American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University
Department
Washington College of Law
Time Type
Full time
Work Modality
Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)
Union
SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division
This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division. That means the terms and conditions of your employment are governed by university policy (including the Staff Personnel Policies Manual) and any collective bargaining agreement entered into between American University and SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division.
Job Description
Summary:
The position involves a combination of responsibilities, including coordinating the day-to-day workflow of the Cataloging Department, which encompasses managing electronic resources and cataloging various types of materials. Under the guidance of professional catalogers, the Cataloging Coordinator oversees the lifecycle of electronic resources and ensures ongoing quality control of descriptive bibliographic records and holding information. This involves continually evaluating and correcting catalog data to ensure accuracy, consistency, connectivity, and clarity.
A strong understanding of library systems, preferably Ex Libris Alma, as well as knowledge of metadata standards and e-resource lifecycle management, is essential for this role. The position requires independent judgment, self-direction, and the ability to work with minimal supervision.
The incumbent must adhere to American University and Washington College of Law Human Resources policies and procedures. While this position is primarily on-campus, a temporary hybrid work schedule may be available.
Essential Functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.
Other Details
American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.
Contact Us
For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email [email protected].
American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.
Department
Washington College of Law
Time Type
Full time
Work Modality
Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)
Union
SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division
This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division. That means the terms and conditions of your employment are governed by university policy (including the Staff Personnel Policies Manual) and any collective bargaining agreement entered into between American University and SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division.
Job Description
Summary:
The position involves a combination of responsibilities, including coordinating the day-to-day workflow of the Cataloging Department, which encompasses managing electronic resources and cataloging various types of materials. Under the guidance of professional catalogers, the Cataloging Coordinator oversees the lifecycle of electronic resources and ensures ongoing quality control of descriptive bibliographic records and holding information. This involves continually evaluating and correcting catalog data to ensure accuracy, consistency, connectivity, and clarity.
A strong understanding of library systems, preferably Ex Libris Alma, as well as knowledge of metadata standards and e-resource lifecycle management, is essential for this role. The position requires independent judgment, self-direction, and the ability to work with minimal supervision.
The incumbent must adhere to American University and Washington College of Law Human Resources policies and procedures. While this position is primarily on-campus, a temporary hybrid work schedule may be available.
Essential Functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Cataloging and Bibliographic Maintenance
- Adhere to departmental procedures and WRLC network zone metadata policies to perform resource description, access, and metadata management.
- Collaborate with Technical Services librarians to develop, implement, and evaluate cataloging procedures, standards, and workflows.
- Participate in working groups and projects focused on improving cataloging and e-resource management practices.
- Cataloging Duties
- Catalog a variety of library materials, creating and maintaining MARC records in Alma in compliance with current cataloging standards (RDA, AACR2).
- Edit and update bibliographic, authority, and holdings records to ensure accuracy and consistency across the catalog.
- Perform batch processing of records to enhance cataloging efficiency.
- Ensure accurate and comprehensive metadata for all resources, facilitating enhanced discovery and access for library users.
- Alma System Maintenance
- Utilize Alma’s cataloging and analytical tools to manage bibliographic, holdings, and item records effectively.
- Participate in data cleanup projects, including authority control, deduplication, inventory, retention, and migration-related tasks.
- Assist in streamlining workflows and ensuring data integrity across the cataloging process.
- Holdings and Collection integrity
- Collaborate with the Circulation Department and the Specialist for receiving to perform physical processing of print materials, including handling transfers, replacements, and withdrawals of continuation materials.
- Serve as a backup to the Serials Specialist, assisting with the receipt of continuations and shelving of pocket parts as needed.
- Create and maintain serials holdings records, address records with no inventories (orphaned records), and ensure accurate maintenance of inventory and the physical collection.
- Maintain and update library holdings in OCLC WorldCat to ensure accurate reflection of the library's collection.
- Provide expedited, on-the-fly processing and delivery of rush materials to WCL faculty and the community.
- Create provisional records for non-book circulation items to facilitate quick access.
- Quality Control and Collection Maintenance
- Ensure that materials are accurately and consistently processed before being made available to the public.
- Record and compile statistical reports on library resources across all formats.
- Participate in collection maintenance duties, including weeding and inventory activities, to ensure the collection’s relevance and accuracy.
- Binding Management
- Oversee the binding process, including the preparation, delivery, and receipt of bindery shipments.
- Coordinate binding services for the law review office, ensuring timely processing.
- Use and maintain the binding function within the library system to efficiently manage materials through the binding process.
- Process and maintain bound-with item records to ensure accurate tracking and access.
- Electronic Resource Management
- Activate electronic resources and test access to ensure functionality.
- Set up and maintain electronic collections, portfolios, MARC records, and coverage data in Alma and LibGuides, ensuring accurate and timely updates.
- Troubleshoot and resolve access issues related to electronic resources, working closely with vendors and IT teams.
- Assist in importing MARC records from OCLC or vendor-provided records for electronic titles.
- Create conceptual lists of materials to facilitate their discovery and accessibility.
- Generate statistical reports for analytical and maintenance purposes.
- System Configuration and Optimization
- In consultation with Technical Services librarians, configure and optimize Alma for effective e-resource management, including integration with other systems such as Primo, OpenAthens, and DUO authentication.
- Participate in testing and implementing new features and updates within Alma to enhance e-resources management workflows.
- Activate and maintain the Central Discovery Index (CDI) to ensure accurate and comprehensive search results for articles and book chapters.
- Using Alma’s knowledge base, obtain updated bibliographic records and coverage data to ensure that e-resource information is current and accurate.
- Support and Training
- Provide support to library staff and patrons in accessing and using electronic resources, addressing issues promptly.
- Assist in training library staff on best practices for managing electronic resources within the Alma system.
- Participate in ongoing projects focused on updating and organizing electronic resources.
- Gov Docs Management
- Select and load/import bibliographic records for government documents into the library system.
- Ensure accurate cataloging and metadata for government documents to facilitate discovery and access.
- Collaborate with the Serials Specialist to receive, organize, and disseminate government documents.
- Verify shipping lists and receipts against the Law Library’s Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) selection profile to ensure completeness and accuracy.
- Report any discrepancies in SuDoc classification numbers between labels and GPO records, ensuring consistency and accuracy in the library’s catalog.
- Serving Customers.
- Acquiring and Analyzing Information.
- Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions.
- Driving Continuous Improvement.
- Thinking Broadly.
- Supporting Coworkers.
- Evaluating and Implementing Ideas.
- Prioritizing and Organizing.
- $33 - $35 per hour.
- 35 hours per week.
- Bachelor's degree.
- 1-3 years of relevant experience.
- Master's degree.
- 3-5 years of relevant experience.
- Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.
- Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
- Act as backup to Serials Specialist for sorting and delivering mail and performing serial checking in.
AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.
Other Details
- Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
- Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
- Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
- American University is an E-Verify employer.
American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.
Contact Us
For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email [email protected].
American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.