Cataloging Librarian (Full-Time)

Alsip-Merrionette Park Public Library District; Niles, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Niles-Maine District Library is seeking a Cataloging Librarian to perform professional cataloging, classification, and metadata work to support discovery and accessibility of the Library's collections.

Responsibilities include original and copy cataloging, authority control, MARC records handling, and maintaining bibliographic data within the ILS, with multilingual cataloging when needed. The role requires MLIS degree and strong knowledge of cataloging standards.

Qualifications

• Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree from an ALA-accredited program required.
• Experience in cataloging, metadata management, or technical services preferred.
• Working knowledge of cataloging standards including RDA, MARC, and Dewey Decimal Classification preferred.
• Ability to work effectively in a public service environment.

Responsibilities

• Performs original and copy cataloging for Library materials in accordance with national, consortium, and local cataloging standards.
• Creates and maintains bibliographic, holdings, authority, and item records in the Library's ILS.
• Maintains MARC records and imports records from bibliographic utilities and external databases.
• Catalogs multilingual materials and contributes to language-specific collections.

Skills

Original cataloging

Authority control

Metadata management

Bibliographic records

Communicate effectively

Education

MLIS degree

Tools

ILS (Integrated Library System)

Job description

Under the direction and supervision of the Materials Services Supervisor, the Cataloging Librarian performs professional cataloging, classification, and metadata work to support the organization, discoverability, and accessibility of Library collections. Responsibilities include original and copy cataloging, authority control, bibliographic record maintenance, database quality control, metadata management, and the development and application of cataloging standards. The Cataloging Librarian exercises professional judgment in the application of cataloging standards and serves as a resource regarding cataloging practices, contributing to the accuracy, consistency, and accessibility of the Library's catalog and collection records.

Cataloging Librarians may be assigned primary responsibility for specific collection areas, cataloging functions, metadata activities, or technical services initiatives based on departmental needs, operational priorities, and individual knowledge, skills, and expertise. Specialized assignments may include world language collections, youth collections, adult collections, Library of Things materials, authority control, database maintenance, consortium activities, collection access projects, or other technical services responsibilities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A. General Functions

• Understands and practices the Mission of the Niles-Maine District Library (Library).
• Provides uniformly gracious and friendly service to internal and external customers.
• Maintains working knowledge of Library policies, procedures, and services while safeguarding confidential and restricted information.
• Maintains the level of computer and technological proficiency necessary to perform assigned responsibilities.
• Demonstrates a patron-centered attitude.
• Works a flexible schedule as necessary to support departmental operations.
• Participates in departmental meetings, conferences, training programs, and professional development opportunities appropriate to the position and within budgetary guidelines.

B. Essential Functions

• Performs original and copy cataloging for Library materials in accordance with national, consortium, and local cataloging standards and procedures.
• Creates, edits, enhances, and maintains bibliographic, holdings, authority, and item records within the Library's integrated library system and related databases.
• Downloads, evaluates, edits, and imports MARC and other bibliographic records from bibliographic utilities and external databases.
• Creates original bibliographic records and enhances existing records to improve the discovery and accessibility of Library collections.
• Performs authority control activities and maintains authorized access points in accordance with established cataloging standards.
• Assigns classification numbers, subject access, locations, and collection designations using professional cataloging judgment and established cataloging practices.
• Reclassifies and updates bibliographic records and collection designations to improve organization, access, and usability.
• Participates in database maintenance, quality control, authority maintenance, and catalog cleanup projects.
• Develops, documents, implements, and maintains cataloging procedures, workflows, standards, and local practices.
• Provides guidance and technical expertise to Materials Services staff regarding cataloging, classification, metadata, and bibliographic record issues.
• Assists acquisitions and collection management staff with bibliographic research, record maintenance, and ordering support.
• Catalogs materials in languages other than English when assigned and applies appropriate cataloging standards to multilingual collections.
• Participates in consortium cataloging activities, committees, and collaborative initiatives related to cataloging, metadata, authority control, and collection access.
• Maintains accurate records, statistics, reports, and documentation related to cataloging activities.
• Participates in departmental and library-wide projects, services, committees, and initiatives as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Materials Services Supervisor.

C. Secondary Functions

• Assists with special projects related to metadata management, database maintenance, authority control, and catalog improvement initiatives.
• Recommends professional resources, technologies, and best practices that support cataloging and technical services.
• Participates in professional organizations, consortium committees, and continuing education activities related to cataloging and technical services.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

• Ability to communicate and work effectively, both independently and as a member of a team, with Library staff and the public using tact, diplomacy, and professionalism.
• Ability to perform original and copy cataloging, classification, authority control, and metadata management in accordance with national, consortium, and local standards.
• Ability to create, edit, maintain, and evaluate bibliographic, holdings, authority, and item records.
• Ability to exercise independent professional judgment in resolving cataloging, classification, and metadata issues.
• Ability to interpret and apply cataloging standards including RDA, MARC, Library of Congress Subject Headings, and Dewey Decimal Classification.
• Ability to provide technical guidance regarding cataloging practices, classification, metadata, and bibliographic records.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and communicate information effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to catalog materials in languages other than English when assigned.
• Ability to analyze complex cataloging and metadata issues, identify appropriate solutions, and implement best practices.
• Ability to represent the Library in a professional manner.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, repetitive keyboard use, and repetitive hand movements associated with cataloging and technical services activities.
• Ability to lift and carry Library materials weighing up to 25 pounds on a regular basis and transport loaded carts weighing up to 100 pounds.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND TRAINING

• Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree from an ALA-accredited program required.
• Experience in cataloging, metadata management, or technical services preferred.
• Working knowledge of cataloging standards including RDA, MARC, Dewey Decimal Classification, and authority control practices preferred.
• Ability to work effectively in a public service environment.
• Any combination of post-MLIS experience and specialized training that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the position will be considered.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• If not a U.S. citizen, must possess valid authorization to work in the United States.

This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive or as an employment agreement between the employer and employee. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this job and is subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Any essential functions of this position will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible.

Niles-Maine District Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate in any of its employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status, sexual orientation, or citizenship status.

Niles-Maine District Library
6960 West Oakton Street
Niles , IL 60714

Niles-Maine District Library , Cook County