Cataloging and Acquisitions Specialist

Details•San Diego, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Cataloging and Acquisitions Specialist plays a vital role in ensuring both digital and physical access to Copley Library's collections. They report to the Acquisitions and Cataloging Librarian in coordination with the Head of Collections, Access, and Discovery. This position independently performs complex copy cataloging, as well as subject analysis, classification, and catalog record maintenance. Additionally, they support library acquisition’s firm order purchasing, collect analytical data, and assist with processing materials for shelving. The role is also responsible for the oversight and training of student employees, who work in a variety of functions supporting cataloging, shelf-ready processing, acquisitions, and book repair activities. It is crucial in this role to support the acquisitions and cataloging workflows by ensuring a strong integration between the two.

Requirements

Requires bachelor’s degree or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
One year supervisory or leadership experience.
Two or more years of cataloging-related work experience.
Knowledge of cataloging rules and practices
Excellent organization and problem-solving skills
Ability to multi-task and to prioritize duties and meet deadlines
Ability to work effectively under pressure
Detail-oriented and accurate in all work
Experience with Microsoft Office and Google products
Thorough knowledge of automated library systems, preferably Ex Libris Interfaces
Ability to work cooperatively with staff, librarians, and student assistants in various departments
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
Knowledge of RDA, the internationally accepted standard for cataloging rules
Knowledge of MARC formats, the national standard for entry of cataloging data
Knowledge of Library of Congress subject headings
Knowledge of OCLC, the online bibliographic database
Ability to work unsupervised

Nice To Haves

Ability to read at least one non-English language (preferably Spanish).
Experience working in the Alma ILS environment.
Familiarity with bibliographic editions and attention to detail in comparing a catalog description to books in hand.

Responsibilities

Performs advanced copy cataloging of book and nonbook formats, ex. streaming video, scores and special collections, using bibliographic tools (OCLC Connexion) and the integrated library system (ILS) - Ex Libris Alma and Primo interfaces.
Ensures high quality bibliographic accuracy for greater discovery by applying cataloging standards, such as Resource Description and Access (RDA) and MARC, along with local practices.
Completes bibliographic records as necessary by assigning subject headings and call numbers using the Library of Congress controlled vocabularies and classification schedules.
Remains current with national cataloging and metadata standards as well as new ILS features and upgrades.
Assists with metadata for the institutional repository (DigitalUSD) as needed.
Provides additional cataloging support in the absence of the Copy Cataloging Assistant.
Performs regular and project-based maintenance on library catalog records to maintain accuracy and user access, under the direction of the Head of Collections, Access, and Discovery and the Acquisitions and Cataloging Librarian.
Manages ILS batch loads of metadata for streaming videos.
Enhances bibliographic records with descriptive fields on a case-by-case basis, including non-English language materials, and vendor-provided records.
Provides updates to legacy and migrated records (e.g. non-RDA compliant) and assists with catalog maintenance projects, including withdrawals and transfers.
Completes bibliographic searching and ordering of materials on behalf of the acquisitions unit.
Verifies bibliographic accuracy and physical condition of acquired library resources with catalog records or sellers’ descriptions.
Reconciles Concur and Amazon firm orders in the ILS and works with the Acquisitions and Electronic Collections Assistant to reconcile in WorkDay.
Monitors streaming video records license expiration dates and helps troubleshoot other access issues.
Conducts regular data gathering of monographs and other non-serial resources.
Helps maintain print vendor records, POL (order) records, and reporting codes to track firm-order budgets.
Provides open order reconciliation of non-serial materials with oversight by the Acquisitions and Cataloging Librarian.
Provides additional acquisitions support in the absence of the Copy Cataloging Assistant.
Hires, trains, supervises and evaluates up to two work study student assistants in book repair, book and media processing, and other cataloging and acquisitions-related projects.
Participates in library activities and committees.
Maintains technical knowledge by attending professional development workshops, etc.
Supports the collection of bibliographic acquisition and cataloging statistics.
Other duties as assigned.