Cataloguing & Acquisitions Assistant

University of British Columbia•Vancouver, BC

5d•CA$4,739 - CA$5,102•Onsite

About The Position

The Cataloguing & Acquisitions Assistant is responsible for enhancing catalogue records and processing Xwi7xwa Library materials in all formats and languages, and assisting with the development and maintenance of the Indigenous thesaurus and Brian Deer classification system. With support from UBC Library Collections Services, Technology, Discovery and User eXperience (TDUX) Division, and the Head of Xwi7xwa Library, this role is responsible for working with Collections Services to acquire branch collections materials. This position also joins the Access Services Assistant to provide public services support at the Information Desk, including assisting patrons, checking out materials, and providing basic reference service, referring complex questions to the reference team as needed. As part of the First Nations House of Learning (FNHL) and UBC Library, this role includes opportunities to join in a variety of initiatives and project activities.

Requirements

High School graduation, plus two year Library Technician diploma, plus four years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
Experience with cataloguing procedures, derivative cataloguing, data entry into library online catalogues and a good working knowledge of MARC coding are required.
Ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, and integrated library system (ILS) applications, such as cataloguing and acquisitions at an intermediate level.
Effective oral, written communication, interpersonal, organizational and public service skills.
Ability to plan and carry out multiple tasks, and to meet deadlines.
Ability to exercise discretion and tact.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Accuracy and attention to detail.
Ability to lift up to 15 kgs of boxed materials.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Indigenous histories, cultures and topics or experience working with Indigenous communities is preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversees the process to enhance and maintain catalogue records and holdings
Creates original catalogue records, particularly for materials in vertical files
Collaborates with relevant experts and colleagues and locates reliable sources to confirm the accuracy and cultural appropriateness of language used in the cataloguing of materials and the development of the FNHL Thesaurus and other metadata decision-making
Adjusts cutter numbers and/or assigns call numbers within the Brian Deer in-house classification system
Identifies authors and subjects with problem authority selection and makes recommendations to relevant specialists for authority adjustments
Collects and compiles monthly statistics related to all technical services activities
Oversees collection materials for relocation to ASRS (Automated Storage and Retrieval, IKBLC) and Library PARC (Preservation and Archives) facilities.
Reviews lost and missing items reports, and with consultation, recommends and implements next steps for lost and missing items.
Reviews and provides recommendations for next steps regarding damaged collection materials
Evaluates uncatalogued materials and recommends strategies to assist in decisions regarding next steps
When required, trains student staff to support collections weeding projects in support of branch deaccessioning processes and procedures
Interprets and ensures compliance of existing cataloguing records with organizational policies and procedures
Evaluates and problem-solves complex issues with records, including accurately describing errors and flags so that advanced issues and problems can be understood and solved by partner UBC Library units.
Orders and processes new collections items and resolve any complex problems related to the process
Responsible for acquisitions tracking folders and spreadsheets, monitoring for urgent purchase needs, alerting staff to deadlines, and orienting new staff to using the tracking documents in selection procedures
Connects with Collections Services team on issues related to obtaining or processing new titles
Researches and assembles special orders from Indigenous distributors to facilitate ordering by Acquisitions
Strategizes processes for requests for unusual items in non-traditional formats
Liaises between Collections Services team and Xwi7xwa team on new processes and changes to procedures so that they meet the needs of both units
Participates in conversations about materials selection, providing perspectives and recommendations
Provides public service via the Information Desk, or provides back up support to student staff
Interprets catalogue record information and tracking progress on GOBI and Voyager for Public Service staff/student librarians as required
Provides guidance to patrons with reference questions when Brain Deer and cataloguing expertise can assist
Along with other Xwi7xwa staff, may be occasionally called upon to open or close the branch
Participates in FNHL and UBC Library working groups, project teams, or committees as time permits
Performs other related duties.