Metadata and Cataloging Specialist

The Washington Research Library Consortium, Inc; Washington, Northern (District of Columbia, KY); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Part time

Job summary

George Washington University Libraries and Academic Innovation (GWLAI) seeks a temporary Metadata and Cataloging Specialist to support the Resource Description Group (RDG). The role may be part-time (20 hours) or full-time (up to 40 hours) and starts August 24, 2026, through December 2026, reporting to the RDG Director.

Responsibilities include copy cataloging, processing withdrawals, and routine maintenance of print and electronic resources.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; start date is when position begins.

Responsibilities

• Perform copy cataloging for library materials.
• Process item withdrawals and physical processing.
• Execute routine maintenance for print and electronic resources.
• Collaborate with RDG to ensure database integrity and metadata workflows.

Skills

Bachelor's degree

Library metadata management

Cataloging

Oral and written communication

Independent and collaborative work

Non-Roman language expertise ( Persian

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree (ALA-accredited)

Tools

Ex Libris Alma

Job description

The George Washington University Libraries and Academic Innovation (GWLAI) seeks candidates for a temporary Metadata and Cataloging Specialist position. This role is available on either a part-time or full-time basis (20–40 hours per week) and is expected to begin on August 24, 2026, and continue through December 2026.

The Metadata and Cataloging Specialist will provide technical services support within the Resource Description Group (RDG). Primary responsibilities include:

• Performing copy cataloging for regular library materials.
• Processing individual item withdrawals and physical processing.
• Executing routine, ongoing maintenance tasks for print and electronic resources.
• Collaborate closely with RDG team members to ensure database integrity and streamline metadata workflows.

The Metadata and Cataloging Specialist will be a member of the Resource Description Group and report to the Director of Resource Description. Performs other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• Experience or demonstrated potential in library technical services, cataloging, or metadata management.
• Familiarity with standard cataloging rules and integrated library systems (such as Alma)
• Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently and collaboratively with a detail-oriented focus.
• Master’s degree (or significant coursework completed) in library and/or information science from an ALA-accredited program or equivalent.
• Prior experience with Ex Libris Alma.
• Non-Roman script language expertise, particularly in Persian or other languages collected by the library, is an advantage but not required for consideration.

About

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

George Washington University
Foggy Bottom Campus
800 21st St NW, Washington, DC 20052

Position Title: Metadata and Cataloging Specialist

Posted:

07-30-2026

Apply By: 10-28-2026

Job Type: Other

Entry Level: Yes