The Chief Librarian - Head of Serials Section serves as the senior expert in descriptive cataloging, subject analysis, and classification of serials/continuing resources in all formats (print, electronic, or digital) acquired from 30 Sub-Saharan African countries for the Library of Congress (LOC) and approximately 30 academic institutional participants of the African Cooperative Acquisition Program (AfriCAP). Under the general supervision of the Field Director, the incumbent is responsible for the newspaper/periodicals preservation program, serial control processes, and the interpretation of highly complex rules and standards.
Key Responsibilities
Section Management and Technical Review (50%)
Direct and oversee the serials control and newspaper preservation processes in the LOC-Nairobi Office.
Supervise two full-time Locally Employed Staff (LES): one Serials Control Technician and one Serials Preservation Technician.
Create original holdings and item records (check-in records) in the Integrated Library System (ILS) for all new serial titles acquired by the Nairobi Office.
Maintain the integrity of serial holdings records added to the ILS Holdings database, ensuring individual issues are accurately checked-in and errors are corrected.
Confirm selection decisions for every new serial title with Library Acquisitions Specialists and complete New Serial Title records including retention decisions and processing instructions.
Establish newspaper preservation production goals and update LOC-Washington on the progress of preservation and digitization work.
Descriptive and Analytical Cataloging (40%)
Perform original and complex descriptive cataloging for all serials and other continuing resources.
Apply international standards (RDA) and national guidelines (LCPCC-PS) to determine bibliographic details necessary to identify and describe resources.
Record details online using Machine Readable Cataloging (MARC) format in OCLC and the Library of Congress ILS.
Web Archiving (10%)
Serve as the primary Point of Contact (POC) for the Nairobi Office’s web archiving initiatives.
Propose websites for inclusion in archiving initiatives and review them for importance in consultation with the Field Director or LOC-Washington Curatorial Divisions.
Input relevant data into the Library’s Digi-Board system and review web captures for completeness.
Requirements and Qualifications
Education: A University degree in Library or Information Science is required.
Experience: A minimum of five years of library cataloging (monographs or serials) work experience is required, preferably in an academic library setting.
Skills: Experience with online searching, computer-assisted cataloging, and a deep knowledge of Library of Congress and MARC cataloging requirements and standards.
Clearances: Ability to obtain and hold a security certificate or Public Trust security clearance. Candidates will be subject to a background investigation and potentially a pre-employment medical exam.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online through the official U.S. Mission recruitment portal. Visit https://www.myjobmag.co.ke/apply-now/1156754 to be redirected to the Electronic Recruitment Application (ERA) system on erajobs.state.gov. Applications must address all position qualifications including education, experience, and language skills.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online through the U.S. Mission Electronic Recruitment Application (ERA). Follow the application link: https://www.myjobmag.co.ke/apply-now/1156754 which will direct you to the official site at erajobs.state.gov. Ensure you provide all required documents and address all specified qualifications in your submission.
