian level (depending on qualifications). Continuing appointment and tenure are dependent upon evidence of library service effectiveness, professional growth and development, and service to the library, University, and community. The minimum salary for this position is based on the current CSU salary schedule and may be revised based on contract collective bargaining. The anticipated salary range is from $85,529 – $87,000 for Senior Assistant-Librarian 12-month or $101,000 – $110,000 for Associate Librarian-12-month.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The Principal Cataloging Librarian will:

• Guide the ongoing review of SDSU cataloging policies and procedures to ensure proper application of appropriate local, state, and national standards.
• Provide original and complex copy cataloging for various materials across multiple languages, formats, and time periods in a contemporary MARC-based environment according to local, consortial, and national standards.
• Manage SDSU Libraries participation in cooperative metadata endeavors such as NACO, SACO, and Wikidata.
• Manage unit-wide cataloging project assignments and outsourcing projects with vendors like Backstage.
• Collaborate with other units and departments at SDSU to lead organization-wide efforts to address issues of diversity, inclusion, and social justice through cataloging and metadata practices.
• Maintain high quality of local cataloging and contributions to consortial and national databases by staying current with national and international cataloging standards, metadata strategies, emergent developments, and trends in librarianship.
• Integrate an understanding of diverse populations and communities into cataloging and metadata policies and practices.
• Work closely with COM team members to develop, assess, and implement cataloging policies and establish priorities for cataloging and metadata projects.
• Assist with training, oversight, and guidance to library staff performing cataloging or metadata activities in the library.
• Serve as an expert resource for cataloging and metadata activities in the library.
• Commit to fostering an equitable and inclusive workplace and to working effectively with a diverse student, staff, and faculty community.
• Pursue professional development activities that demonstrate a continuous and meritorious record of contributions and achievements in the profession.
• Participate in the shared governance of San Diego State University by serving on library, campus, and California State University committees.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Graduate degree from an ALA-accredited program or foreign equivalent.
• Previous experience in library cataloging, metadata, or related technical services activities.
• Demonstrated understanding of current issues and emerging developments within the national cataloging environment, in particular, and in librarianship, in general.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team to maintain harmonious, cooperative working relationships.
• Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated potential to meet SDSU requirements for tenure and promotion based on library service, professional growth, and service to the University, community, and field.

Preferred Qualifications

We want to emphasize that the preferred qualifications are not required and that we are committed to helping our future colleague develop their skills. Additionally, applicants are encouraged to communicate how their work and other experiences satisfy the required qualifications in ways that may not be obvious.

• Demonstrated working knowledge of RDA, LCCS, LCSH, and MARC formats and standards.
• Demonstrated effective cataloging experience within a shared consortial system.
• Demonstrated knowledge of database maintenance issues in an academic library resource management system and discovery interface.
• Experience cataloging using the OCLC bibliographic utility.
• Experience using a library resource management system, preferably Ex Libris Alma.
• Familiarity with linked data principles and BIBFRAME.
• Familiarity with policies or national cataloging programs, e.g., NACO, SACO, or CONSER.
• Awareness of critical concerns in the field, including bias in resource description and access practices.
• Working knowledge of at least one foreign language, preferably Spanish.

Application Instructions

Applicants must apply via Interfolio here .

Candidates should submit an application, cover letter, curriculum vitae, a statement demonstrating commitment to diversity in library, museum, community, or cultural center service, and names and contact information of three (3) references. This position will remain open until filled. Review will begin immediately, with preference given to applications received by October 31, 2024. Anticipated start date is Summer 2025 with the possibility of an earlier start date if desired.

As part of its commitment to a safe and equitable “OneSDSU” community, SDSU requires that individuals seeking faculty employment provide at the time of application authorization to conduct background checks if they become a finalist for the position; applications without this authorization will be considered incomplete and not considered.