Cataloging and Digital Resources Librarian

Field Museum; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

The Field Museum seeks a Cataloging and Digital Resources Librarian dedicated to connecting people with extensive library resources. Responsibilities include managing cataloging workflows, ensuring access to digital collections, and providing research support in a dynamic environment. Ideal candidates will have an MLIS, cataloging experience, and familiarity with library technology.

Benefits

Comprehensive Health Coverage

Financial Security Benefits

Generous Paid Time Off

Employee Discounts

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of work experience in cataloging.
• Ability to catalog works in European languages.
• Knowledge of copyright and accessibility issues related to digitization.

Responsibilities

• Perform copy and original cataloging using RDA and MARC 21.
• Maintain holdings for electronic resources in WorldShare Collection Manager.
• Supervise volunteers and interns on library projects.

Skills

Project Management

Cataloging

Metadata Management

Research Support

Technology Familiarity

Education

Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS)

Tools

OCLC WorldShare Management System

EZProxy

RDA Toolkit

Classification Web

Job description

Current job opportunities are posted here as they become available.

Cataloging and Digital Resources Librarian

Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.

Join our team and enjoy a benefits package that truly supports your well-being and lifestyle:

Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, dental, vision plans, and even pet insurance.

Financial Security: Life and disability benefits plus a 403(b) savings plan to help you plan for the future.

Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure you have time to recharge and spend with loved ones.

Exclusive Perks: Enjoy great employee discounts and complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions.

We're dedicated to enhancing your life both at work and beyond!

The Field Museum’s Marie Louise Rosenthal Library is searching for a Cataloging and Digital Resources Librarian to join our team.

The Cataloging and Digital Resources Librarian is responsible for ensuring discoverability and access to the Field Museum Library’s physical and digital collections. This position manages cataloging workflows, creates and maintains accurate metadata records, and oversees access to the library’s digital resources and platforms.

About the Library:

Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, the Field Museum has aimed to connect people to the natural world and human history.

The Marie Louise Rosenthal Library is committed to supporting the Museum’s mission as an educational and research institution concerned with diversity and relationships in nature and among cultures. Library staff seek to provide convenient and effective access to quality library services, research collections, and information resources to meet the scientific, professional, and creative needs of the Museum community.

The Field Museum Library houses a world-class collection of over 275,000 volumes covering a wide range of disciplines that parallel the Museum’s scientific collections in the fields of anthropology and archaeology, botany, geology, paleontology, meteoritics, and zoology. The Library is also home to the Mary W. Runnells Rare Book Room, which contains over 7,500 rare and historically significant volumes and over 3,000 works of art.

While borrowing privileges are limited to Museum staff and affiliates, the Library’s collections are open to the public for on-site use by appointment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform copy and original cataloging of print and non-print formats using national and local standards, including RDA, Library of Congress classification schedules, and MARC 21.
• Update and maintain holdings records in the library’s integrated library system, currently OCLC’s WorldShare Management System (WMS). This includes identifying and resolving problems associated with location, call number, and other copy-specific information
• Maintain holdings for electronic resources in WorldShare Collection Manager. This includes working with the Library Technical Assistant to ensure all online subscriptions are accessible via the catalog and keeping the library’s EZproxy configuration file up-to-date
• Work with Library staff to ensure appropriate policies and procedures are developed, documented, evaluated, and revised as necessary to meet the requirements of the online catalog
• Maintain and support the Field Museum Library’s digital collections in CONTENTdm as well as the Library’s digitization efforts for the Biodiversity Heritage Library (BHL). This includes selection of materials as well as metadata input, review, and cleanup
• Develop and maintain digitization project documentation
• Keep informed of developments in the library field by reading professional journals, attending workshops and conferences, and subscribing to appropriate listservs
• Collaborate with other Library staff to develop exhibitions for the Reading Room and Brooker Gallery
• Provide research support and instruction as needed
• Assist with potential grant projects
• Supervise volunteers, interns, and practicum students on various library projects as needed

Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited program
• Minimum of two years of work experience in cataloging and a demonstrated understanding of current standards for bibliographic and authority data
• Ability to catalog works in European languages
• Experience with an integrated library system (OCLC WorldShare Management Services preferred) and associated tools, such as OCLC Collection Manager, RDA Toolkit, Classification Web, etc.
• Knowledge of authentication and linking protocols (e.g. EZProxy)
• Familiarity with current and emerging technologies in digital and web-based library services
• Experience with Windows systems in a networked environment
• Strong project management skills including demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, meet project milestones, document decisions and procedures, and communicate outcomes
• Knowledge of copyright, rights, accessibility, and ethical issues as they relate to digitization
• Ability to work independently with accuracy and attention to detail and to establish and maintain effective and productive working relationships

Preferred:

• Work experience in an academic, research, or special library
• Experience cataloging rare books
• Experience handling and digitizing fragile books, manuscripts, maps, and other materials
• Knowledge of metadata schemas beyond MARC (e.g., Dublin Core, MODS)

Applicants must provide a sample of original cataloging: 2-3 bibliographic records in MARC format.

Pay: $55,000-57,000/ Annually

PLEASE READ: *When you apply for multiple positions, please make sure to delete your previous resume and cover letter and upload the latest version of your resume and cover letter that is relevant to the job you are applying for, every time you apply. This will help our hiring managers access the correct documents. Please note that removing the resume and cover letter will not delete any previously submitted resumes and cover letters.

The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect. We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.

At the Field Museum, we are dedicated to making our career website and recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you encounter any difficulty when using or accessing our online application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation for completing your application, participating in interviews, or any other part of the selection process, please reach out to us at [e-mail] .