[LIBJOBS] Assistant Music Librarian, Cornell University; Ithaca, NY, United States

Cornell University Library

Assistant Music Librarian

 

Cornell University Library seeks a creative, knowledgeable, and user-oriented Assistant Music Librarian who will provide leadership in music technical services and will contribute to the public service mission of the Sidney Cox Library of Music and Dance.  Responsibilities include original and complex copy cataloging for audio-visual materials, coordination of day-to-day music technical services work, collection development for audio-visual materials, instruction, reference and consultation for a wide range of users, and maintaining the Music Library web site.  The successful candidate will be comfortable in exploring emerging technologies and standards for music descriptions and access, and will welcome working in a collegial and collaborative environment.

 

 

Position Description:

 

In close consultation with the Music Librarian and under the direction of the Director of the Cataloging Division, the Assistant Music Librarian has a holistic role that facilitates access to Music Library materials and services by creating original, user-centered, discovery metadata to support enduring access to Music Library materials received in all formats, with a focus on non-print materials; coordinates the day-to-day work of technical services support staff for the Music Library’s collections; provides collection development, instruction, outreach, and reference services for the Music Library; and maintains the Music Library’s web site.  The Assistant Music Librarian coordinates, consults, or assists with special projects related to organizing Music resources, both circulating and rare, for effective use.  The Assistant Music Librarian actively participates in appropriate professional activities at the local, regional, and national levels.

 

 

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

 

Music Library Technical Services (50%)

 

Coordinates the day-to-day work of staff responsible for acquisitions, cataloging, and processing of music library materials.  As needed, trains staff in standards-based rules used in the description of music materials.  Provides quality control review as necessary.  Guides and advises staff in acquisitions procedures for Music Library audio-visual resources.  Oversees processing of music items, and assists in writing or editing unit technical services documentation.

 

In consultation with the Music Librarian and CLO staff, recommends implementation of new and emerging technologies as they pertain to music retrieval.  Creates permanent original machine-readable bibliographic, authority, and holdings records in the MARC format based on an in-depth understanding of appropriate cataloging standards, focusing primarily on audio-visual resources for the Music Library’s collections.  Participates in the NACO music funnel project.  Consults with the music print resources cataloger on cataloging issues.  Given the position’s mix of duties and allowing for special circumstances, annually produces a reasonable share of the quantity of original cataloging, in a timely manner and with few errors that impede searching and retrieval in the online catalog. 

 

Serves as department liaison between the Music Librarian, the Music Library staff, and CLO.

 

 

Music Library Public Services and Collection Development  (40%)

 

Provides reference services to the public at the Music Library reference desk, as well as through individual consultations.  Fosters classroom and research use by Cornell faculty, students, and other researchers through instruction sessions, workshops, and public presentations.   In close consultation with the Music Librarian and Music faculty, evaluates and selects new audio-visual materials for the Music Library collection.

 

Professional Activities (10%)

 

Keeps abreast of, and contributes as appropriate to, current developments in the profession.  Examples include new and emerging technologies, especially as they apply to the organization of library music collections, both physical and virtual; changes in rules, best practices, and standards used in information organization; and emerging forms of resource description.  Actively participates in CUL working groups, task forces, instruction programs, and committees.  Seeks out appropriate roles in technical services or other professional committees, research, and/or publication on the regional, national or international level.

 

Supervision of Others: Coordinates the day-to-day work of music technical services staff.  May have functional supervisory responsibilities for other staff or for student works as department needs dictate.

 

Required Qualifications:  M.L.S. or equivalent from an ALA-accredited university and an academic music background.  Graduate-level training in Music is desirable. Interest in and knowledge of a wide variety of music genres.  A graduate degree at the master’s level or above, plus demonstrated library expertise, may be substituted for the M.L.S.  Three years or more of relevant work experience, preferably in a research-level music library.  Native-level fluency in English with excellent oral and written communication skills. Reading knowledge of at least one, but preferably two, foreign languages (German preferred).  Demonstrated interest in technical services and music library issues on the regional, national or international level.  Demonstrated supervisory, communication, and interpersonal skills.  Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team setting. Demonstrated ability to manage projects successfully. Evidence of ability to plan, to analyze, and to solve problems creatively and flexibly, both independently and in groups, and to succeed in a complex, rapidly changing environment. Strong service orientation and interest in library users' values and needs.

 

Background:  Cornell University is an Ivy League comprehensive research university located in Ithaca in the scenic Finger Lakes region of upstate New York.  The town and university offer a unique cosmopolitan and international atmosphere in a beautiful natural setting of waterfalls, gorges, and lakes.  The university comprises 14 schools with 2600 faculty members and 20,000 students enrolled in undergraduate, graduate and professional schools.  The Cornell University Library is a vigorous professional organization with a strong track record in innovation and service quality.  It contains nearly 8 million printed volumes, 62,000 current serials, 378,000 networked electronic resources, and rich materials in other formats.  The Library was a recipient of the Association of College and Research Libraries’ Excellence in Academic Libraries Award in 2002.

 

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including 22 vacation days, 11 paid holidays, health insurance, life insurance, and university retirement contributions (TIAA-CREF and other options).  Professional travel funding available.

 

Application Procedure:  Applications requested by May 3, 2010. To apply for this position go to http://www.ohr.cornell.edu/jobs/, search under the job category of Librarians, and select posting number 12281.    Follow the instructions for online submission. Please include a cover letter, resume, and the names, phone numbers, and addresses for three references.  Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.  Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience.  Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

 

Cornell University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer strongly committed to diversity.  We value qualified candidates who can bring to our community a variety of backgrounds and experiences.