Cataloging Librarian (Full-Time 37.50 hours/week)

Alsip-Merrionette Park Public Library District; McHenry (IL); On-site; USD 33,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

IMRF Pension Plan

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Personal time

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

McHenry Public Library District is seeking an on-site Cataloging Librarian to join our Technical Services Team. The role focuses on creating accurate MARC records, classification, and maintaining bibliographic data across formats to support community discovery.

The ideal candidate holds an MLS, has strong knowledge of cataloging standards (MARC, RDA, LCSH), experience with an ILS, and excellent communication.

Qualifications

• MLS or equivalent from an ALA-accredited program or equivalent professional experience.
• Strong cataloging knowledge including MARC, RDA, and LCSH.
• Experience with or knowledge of cataloging standards and controlled vocabularies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to plan, organize, and work independently or in a team.

Responsibilities

• Catalogs, classifies, and adds materials in all formats following national/local standards.
• Performs original and copy cataloging and enhances MARC records.
• Searches and imports MARC records from bibliographic databases into the local ILS.
• Assigns classification/subject headings using Dewey, LCSH, and other vocabularies.
• Maintains bibliographic and item records and resolves issues; generates spine labels.
• Participates in special cataloging projects and adapts to evolving standards.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Adaptability

Education

MLS or equivalent (ALA-accredited)

Tools

Integrated Library System (ILS)

OCLC Connexion

MARC/authority databases

Job description

The McHenry Public Library District is seeking an on-site Cataloging Librarian who is service-oriented and has a growth mindset to join our Technical Services Team. This position helps ensure accurate, accessible bibliographic records across a range of formats so our community can discover and use library resources. Responsibilities include cataloging library materials, both original and copy, adding and editing item data, and maintaining databases in accordance with local and national cataloging standards for print and non-print materials. The position also assigns classification numbers, maintains accurate bibliographic information, and serves as the main resource on cataloging rules.

The ideal candidate is organized, has strong attention to detail, and is committed to high-quality work, while also being collaborative and adaptable. They should have solid cataloging knowledge, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work well independently and as part of a team. The salary range for this position is approx. $24.52-$30.65/hour DOQ.

Includes Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance, IMRF (Pension Plan),vacation, sick, personal time benefits, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

The responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Catalogs, classifies, and adds materials in all formats in English and other languages, across all age ranges, in accordance with national standards and local policies and practices.
• Performs original and copy cataloging of library materials, creating and enhancing MARC records per national and local cataloging standards for all materials.
• Search, create, and import MARC records from bibliographic databases, such as OCLC WorldCat, into the local ILS as needed.
• Assign classification and subject/genre headings to library materials as needed, using Dewey Decimal call numbers, Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), and other controlled vocabularies appropriate to the material type, and apply consortium standards.
• Maintains and updates bibliographic and item records to ensure catalog accuracy and consistency, re-catalogs materials as necessary, and merges duplicate records; generates spine labels. Resolves call number and other bibliographic issues.
• Troubleshoots basic catalog, bibliographic, and item record issues.
• Participates in special cataloging, database cleanup, reclassification, and re-packaging projects.
• Adapts to evolving cataloging standards, workflows, and technologies.

Qualifications:

• Master\'s degree in Library Science (MLS) or equivalent from an ALA-accredited program, including relevant cataloging coursework; or equivalent professional work experience.
• Working knowledge of integrated library systems as well as other library applications relating to Technical Services.
• Experience with or knowledge of cataloging standards and controlled vocabularies, including MARC, RDA, LCSH, and OCLC cataloging utilities such as Connexion.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient technology skills including: Microsoft Windows and Office applications, Google Suite applications, Internet, and the ability to adapt to changing technologies and standards.
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work assignments independently or as a team.
• Ability to complete detailed work accurately, efficiently, and on time with minimal supervision and with strong attention to detail and ability to adapt to shifting priorities.
• Flexible and adaptable to new experiences, concepts, and technology.
• Bilingual in, or reading fluency in, Spanish or Polish, desirable.

McHenry Public Library District participates in E-Verify. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Hours

This position primarily involves daytime hours, with the possibility of weekend work depending on departmental needs.