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Special Collections Cataloging and Metadata Assistant for the Johnson Publishing Company Library

 

SUMMARY

The Rebuild Foundation is seeking Cataloging and Metadata Assistant to help with the cataloging of the Johnson Publishing Company (JPC) Reference Library. The Cataloging and Metadata Assistant will work directly under the supervision of the Special Collections Librarian to organize and catalog the full collection of books that have been entrusted by the Johnson Publishing Company to The Rebuild Foundation founder, Theaster Gates. The collection, housed at the Stony Island Arts Bank in
Chicago's Grand Crossing neighborhood, contains more than 12,000 books.

 

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Pulling materials from shelves for cataloging, and brittle and damaged condition assessment.
  • Searching for existing authority records of items currently held in JPC library holdings in OCLC.
  • Placing items with no holding records on shelves for review and original cataloging by the Special Collections Librarian.
  • Copy cataloging of library materials with existing records into the collection management system.
  • Create metadata records according to standards and guidance provided by the Special Collections Librarian for digitized media, ephemera, photographs, and other artworks including recording marginalia and inscriptions for greater accessibility.
  • Re-shelving processed library materials in new arrangement order.
  • In-person and remote reference services.
  • Other related duties as assigned.

 

SELECTION CRITERIA:

• Minimum of an LTA certification or bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least 1 year of cataloging experience in a library.
  • Students enrolled in a Master of Library Science degree program from an ALA accredited institution, and have successfully completed their cataloging and reference course requirements are strongly preferred.
  • Basic knowledge of MARC, AACR2 and/or RDA formats and library bibliographic records.
  • Proficiency with shelving library materials via Library of Congress Classification (LC) or Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) order.
  • Working knowledge of African American history.

 

This is a one-year, part-time staff position funded by a grant from the Mellon Foundation, with the expectation of completing the scope of work within that time. Most of the work will be performed on-site and during business hours. Hourly rate is $23-$25 per hour with a schedule of 24-28 hours per week.

If you are interested, we encourage you to apply to this exciting opportunity to work with a historically significant collection.

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PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will operate a computer and scanning equipment for extended periods of time. The employee will also move about the workspace and will need to access books located on floor-to-ceiling shelves. The job entails frequently moving books and materials up to 20 pounds. Primary work hours will be Monday-Friday between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. Rebuild Foundation reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities of this job at any time based on the needs of the organization.

 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Rebuild Foundation is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Rebuild Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.

 

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to Heather Hummons, Special Collections Librarian, at apply@rebuild-foundation.org.