Rare Materials Metadata Specialist

Georgetown University•Lexington, MA

10d•$47,586 - $87,558•Onsite

About The Position

Georgetown University comprises two unique campuses in the nation’s capital. With the Hilltop Campus located in the heart of the historic Georgetown neighborhood, and the Capitol Campus, just minutes from the U.S. Capitol and U.S. Supreme Court, Georgetown University offers rigorous academic programs, a global perspective, and unparalleled opportunities to engage with Washington, D.C. Our community is a close-knit group of remarkable individuals driven by intellectual inquiry, a commitment to social justice, and a shared dedication to making a difference in the world. Job Overview This is a 40 hour per week, full-time term position. It is a one-year appointment with the possibility of reappointment for an additional year. Working in the Technical Services department and office area under the direction of the Unit Head of Metadata Services, the Rare Materials Metadata Specialist will work to complete the creation of bibliographic metadata for the Nicholas Scheetz Book Collection held in the Booth Family Center for Special Collections. The bibliographic metadata will be added to the Library’s integrated library system (Alma) by June 30, 2027. Primary duties include creation of original bibliographic records; searching the Library’s system (Alma) as well as OCLC Connexion for specific bibliographic records; updating item records in the Library’s system (Alma), enhanced copy cataloging, and physical processing of the items using rare book ID strips, Tyvek envelopes, and barcodes; assists with reference questions and exhibition descriptive text. This position will also have shared supervision from the Curator of Rare Books in the Booth Family Center for Special Collections.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Library or Information Science from ALA-accredited institution and/or an advanced degree in a relevant discipline with previous cataloging experience
2 or more years of experience in performing original and enhanced copy cataloging, enhancement and enrichment of bibliographic materials
Demonstrated knowledge of MARC and non-MARC metadata formats, standards and schema
Working knowledge of special collections and rare book metadata standards including Descriptive Cataloging of Rare Materials and Books (DCRM(B)), Descriptive Cataloging of Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance, and Early Modern Manuscripts (AMREMM), and RBMS (Rare Books and Manuscripts Section) genre terms
Working knowledge of descriptive bibliography and issues specific to rare materials
Experience with a national bibliographic utility, such as OCLC, and a local integrated library system, such as Alma
Working knowledge of current metadata standards such as FRBR, Resource Description and Access (RDA), Program for Cooperative Cataloging/Library of Congress Policy Statements, Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), Library of Congress Classification (LCC), and other emerging standards
Strong research skills to support the description of rare materials including provenance, binding information, and publishing information
Knowledge of preservation practices for rare books
Strong writing and oral skills to assist with donor correspondence, weekly reports, and departmental updates
Ability to work in a continually changing environment, to exercise initiative, and to work independently as well as part of a team

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of issues and emerging trends in metadata, discovery tools, digital library development, digital preservation, & cataloging standards and practices
Experience working in an academic or research library
Aptitude for complex, analytical work with attention to detail, demonstrated problem-solving skills, and flexibility
Experience working and communicating with donors

Responsibilities

Creation of original bibliographic records
Searching the Library’s system (Alma) as well as OCLC Connexion for specific bibliographic records
Updating item records in the Library’s system (Alma)
Enhanced copy cataloging
Physical processing of the items using rare book ID strips, Tyvek envelopes, and barcodes
Assists with reference questions and exhibition descriptive text