Cataloging Librarians

Vail Collection
(Librarian I or II - two positions)

** These are full-time, two-year term appointments with the possibility of extension.**

The MIT Libraries is seeking experienced librarians to catalog the Vail Collection, one of the premier collections on electricity, electrical engineering, lighter-than-air travel, magnetism, and animal magnetism. The materials date from the 17th through the early 20th centuries, with the bulk published in the 18th and 19th centuries. Both positions will focus on cataloging the collection, but applicants with a strong background in mounting and leading cataloging projects may be considered for the role of Project leader/Cataloger.

The Vail Collection cataloging project is a donor-funded initiative to fully catalog this important special collection of roughly 25,000 items, according to DCRM(B). Reporting to the Rare Books Program Coordinator in the Institute Archives and Special Collections, Vail catalogers will work with one support staff cataloger in a production- and quality-oriented environment. Cataloging will be performed in the OCLC Connexion database; additional work may be performed in the local system, Ex Libris Aleph. Responsibility includes original and complex copy cataloging of printed materials dating from the 17th to the early 20th centuries, with the heaviest concentration in the 19th century. Materials are in various languages (predominantly English, German, Italian, and French, with several others). Additional responsibilities include careful handling and tracking of materials being transferred between various shelving/storage locations, the Libraries’ conservation lab, and the catalog area. Will interact and coordinate with staff in Preservation Services, and in the Institute Archives.

MIT is strongly and actively committed to diversity within its community and particularly encourages applications from qualified women and ethnic minority candidates.

Qualifications:

Required:ALA-accredited MLS/MLIS. At least 1 year experience in cataloging/authorities standards and practices, preferably working with rare or special materials. Solid working knowledge of cataloging rules and practices (AACR2/LCRI, LCSH, LCCS, MARC). Understanding of proper handling of rare and special printed materials. Working knowledge of at least one of the following: Latin, German, Italian, French. Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work, maintaining high productivity with attention to quality. Ability to work collaboratively and contribute to team progress and goals and to meet project deadlines. Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills. Ability to lift boxes weighing 40 pounds. Strongly preferred: Familiarity with rare book cataloging standards (DCRM(B) or DCRB). Background in science/technology or history. Experience with Ex Libris Aleph. Experience with commercial database software such as FileMaker Pro. Desirable (for one position): demonstrated ability to lead and manage projects.

Salary and Benefits:

$50,000 minimum. Actual salary and appointment level (Librarian I or II) will depend on qualifications and experience.

MIT offers excellent benefits including a choice of health and retirement plans, a dental plan, tuition assistance and a relocation allowance. The MIT Libraries affords a flexible and collegial working environment and fosters professional growth of its staff with management training and travel funding for professional meetings.

Application Procedure :

Apply online at: http://hrweb.mit.edu/. Please include cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue expeditiously until positions are filled.

The MIT Libraries include five major subject libraries, known as Divisional Libraries, mapped roughly to MIT’s five Schools (Engineering; Science; Management; Architecture and Planning; Humanities and Social Science), two branches – the Lewis Music Library and Rotch Visual Collections, as well as the Institute Archives, which collects MIT records, MIT publications and technical reports, and the personal papers of faculty members. The Libraries hold more than 2.8 million printed volumes and extensive collections in other physical formats. Nearly 500 digital databases and 34,000 electronic journals are licensed for access on the Institute's network.

The Libraries' webpage (http://libraries.mit.edu/) presents information about library services, as well as access to information resources through the staff-designed VERA interface. MIT Libraries maintain membership in the Association of Research Libraries, the Boston Library Consortium, OCLC, EDUCAUSE, the Coalition of Networked Information, and the Digital Library Federation.