Cataloging Specialist

City of Altoona; Altoona (IA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Altoona, Iowa, is seeking a part-time professional library assistant to support circulation, catalog maintenance and patron services under the Library Director and Assistant Director. The role requires strong customer service, accurate data entry, and familiarity with MARC records and library networks.

A high school diploma or GED is preferred, with relevant experience and the ability to pass a background check.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED; post-secondary education preferred.
• Two to four years of clerical, customer service, and library system experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform circulation: check in/out, patron requests, and accounts.
• Maintain catalog with acquisitions records and MARC records.
• Process new materials and upload records to locator catalogs.
• Participate in trainings and meetings.

Skills

Customer service

Computer proficiency

Oral and written communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

MARC records

Library ILS system

Job description

OPENING DATE: November 5, 2026

CLOSING DATE: Continuous until filled with the first application review beginning November 20, 2026

REPORTS TO: LIBRARY DIRECTOR and ASSISTANT LIBRARY DIRECTOR

DIRECT REPORTS: NONE

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the general supervision of the Library Director or Assistant Library Director, performs part-time professional library functions including routine and complex clerical, customer service and collection maintenance tasks.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Perform circulation functions, including checking materials in and out, filling patrons’ requests, and creating patron accounts.
• Maintains library catalog through acquisitions record keeping, copy cataloging, and downloading MARC records from a variety of sources.
• Processes new materials.
• Uploads records to the Iowa Locator and other union catalog as required.
• Participate in trainings and meetings as directed.

PERIODIC JOB DUTIES:

• Perform other duties as assigned.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education –High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent; preferred some post-secondary education.
• Experience – Two (2) to four (4) years in similar position, including clerical skills, customer service experience, and library network/ILS system experience.

SKILLS:

• Ability to take initiative and work efficiently.
• Ability to work independently with intermittent direct supervision.
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication and listening skills including, but not limited to: tact, diplomacy and professionalism when dealing with members of the public and staff.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Problem-solving ability appropriate to the work activities.
• Ability to proficiently use and troubleshoot computers.
• Ability to concentrate in a diverse work setting.
• Perform job functions adhering to safety guidelines and policies set for by the administration and/or supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of office equipment, including telephone, photocopier, laser printers, personal reader devices (Kindle, Nook, etc.), etc.
• Knowledge of and proficiency with personal computer and computer software and applications, including automated database searching skills.
• Knowledge of internet search engines and familiarity with reliable web domains.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Ability to lift and carry up to twenty-five (25) pounds.
• Ability to push and pull twenty-five (25) to fifty (50) pounds.
• Long periods of walking and sitting.
• Typically bends, stoops and crouches on a regular basis to perform duties.
• Occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.

REQUIRED SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid Iowa Driver’s license

The City of Altoona retains the authority to change the job duties included in this job description at any time. The list of duties is not exhaustive and various requirements are subject to possible modification as a reasonable accommodation for a qualified individual.

The City of Altoona is located in Polk County, Iowa about five miles from Des Moines. Altoona houses approximately 20,000 residents and is one of the lowest city tax rates in the metro area. We offer many large city amenities but with small town quality and convenience. Altoona hosts beautiful recreational trails, parks, an abundance of shopping and restaurant opportunities, and our entertainment is renown.

The successful applicant will be required to pass a medical exam including a drug and alcohol screen and complete background check prior to beginning work.

The City of Altoona is an Equal-Opportunity Employer.