Head of Cataloging and Discovery Services

The Ball State University Libraries is looking for a talented collaborator and leader to join our committed and highly-engaged team of professionals as Head of Cataloging and Discovery Services. Leading a cataloging unit of 4 professionals and 7 staff, the Head will help guide the future of bibliographic data and innovative discovery practices at the University Libraries. Our Cataloging unit is recognized for taking thoughtful and inclusive approaches to description and is essential to connecting learners and researchers to the breadth of our collections, which includes over one million print volumes and more than 678,000 e-resources. If you are energized by the possibilities of this important role, we invite you to consider joining us in our mission “to create transformative experiences for diverse communities of learners.”

At Ball State University, Inclusiveness and freedom of expression are a part of our enduring values and inform all of our efforts. We encourage applicants to familiarize themselves with our Inclusive Excellence Plan to learn more about our commitment and to identify how you might contribute to these efforts.

Position Function: Provide expertise, leadership, management, and supervision for activities that facilitate user discovery and intellectual, virtual, and physical access to the University Libraries’ physical, electronic, and digital collections; support an inclusive, diverse, and collaborative work environment and service culture to advance the strategic direction of the University Libraries.

Minimum Qualifications: MLS/MLIS/MIS degree from an ALA accredited program. At least three years of experience in a cataloging/metadata unit, including supervisory responsibilities; cataloging experience with a variety of formats (print, non-print, digital) and all levels of complexity, using RDA, AACR2rev, LCSH, LC classification and rule interpretations, MARC formats, OCLC and other cataloging tools (e.g. Connexion, MARC/Edit, RDA Toolkit), and a library management system, such as Alma, Symphony, etc.

Minimum Other: Effective oral and written communication skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and changing needs showing initiative and flexibility; ability to identify problems, think creatively, and enact solutions independently and as part of a team; working knowledge of basic Microsoft Office applications.

Candidates for searches must have current authorization to be employed in the U.S. without employer sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications: Additional advanced degrees. Cataloging/metadata experience in an academic library setting; experience with Ex Libris’s Alma library services platform; knowledge of/experience with library authority control practices and Dublin Core or other metadata schemas.

Preferred Other: Current awareness of trends and emerging technologies in resource description and access, such as BIBFRAME and linked data.

Salary range for this position: $65,000

Apply online at: https://bsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/32854

Include the following documents with your application: resume and cover letter addressed to Dixie Dewitt and Salli Noel. The option to upload transcripts is available. Original, official transcripts showing the highest related degree earner is required at the time of hire (even if obtained at BSU). Degree verification will be conducted.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will be accepted through September 26, 2022.

Ball State University is located in Muncie, Indiana, on an attractive campus 45 miles northeast of Indianapolis. Approximately 22,000 graduate and undergraduate students enroll in one of eight academic colleges that offer 120 undergraduate programs. We offer more than 140 master’s, doctoral, certificate, and specialist degrees, with many of them ranking among the best in the nation. Ball State aspires to be the model of the most student-centered and community-engaged of the 21st century public research universities, transforming entrepreneurial learners into impactful leaders – committed to improving the quality of life for all.

The Ball State way is rooted in the Beneficence Pledge – a commitment to excellence in teaching and scholarship, honesty and integrity, social responsibility, gratitude and valuing the intrinsic worth of each member of our community. Ball State students, faculty and staff are empowered in a culture that believes in them and demands they believe in themselves. They are partners in an innovative, immersive approach to education. They are supported by living and learning facilities that enable intellectual curiosity. We graduate scholars who are changing the world, and we’ve dedicated our University to do the same.

The university offers an excellent wellness program and extensive benefits offerings to include a generous paid time off package and paid parental leave. For further information regarding benefits please visit:

https://cms.bsu.edu/About/AdministrativeOffices/HumanResources/Jobs/Benefits-and-Community/professional-staff

Ball State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that is strongly and actively committed to diversity within its community. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status.