Processing Archivist and Cataloging Librarian

The Processing Archivist and Cataloging Librarian reports to the Archivist of the Helmerich Center for American Research and works with Gilcrease staff to ensure access to Gilcrease Museum’s Library and Archives collections housed in the Helmerich Center through the classification and organization of materials.

The Processing Archivist and Cataloging Librarian is responsible for original and complex copy cataloging and processing of materials in a variety of formats and preparing bibliographic records and metadata to represent materials in both the Library and Archives collections, including description, subject analysis, authority control, quality control, and metadata-related decision making while applying metadata standards and best practices. This position works closely with the Director, Archivist, and Reference and Outreach Librarian to set cataloging priorities and identify and implement cataloging and processing projects to improve access to library and archive materials for diverse audiences. This is a full-time position at the Helmerich Center for American Research at Gilcrease Museum, Monday – Friday, 8am to 5pm.

• Performs original and complex copy cataloging and classification of monographs, serials, audiovisual media, maps, atlases, manuscripts, photographs, and other materials in all formats and a variety of languages using Resource Description and Access (RDA), Descriptive Cataloging of Rare Materials (Books) (DCRM (B)), Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS), LC-PCC Policy Statements and Program for Cooperative Cataloging guidelines as appropriate, Library of Congress classification, Library of Congress subject headings and genre/form terms, tagging, and the Art & Architecture Thesaurus (Getty Research Institute).
• Works closely with the Archivist and Reference and Outreach Librarian and Collections Content Metadata Manager to ensure cataloging practices align with the best practices for library and rare materials cataloging and institutional priorities and practices at Gilcrease Museum. Contributes to the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and best practices for the cataloging and processing of materials.
• Interviews, hires, trains, supervises, and manages student interns, graduate assistants, and volunteers who assist with functions related to cataloging, labeling, reshelving, and handling of materials.
• Records and maintains processing and cataloging statistics for internal review and annual reporting.
• Supports the Reference and Outreach Librarian and Archivist with supervision of the Reading Room and tours, and assists researchers with using the bibliographic and archival catalogs.
• Process (i.e., arrange, organize and preserve) archives manuscript and records materials in all formats, physical and born digital
• Research and write collections descriptions, research guides, and/or original metadata and cataloging records for public research use in accordance with department and national standards, such as Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS) using Archives Space
• Additional duties as assigned.

• Fluency in English. Reading knowledge in Spanish preferred.
• Ability to build and sustain effective interpersonal relationships with library staff, student workers, researchers, donors, etc.
• Evidence of analytical, organizational, communication, project, and time management skills and demonstrated ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, and complete tasks and projects on time and within budget and in accordance with task/project parameters.
• Demonstrated proficiency and capabilities with personal computers and software, social media, the Web, and library-relevant information technology applications.
• Demonstrated experience supervising and managing university students and/or volunteers.
• Capacity to thrive in a fast-paced environment with multiple demands on working time and interruptions to workflow throughout the day.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current trends and issues in academic rare book libraries, archives, and relevant subject disciplines.
• Knowledge of book and publishing history.
• Ability to identify basic preservation and conservation issues related to rare books and archives.
• Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends for events.
• Master's degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited institution preferred. Equivalent graduate degrees and experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated cataloging experience with a working knowledge of current and emerging standards in cataloging and metadata such as RDA, DACS, LCC, LCSH, DCRM, MARC, AAT, and linked data. A significant portion of that work experience should be in archives or special collections in an academic, research or special library setting.
• Demonstrated experience with integrated library systems and archival systems, particularly WMS and ArchivesSpace.
• Experience processing archival collections

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Ability to frequently use a computer, keyboard, and standard office equipment to perform cataloging, metadata creation, research, and administrative tasks.
• Ability to read, review, and analyze printed and digital materials for extended periods.
• Ability to handle, sort, organize, and process books, archival collections, manuscripts, photographs, audiovisual materials, and other collection formats with attention to preservation requirements.
• Ability to frequently bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and stretch to retrieve, shelve, and organize library and archival materials.
• Ability to climb ladders and work at varying heights unassisted when accessing or shelving materials.
• Ability to push, pull, and maneuver loaded book carts and archival storage carts.
• Ability to lift, carry, move, and shelve books, records, archival boxes, and related materials weighing up to 40 pounds, including placement on overhead shelving.
• Ability to travel within collection storage areas, reading rooms, offices, and public spaces.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through electronic communication with staff, students, researchers, donors, and visitors.
• Ability to work in environments containing dust, paper fibers, mold-mitigated archival materials, and varying temperatures typical of library, archives, and storage facilities, while following established safety procedures.
• Ability to perform occasional evening and weekend work related to events, tours, and research support activities.

Note: The essential job functions and associated qualifications contained in this document describe the general nature and level of the work performed.

They are not intended to represent an exhaustive listing or be inclusive of all aspects of the job.

The tasks and procedures involved in the performance of the essential job functions may vary from day-to-day.

Major changes in areas of responsibility may occur, as directed by management, and will require revision of this job description.