Special Collections Cataloguer for Maps, Prints and Broadsides

Location: Saint Louis, Missouri, USA Salary: $52,000 – $57,000 per year Employment Term: full time, two-year term  Employer Contact: Julie Dunn-Morton, Curator of Fine Art Collections, [email protected]

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 catalogues 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 catalogue 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.

Additional details: This is a two (2) year, full-time, benefits-eligible, non-tenure track faculty term position at the level of Librarian II.  

Qualifications

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.

Application Materials

Applications should include cover letter describing your interest in the position as well as how your interests and experience align with the UM Values Statement (below), resume, and list of three professional references including name, address, email address and telephone number. Applications accepted only through the UMSL Human Resources application system https://www.umsl.edu/services/hrs/careers/faculty.html. For questions about the application process, please email [email protected].

Application Deadline

Applications will be reviewed beginning September 16, 2024, but will be accepted until the position is filled.

Sponsorship Information

Visa Sponsorship Information: Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits. 

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement.  This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-2146.

To request ADA accommodations, please email the Office of Human Resources at [email protected].