Here here for "building bridges", the problems are too big without
diverse talents and perspectives.
At VCU our faculty postings consistently ask for ALA-accredited graduate
degree or accredited graduate degree in another appropriate discipline.
This includes our current systems librarian posting [1].
As head of our systems department I do think hard about the composition
of the department in terms of faculty and staff. For staff I think more
in terms of IT passion whereas for faculty the expectation/requirement
is more than just IT passion but also includes the library professional
vision/passion thing. I do think that non-MLS holders can bring that (at
least I hope I do as a non-MLS library faculty member).
There are also IT staff who demonstrate this as well and contribute at a
professional level regardless of holding even a bachelor's degree. I do
think it is appropriate that we demand a graduate degree for faculty
appointments, both for what we need internally and to be in concert with
the institution at large.
All that said, in previous searches we have not been inundated with
non-MLS candidates, even when advertising outside the library networks.
Part of this may be the type of salary someone with a graduate degree in
other disciplines expects, some it may be that our professional job
descriptions expect some library experience or sensitivity.
Ironically, I have just started reading The social transformation of
American medicine so the notion of professions is very much on my mind
[2]. Also recommended is Donald Schon's Educating the reflective
practitioner where there is an interesting argument for artistry in
professionalism [3].
best,
Jimmy
[1] http://www.library.vcu.edu/about/jobs/SystemsLibrarian.html
[2] http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/254371623
[3] http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/22142478
--
Jimmy Ghaphery
Head, Library Information Systems
VCU Libraries
http://www.library.vcu.edu
--
On 2/8/2012 9:06 AM, Michael Hopwood wrote:
If anyone's interested in a view from across the pond, I'm a qualified librarian with an
MLIS-equivalent from the UK... I feel there's a significant grey area between "library"
and "IT", which partly originates in the failures of both professional areas to address
some of the areas of overlap, or basically to keep up with the times.
Having studied physics at university and learned basically how to build computers from the ground up, as well
as program them and use them in "real-world" contexts, and then made the jump into the
"softer" world of information/library management, with its concepts of "information
literacy" and more or less organically-developed classification structures, and now working in the
commercial world on (meta)data and identifier standards interoperability, I've found that there are plenty of
these dichotomies in the working world too (although in commercial data you can find a surprising level of
coherence and universality that was a bit of a utopian dream back on Library World).
The sooner we build bridges of understanding, standards and systems across
these divides, the better.
-----Original Message-----
From: Code for Libraries [mailto:CODE4LIB@LISTSERV.ND.EDU] On Behalf Of Carol
Bean
Sent: 08 February 2012 13:52
To: CODE4LIB@LISTSERV.ND.EDU
Subject: Re: [CODE4LIB] Job: Head, Digital Projects& Metadata, Beinecke Rare
Book and Manuscript Library at Yale University
Sometimes it is politically complex. Here, in the Federal Courts, there are
good reasons for distinguishing between library and IT, and the library degree
keeps the job in the realm of the library (when it comes to turf wars), which
is a good thing.
The position I am about to leave will (hopefully) be posted soon. I wrote up
the job requirements, requiring a library degree, specifically distinguishing
it from the type of work typically done by IT, although part of the job will be
doing some IT help-desk type work. Having worked intimately with IT the last
six months, I am convinced they just don't get it the way library people do,
and the only way to ensure the position gets filled by a library-type person,
in this situation, is to require the degree.
Carol
On Tue, Feb 7, 2012 at 4:46 PM, Hugh Cayless<philomou...@gmail.com> wrote:
I can't speak for Yale, of course, but when I worked for UNC, there
were requirements in place set by General Administration that
"Librarians" had to have library degrees, and they were very picky
about it. It's unnecessarily exclusionary for most tech-in-libraries
positions in my opinion. Institutional cultures are slow to recognize
the need for change-and the Library itself may not be responsible for the
requirement.
H
On Feb 7, 2012, at 4:27PM, Ethan Gruber wrote:
Why are MLS degrees always required for these sorts of jobs?
Ethan
On Tue, Feb 7, 2012 at 4:21 PM,<jobs4...@gmail.com> wrote:
Yale University offers exciting opportunities for achievement and
growth in
New Haven, Connecticut. Conveniently located between Boston and New
York,
New
Haven is the creative capital of Connecticut with cultural
resources
that
include two major art museums, a critically-acclaimed repertory
theater, state-of-the-art concert hall, and world-renowned schools
of
Architecture,
Art, Drama, and Music.
**The University and the Library**
The Yale University Library, as one of the world's leading research
libraries, collects, organizes, preserves, and provides access to
and services for
a
rich
and unique record of human thought and creativity. It fosters
intellectual
growth and is a highly valued partner in the teaching and research
missions of Yale University and scholarly communities worldwide. A
distinctive strength is its rich spectrum of resources, including
more than 12.5 million volumes and information in all media,
ranging from ancient papyri to early printed books to electronic
databases. The Library is engaged in numerous digital initiatives
designed to provide access to a full array of scholarly
information. Housed in the Sterling Memorial Library and twenty
school
and
departmental libraries, it employs a dynamic, diverse, and
innovative staff of over 500who have the opportunity to work with
the highest caliber of faculty and students, participate on
committees, and are involved in other
areas of
staff development. For additional information on the Yale
University Library, please visit the Library's web site
at[http://www.library.y ale.edu/](http://www.library.yale.edu/).
**Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library** The Beinecke Library
is Yale's principal repository for literary papers
and
early manuscripts and rare books. In addition to distinguished
general collections, the library houses the Osborn Collection,
noted for its British and literary and historical manuscripts, and
outstanding special collections devoted to American literature,
German literature, and Western
Americana.
