specific job responsibilities of the following in a typical library settings in Nigeria: (a) Cataloguer ( b) Systems librarian

1) Enumerate the specific job responsibilities of the following in a typical library settings in Nigeria: (a) Cataloguer ( b) Systems librarian

CATALOGUER
According to Kim (2003: 96-98) cataloguing is the process of creating entries for a catalogue. In libraries, this usually includes the bibliographic description, subject analysis, assignment of classification notation and other activities involved in physically preparing the item for the shelf. These tasks are usually performed under the supervision of a librarian trained as a cataloguer. There are two types of cataloguing, original cataloguing and copy cataloguing. Original cataloguing refers to the preparation of a bibliographic record from scratch, without the aid of a pre-existing catalogue record for the same edition which is time consuming for the cataloguer. Copy cataloguing involves the adaptation of a pre-existing bibliographic record from other bibliographic databases, such as OCLC or NUC, to fit the characteristics of the item in hand with modifications to correct obvious errors and minor adjustments to reflect locally accepted catalogue practice (Kim 2003: 105). Thus when cataloguers engage in the process of cataloguing, they are entering information about a book or any other item into the library’s catalogue so that when users search the catalogue, they find what they’re looking for or at least something that will help them find an answer to their question.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES OF A CATALOGUER

The specific job responsibilities of the cataloguer in a typical library setting in Nigeria include the following:
• Carry the primary responsibility for the development and maintenance of those parts of the catalog that pertain to collections under their jurisdiction. This means that all functions necessary for the creation and maintenance of the catalog that are not assigned to copy cataloging or authority control personnel or other support staff are part of the cataloger's responsibilities.
• Understand and effectively use standard tools for creating catalog records. Catalogers assume responsibility for their own continuing education and keep current on updates, developments and changes in standards and tools required for their work.
• Lead the way in researching new techniques and technologies for cataloging, share findings with colleagues, and make recommendations for implementation in department processes as appropriate.
• Coordinate with subject librarians to ensure that bibliographic access, collection arrangement, and cataloging priorities meet reference and collection management needs.
• Provide supervision to paraprofessionals and students under their direction.
• Perform original cataloging as required for collections assigned to them. Original cataloging includes 1) creation of a bibliographic record when no copy can be found in source files; 2) creation of a full bibliographic record when the only available copy is minimal, preliminary, or substandard; 3) reformatting available copy or re-cataloging to update standards or alter treatment.
• Perform or direct copy cataloging in the following areas: 1) non-book materials, including serials; 2) rare or other special collections items; 3) items in non-roman scripts; 4) other foreign language material lacking copy at time of receipt; and 5) items with copy containing errors or problems beyond the scope of copy cataloging personnel.
• Complete online processing of cataloged items, whether original or from copy in the above categories: transfer the record into the local system, enter appropriate holdings information, barcode and create item records, order cards as needed, issue command for export to RLIN, and deliver to the lettering room.
• Determine appropriate treatments for series or multipart items, except in cases where the default treatment (fully analyzed, traced, and classified separately) has already been established in the national authority file, in which case the Copy Cataloging Team may process the items without consulting the cataloger. In all instances, however, catalogers retain authority to change treatment of previously cataloged items in order to improve access or meet local needs.
• Determine appropriate classification for items when no useable call number is found with copy, or when specialized classification is required, e.g. as with subject bibliography or Mormon literature.
• Establish unique headings for bibliographic entities, resolve conflicts between new and existing headings, create original authority records, and modify existing authority records as needed.
• Assist with retrospective conversion and reclassification of collections in their assigned subject areas. This includes formulating classification numbers and resolving problems as needed.
• Carry the final responsibility for resolution of problems and errors in their assigned areas.
• Have authority in all instances to alter bibliographic copy, treatments, or classification of previously cataloged materials in their assigned collections in order to achieve optimum bibliographic control and access.

SYSTEM LIBRARIAN
A systems librarian is a librarian who is responsible for managing the information technology used in a library. The Systems and Technology Development Librarian provides the guidance to shape and sustain the Library’s use of technology to advance library services and operations.

The Systems and Technology Development Librarian provides the guidance to shape and sustain the Library’s use of technology to advance library services and operations

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES OF A SYSTEM LIBRARIAN
Essential job responsibilities of a system librarian include the following:
• Maintains the Local Area Network, computers, servers and related peripherals within the library.
• Delivers responsive services rapidly and effectively to meet the needs of library users and staff.
• Provides training associated with the introduction of new technologies.
• Provides quality PC hardware and software support; prepares user documentation.
• Performs system upgrades, new installations, backups, and distributes computer technology assets.
• Customizing software
• Consults with other staff members regarding projects that involve existing computer technology or planned implementation of new technology and library systems.
• Participates in library-wide planning and policy development.
• Performs periodic maintenance of the electronic database and the library website to include updates, enhancements, and functionality.
• Documenting and/or inventorying current technologies in use in the library
• Tests and evaluates new electronic products.
• Troubleshooting
• The systems librarian will participate along with other team members in the design and coordination of statistical and managerial reports and overall staff training

• Participates in policy and procedure development for the use of networked microcomputers.
• Acts as liaison between internal/external customers and vendors.
• keep abreast of developments in library technologies to maintain current awareness of information tools in order to meet the needs of students, faculty, staff, and community users of the University
• miscellaneous technology support



References


1. http://net.lib.byu.edu/~catalog/catalogwebsite/departmentmanual/section6.1.htm
2. http://admin.utep.edu/Default.aspx?tabid=25820
3. http://library.ttu.edu/about/employment/documents/systemlibspring10.pdf
4. http://www.ischool.utexas.edu/jobweb/JobDetails.php?JobID=37245
5. http://systlib.blogspot.com/
6. http://www.ehow.com/about_6706523_job-description-systems-librarian.html
7. http://www.against-the-grain.com/2010/07/it-systems-librarian-job-in-morocco/
8. http://joblist.ala.org/modules/jobseeker/controller.cfm?rssjobid=16724
9. http://www.library.txstate.edu/about/departments/admin/org-charts.html

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

1. TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY 2. OPERATIONAL FEASIBILITY 3. ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY

LIBRARY RESOURCES AND THEIR ROLE IN EDUCATION

LIBRARY RESOURCES AND THEIR ROLE IN EDUCATION