Senior Backlog Cataloger — Special Collections

Harvard University FAS Human Resources; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Harvard Radcliffe Institute is seeking a Special Collections Backlog Cataloger to lead intensive cataloging and metadata creation for books, serials, and ephemera as part of a four-year backlog remediation initiative. You will work within a unified technical services unit supporting discovery and access.

The role emphasizes advanced cataloging, alignment with current standards, and collaboration with colleagues across archives and formats to refine workflows and local practices.

Qualifications

• MLS/MLIS or advanced degree with special collections cataloging experience.
• ￿3+ years of cataloging experience in special collections, including original and complex copy cataloging.
• Experience with Alma and OCLC Connexion.
• Knowledge of MARC, RDA, CONSER, LCSH, and related standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform original and complex copy cataloging for rare materials.
• Create and maintain bibliographic and authority records in Alma and OCLC.
• Create original cataloging in OCLC for multilingual materials.
• Maintain serials holdings and detailed records.
• Ensure provenance and physical description accuracy.
• Develop scalable metadata workflows for discovery and access.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Teamwork

Languages

Independent work

Education

MLS/MLIS

Tools

Ex Libris Alma

OCLC Connexion

Job description

Harvard Radcliffe Institute is seeking a Special Collections Backlog Cataloger to lead intensive cataloging and metadata creation for books, serials, and ephemera as part of a four-year backlog remediation initiative. You will work within a unified technical services unit supporting discovery and access.

The role emphasizes advanced cataloging, alignment with current standards, and collaboration with colleagues across archives and formats to refine workflows and local practices.