The
Beinecke's collections include materials ranging from medieval
manuscripts
to
born-digital electronic records, audio and video. The Beinecke has
undertaken an ambitious digitization program and offers online
access to over
150,000
images through its Digital Images Online database, as well as
access to streaming audio and video, and to a host of online
exhibitions and
digital
projects involving blogs, podcasts, and social-tagging. The
Beinecke is currently engaged in bringing intentionality to the
development of the Library's digital resources and projects, and to
providing responsive
and
effective services to online users of the Beinecke's materials as
well
as
thoughtful integration with other digital efforts at Yale. For
additional
information about the Beinecke Library, visit[
http://www.library.yale.edu/bein
ecke/.](http://www.library.yale.edu/beinecke/)
**General Purpose**
Under the general direction of the Head of Technical Services and
working
in
close collaboration with the Head of Technology and Digital Assets,
the Digital Imaging Studio Production Manager, and units across the
Beinecke Library, the Head of Digital Projects& Metadata plays a
leading role in creating, describing, and delivering digitized
resources and in
exploring,
proposing, and developing innovative tools and services that
improve the ability of scholars, students, and educators to make
use of existing and emerging digital resources.
**Responsibilities**
The Head of Digital Projects& Metadata is responsible for the
day-to-day
management of a variety of digital projects and is responsible for
overseeing and creating metadata across a wide range of materials
including manuscripts, photographs, ephemera, art objects, maps,
prints and drawings, books,
and
other printed material. The Head of Digital Projects& Metadata
provides leadership and technical expertise in the investigation
and application
of
new
metadata standards; defines input standards; devises quality
control routines; proposes local policies and procedures; maintains
and enhances current metadata infrastructure and practices;
prepares and evaluates material
for
digital capture; participates in managing the workflow of the
Digital Studio and coordinates and supervises metadata creation by
staff, student assistants, and interns; hires and supervises
Digital Projects& Metadata staff; provides guidance, training,
skill development, and performance evaluation; participates in the
formulation of policies and procedures for the Technical Services
Department. The Head of Digital Projects& Metadata is a
liaison
to
the Technology and Digital Assets Department and works
collaboratively
with
other Library staff to develop and employ improved interfaces and
delivery
tools. The Head of Digital Projects& Metadata represents the
Beinecke
in
Yale
University Library-wide and nationally, in discussions and
committees pertaining to metadata, cataloging standards, and
digital initiatives
for
digital library development at Yale, and is active professionally.
May
be
required to assist with disaster recovery efforts. May be assigned
to
work
on
West Campus.
**Qualifications**
MLS from an ALA-accredited library science program. Cataloging
experience
in a
research or academic library setting, preferably with special
collections
materials. Demonstrated familiarity with the basic principles and
standards
for descriptive cataloging of rare printed materials, archival and
manuscript material, or visual materials. Knowledge of established
and emerging metadata schemes (Dublin Core, EAD, EAC-CPF,MODS,
MARC, VRA Core, CDWA), content standards (AACR2, DCRM, DACS, CCO),
and thesauri (LCSH, NAF, AAT, TGM).
Bibliographic knowledge of at least one modern Western European
language.
Excellent technical aptitude with computer applications such as MS
Excel and MS Access. Experience with library management systems
such as Voyager.
Experience with digital reformatting projects; experience with
project management tools and techniques; demonstrated ability to
use databases
and
develop functional requirements for them; knowledge of the
principles, standards, and technological framework of digital
preservation; strong commitment to enhancing service through
teamwork and responsiveness to clients and project partners, both
internal and external. Ability to excel in a rapidly changing
environment. Demonstrated ability to work
collaboratively
across units, organize and coordinate work, handle multiple
projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and be an effective
contributor to a production-oriented, project environment.
Excellent written and oral communication skills. Supervisory
experience required. One year of professional experience required.
For appointment to the rank of
Librarian
II
requires two years of professional experience and professional
accomplishments. For appointment to the rank of Librarian III
requires
five
years of professional experience and professional accomplishments.
**Salary and Benefits**
We invite you to discover the excitement, diversity, rewards and
excellence of a career at Yale University. One of the country's
great workplaces, Yale University offers exciting opportunities for
meaningful accomplishment
and
true growth. Our benefits package is among the best anywhere, with
a
wide
variety of insurance choices, liberal paid time off, fantastic
family
and
educational benefits, a variety of retirement benefits, extensive
recreational facilities, and much more.
Applications consisting of a cover letter, resume, and the names
and contact information of three professional references should be
sent by creating
an
account and applying onlineatfor immediate consideration - the
STARS req ID for this position is 15467BR. Please be sure to
reference # 15467BR in your cover letter.
Background Check Requirements
All external candidates for employment will be subject to
pre-employment background screening for this position, which may
include motor vehicle
and
credit checks based on the position description and job requirements.
Internal
candidates may be subject to a motor vehicle or credit check for
this position based on the position description and job
requirements. All offers are contingent on successful completion of
the required background check.
Please visitfor additional information on the background check
requirements and process.
Yale University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.
Yale
values diversity in its faculty, staff, and students and strongly
encourages applications from women and members of underrepresented
minority groups.
Brought to you by code4lib jobs: http://jobs.code4lib.org/job/782/
--
Carol Bean
beanwo...@gmail.com
--
Jimmy Ghaphery
Head, Library Information Systems
VCU Libraries
http://www.library.vcu.edu
--
