The Libraries are re-announcing these two positions. Please be sure to include transcripts (official transcripts must be provided if selected
for the position) and to create a detailed resume in the USAJOBS Resume Builder. Email with any questions – khaterp@si.edu.
Do you love cataloging and working with metadata? Do you want to work at the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex? Are you
excited about the possibility to describe and provide access to amazing collections? The Smithsonian Libraries has two management positions open in the Discovery Services Division: Head, Copy Cataloging and Head, Original Cataloging. Join our team in Discovery
Services to develop creative workflows, open up access to rare and unique collections for the world, and collaborate on strategic projects that strengthen and share the Institution’s research.
The Division acquires, catalogs, processes, and distributes collection materials for the twenty-one branches of the Libraries, which span a full
range of subjects, along with graduate and post graduate research materials and primary sources. Research materials are in various multiple languages such as Amharic, Arabic, French, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, etc.
The two positions work closely with the Head of Electronic Resources & Serials to determine and set cataloging policy, using
national and local standards for the Libraries’ research collections. The Libraries is an active participant in the PCC and NACO national programs, and hopes to expand our contributions with support from these two positions. Both positions report to the Assistant
Director, Discovery Services and work with Discovery Services colleagues, along with Collections, Digital Programs & Initiatives, and Research Services staff. The Libraries is looking for experienced librarians who can provide creative, innovative and energetic
leadership and direction for the metadata and descriptive activities and collection needs that are emerging in ARL and museum libraries.
Head, Copy Cataloging
For the complete posting and application, instructions see usajobs.gov at:
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/496639600.
The Head directs the copy cataloging in the Libraries and leads efforts for the enrichment and maintenance of the Libraries’ bibliographic metadata
and records. The incumbent works closely with the Head, Original Cataloging and Head, Electronic Resources & Serials to ensure that data and records conform to local, national and international standards for description, classification, and subject analysis.
The incumbent is the principal for SIRIS
(the Smithsonian Libraries’ catalog) work with monograph collections projects, ensuring accurate collection records for the materials being added, transferred or withdrawn.
The Head implements and manages vendor-provided services for the receiving, physical processing, and cataloging of newly purchased materials.
The incumbent works closely with the Head, Acquisitions to ensure purchased and gift materials are available to researchers and the Institution in a timely manner. The Head serves as a representative to the cataloging services contract, and collaborates to
write specifications for vendor contracts and with funding proposals.
Head, Original Cataloging
For the complete posting and application, instructions see usajobs.gov at:
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/496628600
The Head oversees the creation and editing of catalog records in the local bibliographic database and in OCLC, ensuring that
these conform to local, national and international standards for description, classification, subject analysis and encoding. The Head manages authority control processes, oversees project work involving the cataloging services contract, and sets and documents
the policies and procedures that govern the Division’s cataloging work.
The incumbent is a liaison to the Program for Cooperative Cataloging coordinates and oversees Smithsonian Libraries’ NACO
and BIBCO contributions. The Head guides the Division to deliver outstanding cataloging services and seeks new, innovative policies, programs, efficiencies, and practices that enhance and improve service to the Smithsonian community and the public.
General Information
Discovery Services at the Smithsonian Libraries provides the acquisitions, cataloging, and processing of all gift and purchased materials for
the Libraries’ collections. In addition, Discovery Services licenses, purchases, and subscribes to electronic content and resources, and makes our content available through
OneSearch (the Libraries’ Summon installation). The Division supports
the research and learning work of the Institution through the Resource Sharing and Delivery Department. The Division is embarking on several strategic initiatives – cataloging
Artists’ Books that are found throughout our collections,
moving large parts of our collections in response to changing needs in the Museums, implementing FAST headings and data into bibliographic records, adding author and identity IDs into bibliographic data, and creating new processes to globally enhance bibliographic
data and records for unique materials in our collections (Dibner Library Manuscripts
is one example).
By working at the Smithsonian, you make an important contribution to an Institution loved by the American public and visitors from around the
world. The Smithsonian is the guardian of some of the nation’s most valuable scientific, historic and artistic treasures and is a leader in research, innovation and discovery. We offer our visitors a unique, inspiring experience and we offer those who work
here a chance to make a difference in the cultural life of our nation. The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in “The
Increase and Diffusion of Knowledge."
The job postings will be open on for 14 days, starting 4/30/18 and will close on 5/14/2018.
The complete announcement and application instructions are on USAJOBS. Applicants are required to attach official transcripts and to submit a resume created in USAJOBs to be eligible
for consideration. For general information about working at the Smithsonian, visit
https://www.si.edu/OHR/workingsi. Review health and leave benefits
at https://www.si.edu/OHR/benefits. To learn more about the Libraries
visit https://library.si.edu/about-us. Contact Polly Khater, Assistant
Director for Discovery Services, at khaterp@si.edu,
with any questions.
Polly Khater
Assistant Director, Discovery Services
202.633.1643, khaterp@si.edu
