Music Cataloging and Subject Specialist

Special Instructions to Applicants

All interested applicants should attach cover letter and a resume in PDF format to the Supporting Documents section of the application.

Inquiries
:
Lisa Spiro (Search Coordinator), lspiro.

We will evaluate your application based on your cover letter and resume, so you do not need to fill out the Work History and Education sections of the online application.

For more information about working at Fondren Library, please see (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

This position is unable to provide visa sponsorship.

Boasting a 300-acre tree‑lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6‑to‑1 undergraduate student‑to‑faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally, and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, courses, and student government. Developing close‑knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff, and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name – RICE – Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence.

This is a cataloging position focusing on music and audio resources. The Music Cataloging and Subject Specialist provides leadership in evaluation and application of current and emerging cataloging standards. Provides training or technical advice to library staff regarding resource description and metadata assignment. Advises patrons regarding audio recording equipment and metadata best practices. This position also manages the resource budget and provides support to the Shepherd School of Music (SSOM), one of the country’s youngest and most prestigious university‑level programs.

Primary work location and reporting to the Fondren Library.

The ideal candidate for this role has demonstrable cataloging mastery pertaining to music and audio resources. They can describe nuances in these resources with nationally recognized vocabularies and standards. They are able to select and support the use of these resources by world‑class musicians, faculty, and staff who likewise have specialized music expertise. The candidate should enjoy outreach and specialized reference activities in order to promote these library resources to professors, staff, and students.

Following a six‑month probationary period, this full‑time position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in‑office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. The role is expected to be on campus 80% of working hours, though additional remote work time may be arranged. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

This is a full‑time, benefits‑eligible position, and the proposed salary range is $68,000 – 71,000 annually
, depending on qualifications and experience. Exempt positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

• Master’s Degree from an ALA‑accredited program or equivalent library and/or information science program
• Two or more years of experience working in an academic library (professional librarian or paraprofessional)

• Thorough knowledge of MARC cataloging standards and practices
• Knowledge of library music vendor services; this role helps to develop and manage music collections in support of the SSOM
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proven ability to solve problems
• Outreach skills to promote library music resources and guide SSOM faculty, staff, and students in their effective use
• Flexibility in performing different tasks as library needs change
• Commitment to enhancing services through teamwork
• Ability to prioritize work to ensure departmental and library…