Special Collections Cataloguer for Maps, Prints and Broadsides at St. Louis Mercantile Library at UMSL in Bel Nor, Missouri

Job Description:

The St. Louis Mercantile Library at the University of Missouri-St. Louis is seeking an experienced special collections cataloger for a full-time, donor-funded, two-year term position to address a backlog of historic maps, prints and broadsides. The Mercantile Library, now in its 178th year holds broad and deep collections of rare books, manuscripts, and archives that cover all eras of American history, especially westward expansion, American business history, and comprehensive transportation holdings in river and rail history as well as a distinguished collection of American art and graphics. The Mercantile Library affiliated with the University of Missouri in 1997 to make its collections more accessible to national and international users as well as to local students, and is located on the campus of the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

The cataloguer is an essential member of the Mercantile Library's enthusiastic curatorial team and is responsible for describing and facilitating access to the special collections of the St. Louis Mercantile Library via the library's catalogue. The cataloguer will be responsible for original and copy-cataloguing of maps, broadsides, newspapers, and other large format special collections for public access. The position will report to and work with the Director of the St. Louis Mercantile Library to set cataloging priorities. The successful candidate will have a minimum of two years of relevant cataloging experience.

Specific duties of the position include:

• In collaboration with the Mercantile Library Director, establish cataloging priorities, and design and implement project plans to execute those priorities.
• Perform original and copy cataloging of maps, broadsides, and other large format special collections with particular emphasis on the research and accessibility value of the catalog description.
• Work in conjunction with the University Libraries Access Services department and colleagues in the Mercantile Library cataloguing department to ensure that the St. Louis Mercantile Library's catalog conforms to the requirements of the FOLIO system.
• Ensure appropriate conservation measures are applied to cataloged items to ensure safe and proper storage.
• Effectively communicate with team members and other members of the library community, while contributing to and sustaining a supportive and inclusive workplace.
• Adhere to the Collected Rules and Regulations of the University of Missouri System.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• ALA-accredited master's degree in Library and Information Science.
• Minimum 2 years of relevant cataloging experience.
• Working knowledge of online library systems, AACR2r, RDA, LCRI, LCSH, DCRM, MARC21 formats and authority control.
• Ability to build and sustain effective interpersonal relationships with library staff, faculty, students, administrators, and members of the public.
• Evidence of analytical, organization, communication, project, and time management skills and demonstrated ability to set priorities, meet deadlines and complete tasks and projects on time and within budget in accordance with task or project parameters.
• Demonstrated proficiency with personal computers and software, the internet and office applications such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint, and other productivity software.
• Demonstrated knowledge of proper preservation techniques for maps, broadsides, or other large-format rare materials.
• Ability to work in a dynamic office environment with a diverse user base.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States and pass standard University of Missouri System screenings and background checks.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with cataloging large format and cartographic materials.
• Familiarity with FOLIO cataloging software.
• Experience in applied preservation techniques for large-format rare materials in a special collections' environment.
• Reading knowledge of one modern Western European language in addition to English; reading knowledge of other Western European languages a plus.

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