Job Details

Texas Tech University
  • Position Number: 7267232
  • Location: Lubbock, TX
  • Position Type: Libraries


Assistant Librarian - Special Formats Cataloging Librarian

45179BR
Position DescriptionPerforms complex professional and administrative functions in the operation of a specialized section in the library; must cooperate and function as part of a team to provide services to all library users. This is an entry-level rank assigned to those beginning their professional careers or those, who upon their appointment, do not meet the criteria of Associate Librarian. Work is performed under general supervision with latitude for individual initiative and judgment. Evaluation is based upon accomplishment of defined objectives. May supervise various technical and clerical library employees.

Position Description
Performs complex professional and administrative functions in the operation of a specialized section in the library; must cooperate and function as part of a team to provide services to all library users. This is an entry-level rank assigned to those beginning their professional careers or those, who upon their appointment, do not meet the criteria of Associate Librarian. Work is performed under general supervision with latitude for individual initiative and judgment. Evaluation is based upon accomplishment of defined objectives. May supervise various technical and clerical library employees.

About the University
Founded in 1923, Texas Tech University began with a mission to serve the needs of West Texas, but its impact has always reached far beyond. Today, Texas Tech, located in Lubbock (pop. 300,000+), is home to a vibrant community of more than 42,000 students.Texas Tech's 1,800-acre campus showcases Spanish Renaissance architecture and is home to one of the country's largest public art collections. Its 13 colleges include a prestigious School of Law and a distinguished School of Veterinary Medicine. These programs equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their respective fields. Built on the values of West Texas - hard work, grit and authenticity - the university graduates students who are deeply engaged in service to their communities and well-positioned to succeed in the world. Texas Tech is committed to achieving research and scholarly accomplishments that compare favorably to the member institutions of the Association of American Universities (AAU). For more than 100 years, Texas Tech has been a premier destination for those seeking a world-class education and a unique, personalized experience as a member of the Red Raider family.

About the College
Texas Tech University Libraries serve as a vital partner with students and faculty in their learning endeavors. The University Libraries' system comprises: (1) University Library, (2) Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library, (3) Architecture Library, and (4) Peters Family Legacy Library within the Student Enrichment Center. The University Library is a patent and trademark depository and is one of two regional depositories for U.S. government documents in Texas. The central focus of the Texas Tech University Libraries is to make available 3.72 million physical volumes, electronic resources, special collections and archives, and to offer services to students and faculty that enable academic and research success.


About the Department/School/Area
The Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library was officially established in 1955. The building is housed to the north of the University Library. Areas of the archive are: the Southwest Collection, the University Archives, the Oral History Collection, Rare Books, the Sowell Collection, the Southwest Music Archive and Digital Scholarship Services.


Major/Essential Functions
In line with TTU's strategic priorities to engage and empower a dynamic student body, enable innovative research and creative activities, and transform lives and communities through outreach and engaged scholarship, applicants should have experience working with a breadth of student populations at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels within individual or across the areas of teaching, research/creative activity, and service.

As a faculty member in the University Libraries, you will be expected to:
  • The Special Formats Cataloging Librarian is responsible for original, adjusted, and complex copy cataloging, which includes bibliographic control and metadata for a wide range of materials in various formats for the Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library according to national, shared system, and local standards; performs general cataloging maintenance such as bibliographic enhancement, reclassification, and subject analysis using MARC/RDA format.
  • The Special Formats Cataloging Librarian will create and maintain high quality metadata and records for library materials in the Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library including manuscripts, oral histories, multimedia not limited to VHS, CDs, etc., university publications, and other formats as assigned.
  • The cataloger will work closely with their supervisor and regularly collaborate with colleagues throughout the library including technical services, the Southwest Collection, oral histories unit, the Southwest Music Archive, University Archives, Rare Books, digital and AV units, and The Sowell Family Collection in Literature, Community and the Natural World.
  • Trains cataloging staff in cataloging/metadata standards, new technology applications, systems, and tools to continuously improve cataloging/metadata efficiency and quality in communication with their supervisor.
  • The incumbent is also expected to engage in scholarly pursuit and other professional activities in accordance with Texas Tech Libraries' standards for promotion and tenure. This includes participation in scholarly and professional activities, including publication of journal articles, grants, and book reviews and presentations at regional and national professional conferences, which contribute to the practice of academic librarianship, archival practices, and instruction.
  • No less than four hours of reference duties a week are required, including extended hours as scheduled. While on reference duty, there is an additional responsibility for the Holden Reading Room, as well as those student assistants assigned to work there. Additionally, there is the need to assist with reference as requested and the flexibility to do other tasks.
  • In the absence of their supervisor, it is expected that the librarian in this position be able to assume supervisory duties germane to supervised units (i.e. technical processing, reference, and conservation) as requested.
  • The position requires travel as needed to support the organization.
  • Participates in and contributes to departmental, library, and campus-wide committees or working groups as well as the profession at a regional, national, and/or international level and performs duties as assigned.
As a faculty member in the University Libraries, you will be expected to:

Faculty Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited program.
  • Minimum two years of cataloging experience in an academic library environment.
  • Record of emerging research activity in academic librarianship, archival practices, or adjacent fields.
  • Evidence of service with professional organizations related to academic libraries and archives.


Preferred Qualifications
In addition to the required qualifications, individuals with the following preferred qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply:
  • Exhibits strong and effective communication, presentation, teaching, and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to work independently and collaboratively across disciplines.
  • Knowledge of current descriptive and subject cataloging practices and standards including RDA, AACR2, LCSH, LCC, MARC21 formats, and authority control. Ability to apply this knowledge to competently perform their job duties and assignments.
  • Demonstrated experience using cataloging tools such as OCLC/WorldShare and Integrated Library Systems such as Ex Libris ALMA/Primo to perform original and complex copy cataloging.
  • Knowledge of one or more non-MARC metadata formats, such as EAD and Dublin Core, and familiarity with the Library of Congress BIBFRAME Initiative.
  • Experience cataloging materials in special formats such as audiovisual materials, manuscripts, serials, maps, oral history interviews, etc.
  • Knowledge of the cultural heritage of the southwestern United States, including West Texas.
  • 1-2 years archival experience in a special collections library.
  • Ability to identify materials in need of conservation treatment.


Duty Point
TTU Lubbock, main campus and affiliated facilities

To apply, visit workattexastech.com

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.





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