Position Information

The Special Collections Catalog and Metadata Librarian will champion an inclusive vision for bibliographic description of rare book and manuscript collections in support of the broad Liberal Arts curriculum of Williams College. The Librarian will be the principal cataloger for rare materials at Williams College, creating original bibliographic description for materials in all formats, including books, visual material, and single item manuscripts. Additionally, the incumbent will coordinate copy cataloging undertaken by students and support staff and work collaboratively with colleagues across the Libraries to ensure effective, efficient, and interoperable functionality of metadata in a variety of forms (for example digital collection metadata, archival description, and administrative records). This position will also grow to engage with an active instruction program and collaboration with the general operations of the Special collections department. 

Responsibilities:

• Creates original catalog records and other bibliographic descriptions for special collections materials in all subject areas and formats. Applies descriptive standards, structural standards, and controlled vocabularies.

• Works closely with the Special Collections Acquisitions Coordinator to process acquisitions.

• Keeps abreast of national and international developments in special collections librarianship; establishes a record of service to the Libraries, the College, and the profession. Prioritizes professional development and training related to diversity equity and inclusion.

• Coordinates preservation treatment of special collections materials.

• Trains student assistants; plans, directs, and supervises student assistants and, optionally, the Lowe Postbac Fellow.

• Provides research support for Special Collections, both in person and remotely.

• Collaborates in the operation of Special Collections functions including outreach through the website and social media, facilities and security maintenance.

• Develops professionally in order to lead instruction sessions on research with special collections materials, independently and in collaboration with faculty.