Knowledge Access

We organize and facilitate access to knowledge for the Libraries’ user communities through processes and services, including library acquisitions, licensing, archival collection management, serials and electronic resource management, application administration of our collection management and discovery systems, and cataloging and metadata production and maintenance.

What We Do

Part of Knowledge Access and Resources Management Services (KARMS), the Knowledge Access department works collaboratively with other KARMS departments (Archival Collections Management, Data Analysis and Integration, Resources Management and other departments. For instance, KA works with Collections and Content Strategy for collection policies, Research and Research Services for prioritization and user feedback, and Digital Library Technology Services for digitized collections. In compliance with international metadata standards, we create and maintain both bibliographic and authority metadata for NYU and consortial institutions to support discovery. We are committed to maintaining data quality and appreciate your feedback through the Catalog Maintenance form.

Mission Statement

In alignment with the NYU Libraries’ Mission and Values and international metadata standards, Knowledge Access provides standardized and inclusive metadata to ensure the effective discovery of diverse library resources in numerous languages and disciplines.

• Create and maintain bibliographic and authority data in various metadata schema, following applicable international standards, to enhance discovery of and access to the University’s general, distinctive and special collections.
• Communicate and collaborate with diverse stakeholders to streamline local workflows and contribute to national cataloging/metadata policies and practices.
• Explore new initiatives by conducting pilot testing to update our metadata policies and tools, in light of user-centered services.