Library Assistant - Metadata Quality Unit

The Cataloging & Archival Processing Department of the University of Kansas Libraries is responsible for the cataloging and processing of all resources for the Libraries, including print and electronic monographs, print and electronic serials, maps, multimedia, government documents and archival/manuscript materials. In addition, the Department is heavily involved in the inventory of materials and the updating of associated records being moved to the Library Annex. The Department consists of 28 FTE staff members in a variety of classifications, along with a large number of student assistants, and has offices in both Watson and Kenneth Spencer Research Libraries.

Reporting to the Head of the Metadata Quality Unit, this full-time position will be located in the Cataloging Department at Watson Library. This position catalogs materials with limited or partial records through OCLC, an international bibliographic database, and updates our holdings in OCLC and the Ex Libris Voyager ILS system, which is used to maintain bibliographic, authority, holdings and item record data. This position will also add items to our managed backlog, supervise the students who assist with OCLC production and quality assurance checking, process monograph withdrawals and transfers, validate geographic heading authority records and oversee general office activities like purchasing supplies, creating photocopies and department mail.

KU's excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other's success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.

35% Copy-Cataloging/Searching
Accepts records supplied by student searchers or searches the OCLC database for appropriate copy for the material being processed. Works with OCLC contributed copy, some of which requires extensive editing, including the addition of call numbers and subject headings. Uses judgment to determine when to make modifications to the records (e.g. composes descriptive notes, updates subject headings and assigns call numbers). Cataloging shows a reasonable interpretation of the rules, and records created are compatible with existing catalog records and current library holdings. Access points and classification number accurately represent book being processed. Quantity of books processed reflects the complexity and difficulty of the available bibliographic records, the priorities of the department, as well as a growing understanding of cataloging principles and an increasing skill in applying them.

25% Authority Processing
Verifies, validates and creates headings that are new to Voyager. Interprets and edits authority records established by KU libraries, Library of Congress and other NACO contributing libraries using a variety of bibliographic tools. Determines appropriate cross-reference structures according to current LC-PCC policy statements and KU Libraries policies. Uses judgment to: identify and/or solve conflicts, establish correct headings or subdivisions using Resource Description and Access (RDA), Anglo-American Cataloging Rules, 2nd edition (AACR2), Library of Congress (LC) information and the employee's interpretation of that information, OCLC, LC's Subject Cataloging Manual, and various standard and specialized bibliographic tools. Updates bibliographic records to correspond with changes made in authority records. Works with authority and bibliographic records in English and a variety of foreign languages and analyzes and interprets complicated bibliographic instructions.

This position processes monthly geographic heading reports and reviews geographic subdivisions from topical heading reports on a regular basis.

30% OCLC Production and Holdings Record Maintenance
Produces the daily catalog records in OCLC for books. Serves as the backup for the weekly fast-track production, Rush and special project production. Resolves any problems encountered during production in a timely manner, providing feedback to staff as appropriate. Oversees and performs the tasks when necessary to ensure cataloged items are added to the local system with appropriate holdings notes after the records are produced. Supervises and trains the students who create the OCLC production files, complete the holdings record maintenance on newly created records and perform quality assurance checking (i.e. "in-process" checking) on newly processed monograph materials.

Oversees the incoming Hold materials processing which entails coordinating the flow of new items going into Hold; creating brief records for Hold materials and maintaining documentation as appropriate.

Processes the monographs designated for withdrawal, updating Voyager and OCLC records as appropriate and follows Department guidelines for appropriate disposal of materials. Also processes transfers of materials between libraries, updating Voyager holdings records as needed.

5% General Office Duties
Purchases Departmental supplies using KU's Financials in the Cloud system (FITC) and manages/organizes the supply room.

Manages the Department's supply of flags and other forms, photocopying new supplies as needed. Also maintains the Department's Multi-Function Device (MFD), e.g. adds toner, calls for service, etc.

Oversees the Department mailboxes, ensuring the mail area is organized and mail is distributed to the appropriate individual(s).

5% Meeting, Teamwork and Development Activities:
Attends and participates in Department meetings and other team building activities. Shares responsibility for the effective functioning of Department meetings and other team building activities. Shows a commitment to positive, solution-oriented problem solving. Attends appropriate staff development and training opportunities.

Based upon the skills and abilities of the employee and the priorities and needs of the Department and the Library, other duties may be added or existing duties changed after discussions between the employee and the supervisor.

Applicants should attach a cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three professional references (including at least one previous or current supervisor) to this online application. Please use your cover letter to address how you meet the required and preferred qualifications. An online application must be completed to be considered for this position.

Application review begins Monday, May 12th. To ensure consideration please apply no later than Sunday, May 11th.

Tonia Morgan
morgt@ku.edu

Minimum salary $35,776, final determination commensurate with experience

Monday May 12, 2025

Monday May 26, 2025