Associate Director, Discovery Services

Description

The University Libraries at Colgate University invite applications for an Associate Director of Discovery Services, beginning in late 2024 or early 2025. Reporting to the University Librarian, the Associate Director of Discovery Services provides leadership and expertise for metadata creation and cataloging (MARC and non-MARC) in all formats in the libraries, oversees the Discovery, Metadata, and Cataloging Department, and promotes a collaborative and cohesive work environment. This position regularly consults with the Collections Strategist on acquisitions and resource management to optimize productivity and collaboration, contributing to continuous process improvement in technical services operations. This role is further responsible for guiding the creative integration of discovery platforms (ALMA/PRIMO, Islandora, JSTOR Community Collections) within the Libraries, and in so doing, collaborates with the Libraries’ faculty and staff to design, promote, and improve the discoverability of the Libraries’ diverse collections. 

The associate director leads and manages a highly skilled discovery services team in the development, assessment, and creation of metadata and cataloging records for the Libraries' print and digital collections. They also take an active role in convening meetings for the department and any associated committees, task forces, and working groups, as appropriate.  Core responsibilities include leading and developing best practices for cataloging and metadata workflows; administering and configuring technical support for the University Libraries’ discovery systems; configuring platform integrations and interface updates; regularly analyzing and assessing efficacy of discovery platforms through use of analytics and community-based feedback; providing leadership and strategic thinking for the discovery services team and the Libraries in planning, updating, and implementing discovery of the Libraries’ collections; and supporting the University Librarian in vetting new ideas, initiatives, and strategic plans.

As library faculty, it is expected that someone in this role will engage in University service and sustain an active record of professional service and scholarship in the field of Library and Information Science.

• Performs other duties as assigned by the University Librarian.

• Starting salary range of $79,000 to $84,000. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

• A cover letter, CV, and contact information for three professional references should be submitted through Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/153276.

• Review of applications will begin on September 30, 2024 and continue until the position is filled. 

Required Qualifications

• Master's Degree from an ALA-accredited institution or equivalent.

• Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in library metadata/cataloging and/or integrated library systems and discovery services, as well as an understanding of issues and trends in resource discovery.

• Experience with national bibliographic utilities (OCLC), integrated library systems (Sierra, Alma, or similar platform), vendor cataloging services, authority control services, and automated routines for bibliographic maintenance.

• Experience in providing original cataloging for multiple formats.

• Professional understanding and working knowledge of cataloging and metadata standards and principles (e.g., MODS, METS, BIBFRAME, RDA, MARC21, AACR2, Dublin Core, and linked data principles). 

• Two years’ experience and demonstrated skill in direct supervision of support staff or librarians, including hiring, orienting, training and development, organizing workloads, delegating responsibility, providing guidance and direction, monitoring, and coaching. Ability to be proactive, flexible, and collaborative as a supervisor in order to accomplish departmental, library, and institutional goals.

• Strong organizational skills and written and oral communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic environment.

• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity in library services and interactions.

 Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using Islandora or similar digital repository platform. 

• Knowledge of programming lan