Lead Librarian, Rare Materials Cataloger - Cornell University Library

Cornell University Library seeks an experienced professional for the position of Lead Librarian, Rare Materials Cataloger.

The opportunity: The Lead Librarian, Rare Materials Cataloger reports to the Director of Cataloging and Metadata Services in the Library Technical Services (LTS) department and is embedded within the Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections (RMC), Cornell University’s primary repository of rare books, manuscripts, photographs, and archival materials in the fields of history, literature, music, the arts, science, natural history, and technology.

Reflecting Cornell University’s motto (“I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study.”), RMC serves as a center for original research and scholarship in a wide variety of disciplines. Collection highlights include early photography, the history of science, human sexuality, witchcraft, the French Revolution, the Civil War and the abolitionist movement, Dante and Petrarch, Icelandic history and literature, and musical movements such as hip hop and punk.

Within CUL’s collaborative and supportive culture, you will be responsible for cataloging, and setting direction for cataloging, of Library special collections materials. You will establish metadata standards and practices for all Library special collections; supervise staff responsible for cataloging and acquisition of rare materials; lead, coordinate, consult, or assist with designated special projects related to organizing the Library special collections for effective use; and participate in decision-making in LTS.

As a Research, Teaching, and Extension (RTE) faculty member, you will engage in service, scholarship, and ongoing professional development to meet the requirements of promotion and reappointment at Cornell University Library.

Candidate profile:

• Master’s degree in relevant field, such as library or information science; or advanced degree in another academic discipline combined with relevant experience in library technical services; Reading knowledge of at least one written language in addition to English

• At least 6 years of experience with rare materials cataloging, including substantial experience creating original records following DCRM standards

• Experience training or managing the work of others

• Demonstrated interest in and commitment to cultivating an environment of diversity, inclusion, and belonging; understanding of ways that groups have been marginalized through the creation and use of library metadata

• Strong working knowledge of RDA, LC PCC Policy Statements, DCRM, Library of Congress Subject Headings, and MARC 21 bibliographic and authority formats

• Demonstrated aptitude for creating and working with authority data (e.g. Library of Congress Authorities, Getty vocabularies, ORCID, ISNI, etc.)

• Flexibility and openness to evolving standards and practices

Additionally, we would prefer:

• Reading knowledge of multiple languages other than English

• Experience creating and updating name authority records in the Library of Congress Name Authority File

This position is located in Ithaca, New York. The incumbent will work on the Ithaca campus.

Our Vision: Empowering Cornell’s research and learning community with deep expertise, innovative services, and outstanding collections strengthened by strategic partnerships.

Our Mission: Cornell University Library promotes a culture of broad inquiry and supports the University’s mission to discover, preserve, and disseminate knowledge and creative expression. It engages with the ongoing transformations of society to deliver world-class physical and digital content and services critical to research, education, and outreach, now and in the future. The Library acts globally, supporting Cornell’s land grant mission in New York State and beyond, and builds partnerships within and outside the university. It invests in its staff, collections, and physical and virtual libraries. And, it serves as a neutral and trusted party supporting information access and scholarly communication.

Diversity and Inclusion: As a university founded to be a place where “…any person can find instruction in any study,” diversity and inclusion are at the core of our values and mission. We strive to be a welcoming, caring, healthy, and equitable community where students, faculty, and staff with different backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn, innovate, and work in an environment of re