Stanford University Libraries & Academic Information Resources

Position: Head, Data Control Unit, Metadata Department
Classification: Assistant/Associate Librarian

Description:
This position manages the unit within the Metadata Department that is
responsible for the maintenance of bibliographic, authority, holdings,
and item data in the library’s local integrated system. It has primary
responsibility for keeping these types of data accurate and up-to-date.
The Unit has six permanent FTE non-exempt staff, plus varying number of
project staff and hourly assistants. Key responsibilities include
managing the staff and the day-to-day operations of the Unit, the timely
processing of error reports from various workflows (e.g. vended
authority control service, mass transfer to storage facility,
batchloading for e-resources, export to OCLC), planning and execution of
data maintenance projects, monitoring of distributed maintenance
activities, and statistics tracking.

In addition to data maintenance, the Data Control Unit is also
responsible for the copy cataloging of “bulk” collections and gifts, and
the cataloging of all Stanford dissertations. It also processes user
requests for “in process” materials.

Currently, the library’s local system (SirsiDynix Symphony) includes
close to 7 million bibliographic records, 2.7 million authority records,
10 million item records, and 600,000 MARC holdings records. The Unit is
likely to expand its scope to include non-MARC metadata and linked data
in the foreseeable future.

Responsibilities:
 1. Hire, train, and supervise at least 6 FTE non-exempt maintenance
    specialists and varying number of project staff and hourly assistants.
 2. Develop standard maintenance policies and procedures. Create and
    maintain documentation in the department’s Drupal-based website for
    such policies and procedures.
 3. Manage multiple incoming work streams from different sources. Deploy
    unit’s staff resources intelligently to maintain balance among
    competing workflows, and to prevent the development of backlogs.
 4. Utilize software tools and automated processes to accomplish data
    maintenance tasks whenever possible.
 5. Design and execute plans for special projects that the Unit is
    called upon to undertake (e.g. barcoding projects, mass transfer
    projects, record upgrade projects).
 6. Design and implement quality control measures that ensure the Unit’s
    output meets established quality standards.
 7. Respond effectively to new initiatives and changes in the library’s
    technical processing and discovery environments (e.g. migration from
    AACR2 to RDA, non-MARC workflows, linked data related projects).
 8. Serve as liaison with other library units, staff, and users with
    regard to data maintenance issues, as well as those related to bulk
    collections, gifts, and Stanford dissertations cataloging. Respond
    to requests for service and questions related to the Unit’s policies
    and procedures.
 9. Maintain statistics related to the workflows, databases, and
    collections that the Unit deals with.
10. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
Required:
 1. Master’s degree in library and information science from an
    ALA-accredited program or similar credentials, and at least 3 years
    library work experience.
 2. Demonstrated ability to lead and manage staff.
 3. Expert knowledge of the rules and practices in descriptive
    cataloging, authority control, subject headings assignment, and
    classification, as followed in U.S. academic libraries. Expert
    knowledge of the MARC21 standards.
 4. Familiarity with the cataloging and authority modules of an
    integrated library system, such as SirsiDynix Symphony. Similar
    level of familiarity with OCLC’s cataloging related systems and
    services.
 5. Ability to manage large, complex projects from initial design stage
    to full completion.
 6. Awareness of current developments and issues in bibliographic
    control and automation.
 7. Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, production-oriented
    environment, and the ability to adapt quickly and work under
    pressure to meet deadlines and production goals.
 8. Ability to lead a diverse group in a positive and constructive
    manner, and be able to mold such a group into an effective team.
 9. Excellent oral and written communication and organizational skills.

Desired:
 1. Familiarity with current and emerging trends in library metadata,
    including FRBR, RDA, MODS, linked data and RDF.
 2. Advanced knowledge of one or more Western European languages.
 3. Knowledge and skills related to data massaging and development of
    scripts for automated data manipulation processes.
 4. Advanced knowledge of XML.

Application procedure:

Electronic application required. Apply at http://jobs.stanford.edu/.
Input 47167 in the keyword search box. In addition to a cover letter and
resume, applicants should provide names, phone numbers, and email
addresses of three references.

STANFORD UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

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