Catalog Database Management Specialist - University Libraries - UTK

To fulfill this role, the specialist will develop, review, and enhance workflows for catalog database maintenance and quality control; lead and coordinate initiatives and projects for maintenance and remediation of cataloging metadata; and provide descriptive and subject cataloging metadata and name authority metadata for library materials in diverse formats and languages. Working collaboratively with other catalogers, acquisitions and continuing resources, collections and technology services librarians and staff, the Catalog Database Management Specialist also participates in the creation, development and implementation of unit and team policies and procedures, provides training to Library staff and/or student employees, and maintains a high-level working knowledge of theory and practice pertaining to resource descriptions and access of library resources and catalog database management.

• Create, develop and implement department policies, procedures and workflows, for cataloging database management and quality control. 
• Independently perform maintenance and remediation of cataloging metadata by applying national cataloging standards and local best practices 
• Perform original cataloging by creating bibliographic and authority records for materials when no source is found; make complex decisions based on knowledge of cataloging tools (e.g., RDA, USMARC format, BIBFRAME, LC Name Authorities, etc.) 
• Process, contribute and update catalog records and holding information in library services platforms such as OCLC WorldCat and WorldShare, Ex Libris Alma, or the equivalents 
• Provides input in department-wide planning, and collaborates with department head and other staff in planning new projects and work initiatives needed to accomplish strategic priorities 
• Recommends tools and technology to enhance cataloging metadata or introduce efficiencies 
• Provide training to Library staff and/or student employees
• Maintain a high-level working knowledge of theory and practice pertaining to resource descriptions and access of library resources and catalog database management 
• Stays informed of technical services trends, changing practices, and local technology changes

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree
• Experience: Some Experience in catalog database management in academic or research libraries.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of original and copy cataloging of one or more formats of library materials. 
• Knowledge of cataloging metadata standards (e.g., Resource Description and Access (RDA), Library of Congress Subject Headings and Classification, Machine-Readable Cataloging (MARC21) and/or other metadata encoding schema). 
• Working knowledge of batch processing and maintenance of cataloging metadata and/or other metadata schema. 
• Skilled in working with library services platforms, e.g., OCLC WorldCat and/or WorldShare, Ex Libris Alma, or the equivalents. 
• Microsoft Office skills. 
• Demonstrates analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to consult multiple information sources in order to find solutions. 
• Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with a diverse audience including colleagues, library patrons and stakeholders.
• Good oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated attention to detail.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Master’s Degree in Library and information science or the equivalent
• Experience: 
  • Two or more years’ experience in cataloging and batch processing of library resources metadata and catalog database management in academic or research libraries. 
  • Experience in development and implementation of local cataloging and catalog database management policies and procedures. 
  • Experience in project management.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 
• Skills in applying local and national cataloging metadata standards and best practices for library resources (such as Resource Description and Access (RDA) and special formats cataloging best practices). 
• Skills in subject analyses based on the Library of Congress Subject Headings and Classification. o Skills in batch-processing of catalog records and/or metadata.
• Skills in using Excel and MarcEdit. 
• Database management skills. 
• Project management skills. 
• Knowledge or coursework in one or more basic computer programming and/or coding languages (e.g., Python or the equivalents).
• Knowledge or coursework on artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning o Knowledge or coursework in one or more non-English languages

Work Location 

• Location: Knoxville, TN
• Onsite 

Compensation and Benefits 

• UT market range: 08
• Anticipated hiring range: 
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions 

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. 

• Resume
• Cover Letter

About The College/Department/Division 

The University of Tennessee Libraries are an integral part of the flagship campus of Tennessee’s premier public research university. The University of Tennessee holds the Carnegie Foundation Research 1 designation, granted to doctoral universities with very high research activity.  As a land-grant university and as Volunteers, serving our state and nation is key to our mission. UT enrolls approximately 38,728 students at its Knoxville campus. For more information about the people who comprise the UTK community, view resources on our Data Central website. The University culture is guided by adherence to core values that define the Volunteer spirit and include seeking knowledge, leading with innovation and integrity, engaging locally and globally, and embracing responsible stewardship of resources. 

The UT Libraries supports the teaching, research, and service mission of the university and enhances the academic experience of each student at the Knoxville campus through outstanding print and electronic collections, reference and instructional services, and top-notch facilities and technological resources. The John C. Hodges Library in the heart of campus houses the majority of the UT Libraries’ collections and many distinctive services. Two branch libraries offer specialized collections and services: the Webster C. Pendergrass Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine Library and the George F. DeVine Music Library. 

The UT Libraries is a national leader in digital collections; in support of open access though our digital repository, TRACE; and through a rich history of designing innovative spaces and building key partnerships that enhance the teaching/learning enterprise. The UT Libraries is a member of the Association of Research Libraries, the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries, HathiTrust, the Library Publishing Coalition, Lyrasis, and the Center for Research Libraries. The UT Libraries collaborates actively at the state level with the other University of Tennessee System libraries as well as the libraries in the Tennessee Board of Regents system. 

We believe that engaging with individuals from all backgrounds and perspectives fosters a vibrant learning environment that enhances critical thinking and intellectual growth.  Our collective strengths make us stronger, and we are committed to promoting an atmosphere where all members of the University community feel welcome, can thrive, and can achieve success. 

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service. 

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory. 

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.  

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.  

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.  

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!