Librarian Special Collection

Description:

As a Special Formats Cataloger (Special Collection Librarian) your job will be to improve customer access to Special Collections and Archives materials, primarily by performing original cataloging for specialized formats with a focus on improving physical and intellectual control of archival and art resources in Special Collections and Archives. Your primary location will be the Central Library, however, DPL reserves the right to reassign locations based upon operational and/or staffing needs at any given time.

You will work closely with the Digital Collections and Cataloging Supervisor to develop practices and workflows that help the department improve public access and discovery for the rich historical resources in our holdings and work collaboratively with others in the library to ensure that our descriptive practices meet the practical needs of customers and staff. Specific work will include:

• Up to 25% of time (10 hours per week) providing customer service to a diverse community on a busy reference desk and via correspondence

• Catalog materials in a variety of management systems, including but not limited to Polaris ILS and ArchivesSpace CMS

• Maintain knowledge of current and emerging cataloging and metadata standards, tools, and best practices for working with art and archival materials

• Work collaboratively with the cataloging team to review, develop, and cohesively implement cataloging policies and procedures across the subdivision and library

• Contributes to the library’s critical cataloging work through conversations about inclusive cataloging and active participation in record remediation and enhancement

• Active participation in the DPL’s involvement in the Name Authority Cooperative Program (NACO) by meeting PCC per-cataloger quotas

• Participate as needed in ongoing cataloging and metadata work for formats beyond archives and art. Cross-train other catalogers in specialties to develop a well-rounded team.

About Our Department, Special Collections and Archives

The Special Collections and Archives (SCA) subdivision at Denver Public Library comprises two archival repositories: Western History and Genealogy at the Central Library and the African American Research Library at Blair-Caldwell Library. SCA functions in many ways as a smaller microcosm of the library, providing access to specialized materials through intentional acquisition, description, and customer service.

About You

Our ideal candidate:

• Has a passion for archives and special collections work in a public library setting

• Experience with Polaris, OCLC Connexion, ArchivesSpace, and other cataloging software is preferred but not required. Willingness to learn new software is required.

• Shows ability and interest in adopting and adapting existing and new relevant technology and software to workflow

• Demonstrates knowledge of cataloging and metadata practices specific to archives and art

• Demonstrates knowledge of authority management principles and practice; NACO experience and/or training preferred

• Demonstrates strong project management skills and experience in managing multiple projects at once

• Has excellent organizational and problem-solving skills

• Is committed to critical cataloging and inclusive descriptive practices that mitigate harm

• Demonstrates strong writing and communication skills

• Finds following workflows satisfying and thrives on attention to detail

• Is committed to collaborative work with internal and external stakeholders. Collegial attitude toward working together with a team toward individual and collective goals.

• Demonstrates initiative, innovation, and flexibility, including proposing process improvements

• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills, positive attitude, cultural sensitivity and a sense of humor in working with customers, coworkers, and community members