Library Assistant (Metadata Specialist/Receiver)

at  Western University

ABOUT US

Western Libraries is committed to excellence: anticipating information and service needs related to the University’s goals for research and scholarship, teaching and learning, and service to our university community and key partners. Our staff engages the Western academic community in the development of new services, and continuously strives to exceed the expectations of our diverse user groups.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• 3-year University Bachelor’s degree required; Bachelor’s degree and a college diploma, or courses taken, from a Library Technicians program preferred

Experience:

• 2 years’ experience with cataloguing and metadata application in an academic library or similar setting

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrated general level of cataloguing knowledge of a wide variety of formats, including all subject areas collected by Western Libraries as well as the use of resources such as current descriptive cataloguing codes, Library of Congress Subject Headings and Classification, National Library of Medicine classification, Medical Subject Headings, and MARC formats.
• Ability to interpret international standards for cataloguing using Resource Description and Access (RDA) and apply standards to catalogue records to enable researchers to find material.
• Demonstrated general knowledge of metadata schema used in institutional repositories and for digitized material.
• Detail-oriented with an ability to function and process information with high levels of accuracy.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to describe technical matters in non-technical terms.
• Ability to maintain a positive, outgoing attitude with a genuine customer service orientation, with the ability to demonstrate a commitment to responsive and innovative service.
• Proven resourcefulness, initiative, innovation to interpret policies and procedures and identify appropriate solutions.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as a team member, working collaboratively and collegially with colleagues to achieve department goals.
• Self-motivated multi-tasker with strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities.
• Intermediate proficiency required in Windows and Microsoft Office in order to prepare emails, correspondence, input departmental data in spreadsheets and other record systems, complete internet searches.
• Familiarity with software applications used by Western preferred – e.g., Online Cataloguing Software, Library databases, Content Management Systems
• Reading knowledge of additional languages (such as Slavic and Asian languages, etc.) would be an asset

The Library Assistant in Discovery, Description and Metadata facilitates access to library resources for students, faculty, staff and other users through the creation, enhancement, and maintenance of bibliographic information in Western Libraries catalogue while also providing support to the Metadata Management Librarians. The role provides support to the Acquisitions team and is responsible for the timely, accurate and efficient manner of receiving both monographs and serials, sourcing of records and finishing, where applicable, of library materials in various format (e.g. books, e-books, journals, etc.).