Backlog Cataloger, Special Collections

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Retirement plan

Parental leave

Job summary

Harvard Radcliffe Institute seeks a skilled backlog cataloger to lead four-year backlog remediation, performing complex cataloging of rare materials and creating rich metadata for discovery. The role emphasizes MARC, RDA, and high-quality authority work within Alma and OCLC systems.

The position collaborates with archives, other formats, and student workers, ensuring scalable workflows and adherence to standards. On-site work at the Cambridge, MA campus is required.

Qualifications

• ALA-accredited MLS/MLIS or advanced degree with substantial research library experience in special collections.
• Three+ years of professional cataloging experience in special collections, including original and complex copy cataloging.
• Knowledge of MARC, RDA, AACR2, LCSH, CONSER/NACO/SACO standards.
• Experience with Ex Libris Alma and OCLC Connexion.
• Strong analytical, written, and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform original and complex copy cataloging for rare and special collections in various formats according to current standards (RDA, DCRM(B)/DCRMR).
• Create and maintain high-quality bibliographic and authority records in Alma and OCLC Connexion.
• Create original cataloging in multiple languages and subject fields per metadata standards.
• Conduct serials bibliographic cataloging and detailed holdings records following CONSER guidelines.
• Record provenance and material specifics in bibliographic and holdings records in Alma/OCLC.
• Maintain MARC records, correct errors, update and reconcile discrepancies.

Skills

Advanced cataloging

Original copy cataloging

Metadata creation

Project management

MARC records

RDA

DCRM(B)/DCRMR

Alma

OCLC Connexion

Education

MLS/MLIS or advanced library degree

Tools

Ex Libris Alma

OCLC Connexion

Job description

Harvard Radcliffe Institute seeks a skilled backlog cataloger to lead four-year backlog remediation, performing complex cataloging of rare materials and creating rich metadata for discovery. The role emphasizes MARC, RDA, and high-quality authority work within Alma and OCLC systems.

The position collaborates with archives, other formats, and student workers, ensuring scalable workflows and adherence to standards. On-site work at the Cambridge, MA campus is required.