Primary Purpose |
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As a member of the copy-cataloging workgroup in the Collection Management Area, the Catalog Associate will work as part of a team that catalogs library materials. The Catalog Associate will catalog materials by editing and creating metadata and perform database management in order to provide easy and efficient access (bibliographic) to the libraries’ collections, including electronic resources accessed via the network and the Internet.
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Responsibilities |
Works cooperatively with others and accepts direction from supervisors.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Catalogs materials (using national and local standards, in adherence with official metadata systems and formats, in Roman and non-Roman alphabets).
- Performs database management (identifying, verifying and correcting records) and maintains the authority control system to provide coherence and access to materials.
- Takes lead role and primary responsibility for one or more ongoing projects/functions. May include, but not limited to: Hiring, training, scheduling, supervising student assistants; processing added volumes to ensure accuracy and that appropriate updates are made; upgrading minimal level records in national database (OCLC) and basic original cataloging (with review); overseeing withdrawal of outdated or discarded materials; managing distribution and updating departmental documentation; maintaining and updating macro programs and desktop applications.
- Maintains expertise by staying abreast of emerging trends in cataloging, by attending workshops, conferences, etc. Becomes expert in cataloging new formats (such as video recordings, various electronic resources, etc.) as they are acquired by the library.
- Assists others in the cataloging workgroup or collection management area with regard to training, general advice on catalog issues and reviewing the work of others.
- Provides support to others in LIS on catalog and other metadata related issues and to the users of LIS services.
- Participates in troubleshooting of equipment, in the hiring of new staff and performs other duties as assigned.
Key Relationships/Interpersonal Skills:
- Close working relationship with other members of the copy cataloging workgroup
- Strong relationship with others in the Collection Management Area
- Works closely with the workgroup leaders in Collection Management Area
- Provides general support to other LIS staff
Key Principles: Library and Information Services is part of an educational community and shares in the responsibility for supporting teaching and learning as part of the College mission. We are committed to the following.
- Proactive, responsive, respectful customer service
- Opportunities and expectations for employee development
- Collaboration within the organization, across the college, and beyond
- Effective and open communication
- Understanding the work of our customers
Expected Outcomes:
- Easily accessible collections in various formats (book, serial, video, etc.)
- A reputation as expert in the area of metadata creation and bibliographic control
- A flexible team in cataloging that supports one another and works together toward agreed upon goals and objectives as defined by the cataloging workgroup
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Education & Training |
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A bachelor’s degree or equivalent with broad liberal arts knowledge. For the catalog associate with responsibility for music materials, a bachelor’s degree in music or equivalent music training is required.
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Experience |
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2-4 years of catalog or other relevant experience in libraries preferred. Requires self-motivation and the ability to work independently after training, attention to detail, and strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
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Knowledge |
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Reading knowledge (with dictionary assistance, if necessary) of one or more languages taught at Middlebury is required. Working knowledge of the desktop computing environment, database structure is important. Cataloging coursework and/or familiarity with cataloging formats is helpful.
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Other |
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Excellent analytical, organizational and interpersonal skills. Must be self-motivated and detail-oriented. Ability to catalog in various foreign languages with the aid of a dictionary required.
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