Associate Director, Discovery Services at Colgate University in Hamilton, New York

Job Description:

The University Libraries at Colgate University invite applications for an Associate Director of Discovery Services, beginning in late 2024 or early 2025. Reporting to the University Librarian, the Associate Director of Discovery Services provides leadership and expertise for metadata creation and cataloging (MARC and non-MARC) in all formats in the libraries, oversees the Discovery, Metadata, and Cataloging Department, and promotes a collaborative and cohesive work environment. This position regularly consults with the Collections Strategist on acquisitions and resource management to optimize productivity and collaboration, contributing to continuous process improvement in technical services operations. This role is further responsible for guiding the creative integration of discovery platforms (ALMA/PRIMO, Islandora, JSTOR Community Collections) within the Libraries, and in so doing, collaborates with the Libraries' faculty and staff to design, promote, and improve the discoverability of the Libraries' diverse collections.

The associate director leads and manages a highly skilled discovery services team in the development, assessment, and creation of metadata and cataloging records for the Libraries' print and digital collections. They also take an active role in convening meetings for the department and any associated committees, task forces, and working groups, as appropriate. Core responsibilities include leading and developing best practices for cataloging and metadata workflows; administering and configuring technical support for the University Libraries' discovery systems; configuring platform integrations and interface updates; regularly analyzing and assessing efficacy of discovery platforms through use of analytics and community-based feedback; providing leadership and strategic thinking for the discovery services team and the Libraries in planning, updating, and implementing discovery of the Libraries' collections; and supporting the University Librarian in vetting new ideas, initiatives, and strategic plans.

As library faculty, it is expected that someone in this role will engage in University service and sustain an active record of professional service and scholarship in the field of Library and Information Science.

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  Performs other duties as assigned by the University Librarian.

  
  

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  Starting salary range of $79,000 to $84,000. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

  
  


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  A cover letter, CV, and contact information for three professional references should be submitted through Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/153276.

  
  


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  Review of applications will begin on September 30, 2024 and continue until the position is filled.

  
  

Required Qualifications

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  Master's Degree from an ALA-accredited institution or equivalent.

  
  


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  Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in library metadata/cataloging and/or integrated library systems and discovery services, as well as an understanding of issues and trends in resource discovery.

  
  


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  Experience with national bibliographic utilities (OCLC), integrated library systems (Sierra, Alma, or similar platform), vendor cataloging services, authority control services, and automated routines for bibliographic maintenance.

  
  


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  Experience in providing original cataloging for multiple formats.

  
  


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  Professional understanding and working knowledge of cataloging and metadata standards and principles (e.g., MODS, METS, BIBFRAME, RDA, MARC21, AACR2, Dublin Core, and linked data principles).

  
  


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  Two years' experience and demonstrated skill in direct supervision of support staff or librarians, including hiring, orienting, training and development, organizing workloads, delegating responsibility, providing guidance and direction, monitoring, and coaching. Ability to be proactive, flexible, and collaborative as a supervisor in order to accomplish departmental, library, and institutional goals.

  
  


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  Strong organizational skills and written and oral communication skills.

  
  


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  Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic environment.

  
  


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  Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity in library services and interactions.

  
  

Preferred Qualifications

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  Experience using Islandora or similar digital repository platform.

  
  


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  Knowledge of programming languages (e.g., XML, CSS, Python, R).

  
  


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  Proficiency in cataloging rare materials, non-Roman scripts, or specialized formats.

  
  


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  Demonstrated ability to meticulously organize and manage complex metadata and cataloging projects, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and adherence to established standards and procedures.

  
  


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  Demonstrated understanding of the broad scope of academic library operations, with an awareness of how discovery services interact with the rest of the university.

  
  

Applications for the position should include a curriculum vitae and a cover letter. In your cover letter, please outline your scholarship and professional development plans and goals. Also tell us how you envision Colgate University Libraries supporting you and contributing to your success in accomplishing these goals. The cover letter should also address an initiative or contribution in the area of DEI that you are most proud of to demonstrate your awareness and sensitivity towards promoting an inclusive work environment.

Colgate strives to be a community supportive of diverse perspectives and identities. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification in the job description, including the preferred qualifications. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our preferred qualifications.

Colgate is a vibrant liberal arts university of 3,200 students situated in central New York State. Colgate faculty are committed to excellence in both teaching and scholarship. Further information about the University Libraries can be found here. Applicants with dual-career considerations can find postings of other employment opportunities at Colgate and at other institutions of higher education in upstate New York at this website. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups, women, persons with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply for this position.

Campus Crime Reporting and Statistics

The Department of Campus Safety at Colgate University will provide upon request a copy of Colgate's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education for the previous three years concerning reported: 1. crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Colgate University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus and 2. fires that occurred in student housing facilities. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and fire safety, such as policies concerning sexual assault, life safety systems, and other related matters. You may access the report from the Clery Compliance web page here. Printed copies of this report may be obtained upon request from the Department of Campus Safety via e-mail at cusafety@colgate.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Policy Statement

It is the policy of Colgate University not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of their race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, disability, protected Veterans status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, being or having been victims of domestic violence or stalking, familial status, or any other categories covered by law. Colgate is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups, women, persons with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.