Cataloging Associate (Part-Time)

Atla; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Princeton Theological Seminary seeks a part-time Cataloging Associate to prepare physical library materials and ensure access through standard cataloging practices. The 19-hour-per-week on-site role reports to the Head of Cataloging.

Responsibilities include original and copy cataloging across formats, serials management, and supporting projects and documentation. The position emphasizes collaboration, flexibility, and attention to detail within a dynamic library.

Qualifications

• BA degree, or some college with 1-2 years of library experience.
• Knowledge of cataloging standards (RDA, MARC21, AACR2) and cooperative cataloging programs (OCLC, NACO).
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and collaboratively with staff.
• Flexibility and openness to change.

Responsibilities

• Catalog all library materials for print and serials.
• Contribute to related projects and authority work.
• Assist with physical processing and management of collection materials.
• Support serials workflows, check-in, holdings, and bindery prep.
• Participate in committees and professional development activities.

Skills

Adaptability

Independent work

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Education

BA degree / library experience

ALA-accredited MLS

Tools

Sierra system

OCLC Connexion

Job description

The Cataloging Associate (part-time) at Princeton Theological Seminary prepares physical library materials for patron use and for ensuring proper access to those materials through standard print cataloging and serials practices and procedures. This position is non-exempt, working 19 hours per week on site. This position will report to the Head of Cataloging.

Essential Functions

Library Cataloging, Projects, and Material Care: 100%

• Provide original and copy cataloging of all library materials in all formats across the library’s collections, including general, periodical, and special collections.
• Contribute to cataloging related projects, authority work, documentation, and workflow redesign.
• Assist with the physical processing and management of all collection materials.
• Assist with serials management: check-in, holdings, claiming, bindery preparation, and other tasks to support the serials workflow.
• Perform other cataloging-related tasks and special projects as assigned.

Other Functions

• Serve as requested on committees, task forces and community groups; partner with standing committees, and organizations in the region to share best practices and build partnerships, as requested.
• Participate in departmental activities, including regular training sessions, professional development, and other library-wide initiatives.

Qualifications

• BA degree, or some college with 1-2 years of experience in a library.
• Some knowledge of relevant cataloging, metadata, and encoding standards (e.g. RDA, MARC21, AACR2) and familiarity with cooperative cataloging programs and initiatives, including OCLC, NACO and others.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and to work collaboratively with other staff members.
• Demonstrated flexibility, openness to change and innovation, and a tolerance for ambiguity.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• ALA-accredited master’s degree in library or information science.
• Familiarity with Innovative Interface’s Sierra system and OCLC Connexion.
• Familiarity with one or more of the European languages heavily represented in the library’s collections.
• Theological degree or coursework. Familiarity with theological or religious terms, history, or concepts.

Physical & Environmental Demands

• Retrieving, boxing, and unboxing of library materials.
• Physical processing of library materials.
• Moving, retrieving, and shelving of library materials.
• Moving between computer workstations as needed for cataloging and special project assignments.
• Lifting up to 40 lbs.

This description reflects essential functions of the position; it does not restrict tasks that may be assigned or changed at any time.