Resource Description Librarian
Description:
The University of Houston Libraries seeks a Resource Description Librarian with expertise in original and complex copy cataloging of resources in a variety of formats. The position offers the opportunity to contribute to projects that will ensure access, discoverability, and accessibility of UH Libraries collections.
Primary duties include original and complex copy cataloging of library resources in a variety of formats such as books, artists’ books, exhibition catalogs, and electronic books in a shared cataloging environment with participating UH System libraries. The successful librarian will participate in, and collaborate with departmental employees on, training, developing local best practices, and adopting cataloging policies in accordance with professional standards and UH Libraries policies, all in service to the organization’s values and strategic plan.
Additional responsibilities include managing various cataloging projects, including batch editing and loading bibliographic records into the local catalog. This position includes opportunities to contribute name authority records to the Library of Congress Name Authority File (LCNAF), pending completion of NACO training and review. The successful librarian will be provided mentorship and professional enrichment opportunities to develop expertise as needed and will be expected to maintain knowledge of current trends, standards, and best practices.
The University of Houston is a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution in the heart of a diverse city and state. The Libraries collections and services document the communities that surround it and provide expertise and promote values that advance critical inquiry and scholarship. The university prepares students to thrive in a globally interconnected world while contributing impactful research and innovation to the region and beyond. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and experiences who are prepared to engage in this environment.
The Resource Description Librarian is a librarian position. Librarians hold academic rank pursuant to the University of Houston Librarians’ Bylaws Document. They are expected to develop a record of service, scholarship, and professional development. The UH Libraries support the ongoing professional development of librarians, and our goal is to recruit librarians committed to continuous learning.
Qualifications:
Required
- Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited program
- Familiarity with Resource Description and Access (RDA), Machine Readable Cataloging (MARC), Library of Congress Classification (LCC), and Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR)
- Familiarity with any integrated library systems such as Ex Libris Voyager, Alma, or III Sierra
- Attention to detail, with a commitment to accurate, high-quality work
- Ability to work strategically and collaboratively with colleagues
Preferred
- Experience with original and copy cataloging of print and electronic resources using RDA in a MARC-21 environment
- Familiarity with data transformation tools such as MarcEdit or OpenRefine
- Interest in learning about authority control and constructing authorized access points (AAPs) for personal names, corporate bodies, and name-title AAPs
Salary: $63,000 to 65,000 expected hiring range, depending on qualifications. Comprehensive benefits package; choice of retirement programs including TIAA; tax-deferred annuity program available; release time to take a class up to 3 hours/week; no state or local income tax.
Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applications should be submitted at https://uhs.taleo.net/careersection/ex2_uhf/jobdetail.ftl?job=LIB000081. Visit UH Libraries Employment page for more information https://libraries.uh.edu/about/employment/. Potential applicants seeking further information should contact Christina Gola, Associate Dean for Organizational Development, Learning, and Talent at 713-743-9761 or chgola@uh.edu.
Library Information: UH Libraries is a member of the Association of Research Libraries, the Greater Western Library Alliance, HathiTrust, the Council on Library and Information Resources, the Digital Library Federation, and the Texas Digital Library. The campus libraries provide access to over 3.1 million volumes. The University Libraries’ total staff is 160 FTE, including 62 professionals. Additional information about UH Libraries is available at: https://libraries.uh.edu.
The UH Libraries has recently launched a new strategic plan (https://libraries.uh.edu/strategic-plan) in alignment with the University’s ambitious strategic plan (https://uh.edu/strategic-plan/). We seek to recruit librarians who can relate the directions of the university and understand their role in advancing these strategic imperatives.
General Information: The University of Houston, a dynamic research institution founded in 1927, stands as a vibrant hub of academic excellence and cultural diversity in Texas. With over 46,000 students, it offers a comprehensive range of programs across 15 colleges, fostering innovation in fields such as energy, health, hospitality, business, education, law, STEM, and the humanities. Boasting top-tier faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, student success initiatives, and a strong commitment to community engagement, UH prepares students to thrive in a globally interconnected world.
The University’s prime location in America’s fourth-largest city supports extensive industry partnerships and experiential learning opportunities. Renowned for its energy industry and NASA’s Space Center, Houston is home to a vibrant cultural scene with world-class museums, theaters, and restaurants. The University of Houston is an institutional member of the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical center in the world. Houston thrives as a hub for innovation, education, and arts, fostering a unique blend of community charm and modern progress.
Appointment to this position is contingent on the results of a completed criminal history records investigation.
The University of Houston is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution and recognizes protected classes of race, color, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, religion, age (40 and above), national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or status, and gender expression as required by federal law. Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.