MIT
HEAD, SERIALS CATALOGING SECTION

Cataloging and Metadata Services

(Librarian I/II)

The MIT Libraries seek a creative and highly motivated librarian with a strong interest in serials cataloging and the development of leadership skills for the position of Head, Serials Cataloging Section.  This Section is part of Cataloging and Metadata Services (CAMS), which is responsible for cataloging serials and monographs, quality assurance and general database management of the online catalog and a fee-based metadata services unit. The department’s mission statement can be found at: http://macfadden.mit.edu:9500/colserv/mission/catmission.htm.  The Serials Cataloging Section consists of one professional cataloger (in addition to the Head) and 2 FTE support staff, who are responsible for CONSER-standard cataloging for new continuing resources in all formats, maintenance of catalog records, retrospective conversion of legacy records and SFX linking. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: The Head, Serials Cataloging Section will provide leadership in implementing diverse approaches to providing bibliographic access to serials and other continuing resources, including appropriate links within various access tools.  Typical issues s/he would likely work on include significant utilization of vendor records, serials displays in the Libraries’ user interface, and assessment of participation in national cataloging programs.  The Head will be knowledgeable about pertinent professional developments and applicable commercial products, and will be creative in applying this knowledge to MIT Libraries’ needs. S/he will be responsible for managing the Serials Cataloging Section toward high quality and highly productive results and will contribute directly by cataloging on a regular basis. S/he will also coordinate training and documentation for serials cataloging and will serve as a resource for the section, the department, and other areas of the Libraries. As a member of the department’s Management Team, s/he will participate in broader management and policy decisions. The Head will work closely with the Associate Head of Acquisitions and Licensing Services to coordinate efforts with serials acquisitions. S/he will participate in Libraries’ committees, task forces, and special projects as appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS: Required - MLS/MLIS from an ALA-accredited program. At least 3 years serials cataloging experience, including some experience in an academic or research library. Solid knowledge of appropriate cataloging and authority standards. Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and communication skills.  Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and experience working on committees or teams. Ability to understand and assess new and emerging technologies for the delivery of library services. Evidence of potential to lead change and implement new technologies and methods.  Demonstrated awareness of national trends and developments in cataloging, metadata standards and information retrieval. Supervisory experience or demonstrated supervisory potential. Candidates are expected to articulate a genuine interest and enthusiasm for the position. Preferred: 3 years professional cataloging experience.  Supervisory experience.

HIRING SALARY: $48,000 minimum.  Actual salary and appointment level will depend on qualifications and experience.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:  Review of applications will begin October 1, 2007. Applications must include a cover letter, resume, and names and addresses of three current references and should be mailed to resumes-lib@mit.edu (please include position title in subject line). 

 The MIT Libraries include five major subject libraries (architecture and planning; engineering; humanities; science;  management and social sciences)  and several  branch libraries  in more  specialized  subject areas. 

Libraries hold more than 2.6 million printed volumes, and extensive collections of other physical formats. Over 300  digital databases and over 20,000 electronic journals are licensed for access on the Institute’s  network.   The

Libraries use Ex Libris’ Aleph system as its public Web-based catalog and as the support system for user service and processing functions.  The Libraries’ webpage (http://libraries.mit.edu/) presents information about library services, as well as access to information resources through the staff-designed Vera interface. MIT Libraries maintain membership in the Association of Research Libraries, the Boston Library Consortium, and OCLC through NELINET, as well as in EDUCAUSE and the Coalition of Networked Information. 

MIT offers excellent benefits including a choice of health and retirement plans, a dental plan, tuition assistance and a relocation allowance.  The MIT Libraries affords a flexible and collegial working environment and fosters professional growth of its staff with management training and travel funding for professional meetings.    

MIT is strongly and actively committed to diversity within its community and particularly encourages applications from qualified women and ethnic minority candidates.