Project Cataloger & Metadata Specialist
Barnum Museum
Bridgeport

The P. T. Barnum Digital Collection Project seeks an enthusiastic,
collaborative, and creative cataloger and metadata expert to perform original
cataloging and metadata creation for special collections and museum objects in
a variety of formats (print and manuscript materials, artifacts, etc.) as part
of a comprehensive digitization project supported by the National Endowment
for the Humanities (NEH). The archives and artifacts are in the collections of
The Barnum Museum and the Bridgeport Public Library's History Center, both
located in downtown Bridgeport, Connecticut. A primary goal of the project is
to create catalog records and metadata for approximately 200 artifacts, 125
photographs, 325 manuscript items, and 440 print material items as these
materials are digitized. Collection materials date from circa 1830 to circa
1900 and range in complexity from single page and bound manuscripts to multi-
faceted museum artifacts. Reporting to the Project Director/Barnum Museum
Curator, and taking direction from the project's Technical Coordinator, and
the Bridgeport History Center Archivist, the Project Cataloger will work
collaboratively with staff at both institutions to ensure that catalog
information and metadata is of a high and uniform standard, using appropriate
controlled vocabularies, and is formatted in a way to be ingested into a
shared digital repository.

  
The position is temporary (up to 18 months), and is funded through an NEH
grant. The Cataloger will begin employment as soon as possible, and complete
21 hours of work per week at a rate of $30 - $35 per hour to be paid by The
Barnum Museum. The Cataloger will divide his/her time between the museum and
library.

  
Key Responsibilities:

  
Acquire or improve knowledge of cataloging software systems Collective Access
and PastPerfect

Work with BHC and Museum staff to establish description and access standards
for record creation according to national standards and best practices

Review or gather documentation about the collection materials as cataloging
project proceeds

Implement cataloging priorities established with staff for NEH project

Create original bibliographic records and object records for P. T. Barnum
material in the Museum and Library collections

Coordinate work schedule with Technical Coordinator to ensure overlap of time
and regular communication

Format metadata for ingest into shared repository, taking direction from
Technical Coordinator

Meet deadlines, achieve cataloging milestones stipulated for project

Attend and contribute to project team meetings

Qualifications:

  
Masters in Library/Information Science from ALA-accredited program or
equivalent degree in museum or archival studies.

Relevant training or experience in cataloging and metadata creation in a
library or museum (previous experience in library or museum technical services
desirable)

An understanding of controlled vocabularies and current standards for Library
of Congress subject headings and classifications, Getty Vocabularies such as
AAT and CONA, Nomenclature for Museum Cataloging, and GeoNames

Experience in and knowledge of XML-based standards such as MODS and Dublin
Core

Experience in and knowledge of national standards, specifically, application
of the Resource Description and Access (RDA), and DACS formats for
bibliographic and authority data

Ability to follow precise direction, adhering to best practices and procedures
developed by the team

Ability to work effectively in both a team environment and independently

Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications skills

Strong organizational skills, high level of concentration, and attention to
detail

Strong service orientation and awareness of end user needs as related to
cataloging policies and procedures

  
To apply please send cover letter of interest and c.v. to the attention of
John Swing, Assistant Director, The Barnum Museum, 820 Main Street,
Bridgeport, CT 06604, or via email to [log in to unmask] No phone
calls, please.



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