Cataloging Supervisor

Under the direction of the Cataloging and Processing Manager, provides supervision, cataloging training, and bibliographic database quality control to ensure accurate and efficient discoverability and location of the library’s holdings via the online catalog and other publicly accessible databases. Supervises advanced cataloging functions across all library materials (both physical and electronic), including original cataloging, file loading, and database maintenance work within the Cataloging and Processing department. Provides cataloging training and troubleshooting for all members of the Cataloging and Processing department.

Reports to:

Cataloging and Processing Manager

• Assumes primary responsibility for supervising original and advanced copy cataloging operations and personnel under the supervision of the Manager of Cataloging and Processing. Directs and delegates the assignment of work, file loading activities, database maintenance, and problem resolution according to the Library’s established priorities and practices.
• Serves as a cataloging knowledge resource for all members of the department, including providing direct training in up-to-date cataloging practices in both local and shared national systems (such as OCLC Connexion or other products), search strategies for efficient bibliographic retrieval, and cooperative problem resolution.
• Works with other supervisors in Cataloging and Processing to maintain and improve the efficiency of the workflow and delivery of services to all departments and branches of the Library to successfully meet the needs of the public. Contributes to the development and implementation of cataloging quality and output specifications and standards in the department.
• Performs advanced descriptive and subject cataloging as well as classification for all formats of library materials, both physical and electronic, and, as assigned, performs authority work, which may require special language, subject, and technical knowledge.
• Answers cataloging questions from staff across the Library system and identifies areas for improved practice and documentation.
• Conducts performance reviews of staff. Participates in the recruitment and onboarding of new staff in the department under the direction of the Cataloging and Processing Manager.
• Assumes responsibility for the quality control of MARC data in local systems, including but not limited to performing catalog maintenance projects that improve large batches of records, running routine quality reports, executing responses to quality issues, and participating in activities surrounding retroconversion activities and other integrations of legacy data into local systems.
• Assumes responsibility for the ongoing syncing of local MARC information with external databases such as OCLC, including but not limited to performing routine holdings adds and deletes, and supporting data cleanup from reclamation projects. Supports stacks inventory and weeding initiatives, keeping the catalog database in sync with these ongoing activities.
• Participates in digitization workflows and collaborates with members of the Digital Experience department to ensure accuracy of MARC and other catalog data in digital representations of objects managed by the BPL.
• Under the supervision of the Manager of Cataloging and Processing, serves as a lead in communication, quality control, transformation, and maintenance for MARC records and other bibliographic data acquired from external sources, including data provided by vendors of both physical and digital content, across systems such as OCLC WorldShare, vendor portals, and FTP/SFTP servers.
• Acts as a point person, under the supervision of the Manager of Cataloging and Processing, in the maintenance of accurate display of metadata in online public catalogs and discovery layers, including analyzing issues with mapping and crosswalking data from local MARC and item records into external and public-facing systems.
• Functions as a lead in the management of electronic resources through accurate cataloging, resource disambiguation, correct URL construction for proxy access, and syncing of titles with external databases as needed.
• Remains current with existing and emerging cataloging policies, practices, standards, schema, and procedures, including, but not limited to, MARC standards, RDA interpretation, PCC and LC practices, OCLC bibliographic standards, cataloging community practice, and other emerging and developing bibliographic standards and schemas.
• In the absence of the Cataloging and Processing Manager, serves as a resource for members of the department to troubleshoot, solve, and, as needed, escalate issues.
• Actively participates in system-wide committees, training, and other professional activities.
• Prepares statistical and other reports and analyses as assigned.
• Represents the Library at local and national meetings and conferences as assigned.
• Performs other related and comparable duties as assigned.

• Education - A master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited library school.
• Experience - At least four (4) years of professional experience in original and copy cataloging. Proven ability to organize, supervise, and direct the work of others. Experience in supervising, especially cataloging personnel or a large cataloging operation, is highly preferred.
• Broad experience in library cataloging, including working with a variety of material types and MARC formats.
• Ability to analyze and streamline work processes.
• Ability to supervise groups of staff member and plan and assign their work. Ability to act as a team leader and to work as part of a team.
• Thorough knowledge of automated processes relevant to creating and enhancing library cataloging activities.
• Initiatives in generating new ideas and engaging with new technologies.
• Proficiency with standard productivity software and communication platforms, especially Microsoft products such as Office, Teams, and SharePoint.
• Ability to collaborate with internal and external partners.
• Communicates effectively and presents ideas clearly.
• Superior knowledge of bibliographic tools and resources.
• Demonstrated experience and superior knowledge and skill in current and emerging descriptive and subject cataloging standards (such as MARC21 and RDA) across all resource formats.
• Strong knowledge of online and print cataloging resources and bibliographic tools.
• Demonstrated working knowledge and recent hands-on experience cataloging using OCLC products.
• Relevant knowledge and/or specialized training in other metadata formats and carriers.
• Reading knowledge of one or more foreign languages and the ability to deal with unfamiliar foreign languages and non-Latin scripts are highly preferred.
• Working knowledge of metadata management and transformation tools such as MarcEdit, Excel, or OpenRefine preferred.
• CORI-Must successfully clear a Criminal Offenders Record Information check with the City of Boston.

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: PSA/P-3

Hours per week: 35