Technical Services Librarian

Announced August 21, 2006

 

The Organization

Chartered by the Georgia General Assembly in 1839, the Georgia Historical Society is a private, non-profit organization that serves as the historical society for the state of Georgia.    GHS is the oldest cultural institution in Georgia and one of the oldest state historical societies in the nation. For over 167 years, GHS has fulfilled its mission to collect, preserve, and share Georgia's history by presenting a variety of exciting educational programs, authoring publications on Georgia and southern history, and by operating a library and archives at its statewide headquarters in Savannah.

 

The foundation of the Georgia Historical Society is our library and archives, which hold an unparalleled collection of material related to Georgia history.  Within the library and archives is preserved the oldest collection of materials related to Georgia history anywhere in the country, including over 4 million manuscripts, 90,000 photographs, 24,000 architectural drawings, 15,000 rare books, and thousands of maps, portraits, and artifacts.  Each year, these materials draw thousands from around the world to Hodgson Hall, built in 1875 and designed by American Institute of Architects founder Detlief Lienau.  GHS’s vast collection includes such treasures as an original draft of the U.S. Constitution, one of only seven in existence; a compass and snuff box belonging to Georgia founder James Oglethorpe; records related to the Cherokee Removal of 1836; personal possessions of Confederate Generals Lafayette McLaws, James Longstreet, and John B. Gordon; and the papers of Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low.

 

Position Summary

Working independently and on a self-initiated basis, the Technical Services Librarian is responsible for the acquisitions, receiving, and cataloging of secondary source materials within the collection of the Georgia Historical Society.   He/She shall also assist in the cataloging of archival collections.  This full time position is a Monday-Friday employee.

 

Specific Responsibilities (incumbent may perform other duties as assigned)

¨                   Work with the Special Collections Librarian and the Director of Library and Archives to integrate the acquisitions and cataloging modules of an integrated library system (ILS) into the library workflow; assist with developing and documenting policies and procedures for the use of the ILS acquisitions and cataloging modules.

 

¨                   Responsible for the acquisitions process for secondary source materials (books, folios, pamphlets, serials, etc.) including ordering materials, tracking orders, claiming orders, and receiving orders.

 

¨                   Catalog secondary source materials in all formats and subjects using OCLC Connexion in conjunction with the Georgia Historical Society assisted service provider ILS EOS Web Express.  Cataloging includes both original and complex copy cataloging.

 

¨                   Correct cataloging errors and resolve difficult conflicts involving appropriate entries; provide assistance to other catalogers in resolving difficult cataloging problems in specialty areas of language and subject competence.

 

¨                   Keeps current on hardware and software changes as they apply to the library automation system and library technology.

 

¨                   Maintain library media services website.

 

¨                   Responsible for database maintenance and quality control issues as they relate to acquisitions, cataloging, and the online public access catalog.

 

¨                   As part of the library team, work limited reference hours.  Participate in planning and work with the entire Georgia Historical Society staff to ensure integration of library/archives component into the mission and goals of the Society.

 

¨                   Identify, prioritize, and execute cataloguing projects under the guidance of the Special Collections Librarian.  Coordinates the retrospective conversion of existing holdings bibliographic records to MARC format for the catalog database of all library holdings.

 

¨                   Assist with on-going customization of the GHS OPAC based on user and staff feedback as well as best practices.

 

Supervisory responsibilities

Contract cataloger.  Works closely with Library Assistant on cataloging assignments.

 

Experience/Skills Required

Knowledge, skills and abilities:  Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a part of a team, to organize and prioritize work, and to act with initiative and good judgment.  Must be a self-starter with flexibility and a willingness to get the job done.  Excellent writing, editing, and proofing skills, along with excellent problem solving, interpersonal, and communication skills.  Must be able to work well under deadlines and with attention to detail.  Must represent the Society in a professional manner and be able to work well with diverse groups of people including patrons, board members, donors, volunteers, and staff.

 

Education:  ALA-accredited Masters of Information/Library Science with a concentration in technical services librarianship, cataloging, or equivalent experience. 

 

Required Experience:  Minimum of two years professional experience in a technical services department.  Minimum of one year original cataloging experience with a demonstrated knowledge of cataloging principles.  Knowledge of AACR2r, Library of Congress classification and subject headings, MARC 21 formats for bibliographic and authority work, OCLC Connexion, and HTML.  Experience supervising consultants, interns, and/or volunteers required.

 

Preferred Experience:   Familiarity with cataloging rare materials.  Experience with Describing Archives: A Content Standard and cataloging archival collections a plus.

 

Salary and Benefits

Competitive annual full-time salary.  The Society offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and disability insurance; paid holidays, and vacation.

 

To Apply

Send cover letter, resume, and confidential salary history to:

 

Technical Services Librarian Search

Georgia Historical Society

501 Whitaker Street

Savannah, GA 31401

Fax: (912) 651-2831

Email: [log in to unmask]

 

No phone calls please.