Collections Cataloger

DESCRIPTION: This position exists to process inventory and catalog museum collections in a variety of physical and digital formats (principally 3D objects photographs film and audio recordings fine art) in accordance with Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) procedures and professional standards and best practices.

SUMMARY OF WORK: 1) Works across collection formats including 3D objects photographs audio and video recordings and fine art to create catalog records and other finding aids in accordance with relevant national standards and MNHS guidelines to ensure collections accessibility for the public at MNHS and throughout regional national and international networks; 2) Assures that access points and subject headings are assigned in a consistent manner so that related materials may be retrieved effectively through the MNHS catalogs and other external databases to which MNHS cataloging records are contributed; 3) Prepares cataloging records in accordance with MARC standards so that the record may be entered in machine readable form in the MNHS catalogs and bibliographic networks.; and 4) Keeps catalog records and other finding aids current so that they accurately reflect the MHS collections.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in a related field plus four years experience cataloging archival collections OR an ALA-accredited Masters degree in library science or equivalent masters-level education.

• Practical experience handling archival and museum collections and creating controlled metadata.

• Excellent written verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

• Experience working collaboratively and independently with varied groups within a complex organization and rapidly changing team environment.

• Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technology and a commitment to ongoing learning and growth.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

DEMONSTRATED SKILLS IN OR KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Ability to create and enter accurate metadata in an integrated library or collections management system (CMS).

• Multitasking working effectively to meet deadlines prioritizing and adapting to changing priorities.

• Solid computer skills with office productivity software such as Microsoft Word Microsoft Excel and Google Applications.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with or familiarity in ArchivesSpace (ASpace).

• Navigation of online database searching technical processing bibliographic utilities and physical processing and preservation.

• The ideal candidate combines bibliographical expertise with historical insight to accurately present and contextualize items for researchers scholars and the general public.

• Prior processing and cataloging experience with historic and contemporary photographic moving image and sound recording formats; fine art; and material culture (or say: historical artifacts; or 3D objects; or museum objects)

• Experience handling and researching 3D objects fine art photography moving image and sound recordings.

• Understanding of the following cataloging standards: RDA MARC21 (including LC Guidelines and Descriptive Cataloging Manual DCM Z1) EAD AMIM DACS Getty Art and Architecture Thesaurus (ATT) and Library of Congress Subject Headings Manual.

• Familiarity with LCNAF LCSH and NACO parameters.

• Familiarity with Indigenous data sovereignty