The New School was founded by forward-thinking educators in 1919 to defy the intellectual constraints of a traditional college education. The New School Libraries and Archives supports the faculty and students of the institution in their teaching, research, and learning through access to collections, services, and spaces.

 

The New School Libraries, Collections, and Academic Services seeks an Assistant to the Librarian for metadata services. Reporting to the Assistant Director for Metadata and Collection Services, this is a full-time clerical position within the Digital Library and Technical Services department. This position is responsible for copy-cataloging, including multi-volume sets, audio-visual, serial, and music scores. This position oversees and performs the physical processing of library materials, including assigning call numbers. This position also handles the shipping and processing of materials cataloged by third parties (electronic resources, material cataloged from NYU, or cataloging vendor).

 

This is a Local 1205 Clerical Unit position subject to the terms and conditions agreed to in the Union Contract between Teamsters Local 1205 and The New School.

 

The New School is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. It particularly seeks applications from members of underrepresented groups and candidates who share this commitment. 

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform copy cataloging of libraries & archives materials in multiple formats and multiple languages, including complex assembled material (multi-parts, serials, and sets).

• Assign subject headings and call numbers, subject to professional review.

• Perform general catalog maintenance - call number changes, holdings, and item record editing.

• Receive serial issues to account for satisfactory delivery of physical subscription materials.

• Handle off-site processing and recall operations.

• Assist in electronic resource activation and troubleshooting.

• Assist in document scanning/request fulfillment for patron requests.

• Assist in establishing workflows and creating documentation for technical services operations.

• Keeps statistical records for technical services operations.

• Provide training to other libraries and other cataloging staff when appropriate.

• Processing of physical materials such as labeling, stamping, RFID tagging and commercial bindery, particularly for serials and scores.

• Perform withdrawals, recycle, and discard of library materials.

• Together with the Assistant to the Librarian for Receiving, determines if the material is shelf-ready for circulation.

• May participate in receipt and invoice processing.

• Participate in Course Reserves, Interlibrary Loan, Document Delivery, and other collection request processing.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree.

• Two years of experience working in a library in a technical services department.

• Basic knowledge of MARC and RDA/AACR2.

• Proficiency with MS Office Suite.

• Knowledge of standard bibliographic sources, bibliographic forms, and verification tools.

• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Effective organizational and interpersonal skills.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively to set priorities and accomplish goals.

• Commitment to a high level of service to faculty, staff, and students.

• Ability to lift/move boxes weighing up to 50 pounds across the office for various needs.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Two years of experience in cataloging and data processing in an academic library.

• Experience using an Integrated Library System such as Alma, Aleph, Voyager, or OCLC.

• Reading knowledge in music and music cataloging, possibly copy cataloging experience of music material, including audio-visual, electronic, digital as well as physical scores.

• Experience troubleshooting electronic resource/database/ebook issues.

• Reading knowledge of one or more European or Asian languages.

 

WORK MODE

Hybrid/Split—Employees hired for this position have a regularly scheduled, consistent percentage of time on campus (e.g., 2-4x/week) and also work some of the time remotely. 

 

SALARY RANGE

$26.40 hourly rate, as dictated by 1205 Clerical Bargaining Agreement.

 

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

Please provide a cover letter of interest and a description of your previous library experience. Please describe a project you felt went successfully, where you were challenged, and your response to those challenges. 

 

We look forward to receiving your application!

Apply online here