University Libraries - Employment

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University of Iowa Libraries
Special Collections Cataloging Graduate Assistant
Cataloging-Metadata-Digitization Department

 

 

The University of Iowa Libraries’ Cataloging-Metadata-Digitization department invites current or incoming graduate students to apply for the Special Collections Cataloging Graduate Assistantship for 2025-2026 year (August 2025-June 2026, pending an earlier graduation date).

The Special Collections Cataloging Graduate Assistant assists the Rare Books Cataloging Librarian and the Special Collections Cataloging Librarian on-site with cataloging materials for Special Collections and Archives. Their work consists primarily of rare materials cataloging and copy & derive cataloging within the Sackner Archive and other high priority areas, with opportunities to explore other aspects of special collections cataloging work such as original cataloging and drafting authority records for the Name Authority Cooperative Program (NACO). As well as having hands-on cataloging experience, the graduate assistant will also learn cataloging theory and standards, such as Resource Description and Access (RDA) and Descriptive Cataloging of Rare Materials: Books (DCRMB), along with local cataloging practices and workflows. They may also support special collections cataloging operations by assisting with data clean-up of records for 16^th and 17^th century books. Prior knowledge of cataloging, metadata, special collections librarianship and/or archives is strongly preferred; additional language skills are welcome but not required.

 

Qualifications

The Special Collections Cataloging Graduate Assistantship is open to incoming students who have been accepted into a graduate degree program at the University of Iowa for the upcoming Fall semester, as well as students who are currently enrolled in a graduate degree program. Students in the School of Library and Information Science, the University of Iowa Center for the Book, or the English, History, Art and Art History programs may have particular interest, but applications from students in any graduate program will be carefully considered.

 

This is an on-campus position and not eligible for remote work. Please note that students currently enrolled in the U2G students (undergraduate-to-graduate) program are not eligible for this position due to funding structure requirements.

 

Successful candidates must also possess the following requirements:

• Expected graduation date of May 2026 or later
• Demonstrated interest in cataloging and/or special collections librarianship
• Completion of prior cataloging or metadata coursework; or equivalent skills and competencies demonstrated through independent learning, prior work experience, or concurrent enrollment in a class teaching cataloging or metadata
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated skill at making progress towards goals in an environment with many competing priorities and projects
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team-based setting where consultation, flexibility, and collaboration are essential
• Demonstrated commitment to a welcoming and respectful environment, in a workplace setting, and/or in the community
• Ability to carefully handle materials

 

Application Details

Students wishing to apply should submit all required materials to Bethany Kluender at bethany-kluender@uiowa.edu The deadline is midnight on March 31st, 2025.

1. Current resume or CV
2. Statement outlining the skills or talents the candidate would bring to the Cataloging-Metadata-Digitization department, as well as outlining their academic and career aspirations in cataloging and/or special collections librarianship and describing how the Special Collections Cataloging Graduate Assistantship aligns with those aspirations. The statement should not exceed two (2) typed pages (under 1000 words).
3. Contact information for two professional references who can speak to the candidate’s work experience should also be submitted.

 

Additional Information

• Classification Title: Graduate Assistantship (FR19)
• Appointment Type: 50% Fiscal Year
• Term of appointment: This is a one-year, fiscal appointment to start on or after August 1^st, 2025, and ending on June 30^th, 2026 (or earlier, pending graduation date)

 

Compensation

• Graduate teaching and research assistant appointments or employment terms and conditions are governed by the University Operations Manual, Graduate College and Department policies, (see https://www.grad.uiowa.edu/graduate-assistant-employment) and, regarding base wages, a collective bargaining agreement between the Board of Regents, State of Iowa and UE local 896/COGS.
• Please consult https://grad.uiowa.edu/funding/graduate-assistantships-and-loans for the most up to-date information.

 

Contact Information

• Department: Cataloging-Metadata-Digitization, University Libraries
• Contact Name: Bethany Kluender
• Contact Email: bethany-kluender@uiowa.edu

 

 

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, gender identity, or associational preferences.

Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu.   For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543.