Head of Cataloging and Metadata Services

The Penn State University Libraries seek a Head to lead the Cataloging and Metadata Services (CMS) department and to collaborate across the University Libraries to advance the organizational mission. The Head manages the daily operations of the Cataloging and Metadata Services department, which is based at the University Park campus, and which provides cataloging, metadata, digital access, and discovery for 21 Penn State campuses. They supervise CMS faculty and staff supervisors, and provide direction to staff supervisors in managing other staff in the department. They collaborate with other library employees to ensure cataloging and metadata needs are met, including but not limited to employees in Acquisitions Services, selectors, Commonwealth Campus Libraries, and Special Collections. They collect and report statistics for the unit, set department priorities and workflows, and determine departmental policies and procedures. This position reports to the Associate Dean for Digital Strategies and Distinctive Collections and is a member of the Dean's Library Council.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Develop and implement a vision for the Cataloging and Metadata Services department. Set goals and priorities for the department; assess the effectiveness of the department's services; foster excellent communication and teamwork; provide leadership and vision for services that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
• Supervise, manage, and mentor direct reports. Create an inclusive climate in the department and provide support for professional growth.
• Provide leadership in cataloging and metadata standards and services. Promote emerging information environments and standards and work with other departments to ensure that the Libraries' descriptive practices are meeting the demonstrated needs of our users.
• Collaborate with other University Libraries departments and individuals, including Acquisitions, Special Collections, Strategic Technologies, subject specialists, and Commonwealth Campus colleagues to encourage innovation, amplify strategic priorities, and leverage expertise across Penn State University Libraries.
• Promote cataloging and metadata services as well as metadata and metadata standards within the University Libraries and throughout the University; represent the department on University Libraries management groups.
• Maintain a professional profile through service on relevant professional committees, leadership roles in appropriate professional organizations, and scholarly activity and research.

Qualifications

Required:

• A Master of Library Science degree from an ALA-accredited institution (or equivalent) with qualifications commensurate with tenure requirements at Penn State.
• Demonstrated expertise and supervisory experience in cataloging and metadata services.
• Commitment to and experience with initiatives that advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
• Research and professional accomplishments and record of service in appropriate professional or disciplinary associations as evidence of ability to meet the requirements of a tenure-track position at the University Libraries (https://libraries.psu.edu/policies/ul-acg07).

Preferred:

• Leadership experience in an academic library.
• Evidence of leadership on initiatives that advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
• Experience with descriptive practices that advance equity and inclusion.

Additional Information:

The Penn State University Libraries are a strategic asset to Penn State University, advancing intellectual discovery, information literacy, and lifelong learning, all in support of the University's strategic goals in teaching, research, service, and outreach. More information about working at the Penn State University Libraries including the organization at a glance, culture and community, mentoring and professional development, salary and benefits as well as the evaluation, promotion, and tenure process can be found at: https://libraries.psu.edu/about/jobs. Successful candidates will benefit from a strong mentoring program developed by the University Libraries to support new faculty in tenure-track appointments in fulfilling expectations in the areas of librarianship, research, and service.

The University Libraries values diversity of thought, perspective, experience, and people, and is actively committed to a culture of inclusion and respect. We encourage candidates who thrive in a welcoming multicultural environment to apply. More information on Penn State's commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Excellence can be found by visiting http://equity.psu.edu/diversity-statement. Information about the University Libraries' Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility efforts can be found by visiting https://libraries.psu.edu/about/diversity.

Application Instructions:

Applications and all supporting materials must be submitted via Workday. Interested candidates should upload a letter of application and a resume or CV. A candidate's application materials are expected to provide clear evidence of their commitment to, and the impact of, the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility throughout their librarianship, teaching, research, and/or service.

Candidates also must provide four professional references, indicating their professional relationship to each reference. References will be contacted later in the search process. Furnished references must include a current/previous direct supervisor, a colleague, a current or former direct report, and one at the candidate's discretion.

Review of applications will begin in November 2024 and continue until the position is filled. University Park, PA

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applications without regards to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.