Senior Cataloger and Metadata Librarian

Code4lib

Boston (MA)

On-site

USD 55,000 - 75,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

A prominent academic library in Boston seeks a Senior Cataloger to lead the development of cataloging practices and ensure access to resources. This full-time position involves original and copy cataloging of diverse materials, training part-time clerks, and maintaining cataloging standards. Candidates should have an MLS degree and experience in academic libraries. The role is suited for motivated individuals eager to innovate in cataloging and metadata practices.

Qualifications

Professional experience in an academic or research library.
Advanced coursework and experience in cataloging and metadata.
Knowledge of RDA, AACR2, and MARC records.

Responsibilities

Oversee and provide original and copy cataloging of library materials.
Maintain cataloging practices and ensure access to resources.
Train part-time library clerks in cataloging processes.

Skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Education

MLS degree from an ALA accredited library school

Tools

Voyager Ex Libris

OCLC cataloging products

Job description

The Boston Architectural College Library (BAC) seeks an experienced, enthusiastic, and creative cataloger, well-versed in the rapid evolution of cataloging practices to oversee and provide original and complex copy cataloging. This full-time, exempt position leads in establishing cataloging practices and priorities; oversees the creation, modification, and selection of records and metadata for print and digital materials and ensures prompt access to newly acquired resources. The Senior Cataloger oversees all cataloging and metadata for the library collections and provides metadata guidance and support for the Library's Visual Resources and Archives. This position also oversees the metadata and cataloging-related training of 4-5 part‑time library clerks who assist with the library’s original and copy cataloging of thesis documents and electronic resources. This position requires a thorough and up-to-date knowledge of cataloging and metadata standards and keeps informed of the ever‑evolving changes to cataloging practices. This librarian will be encouraged to contribute to scholarship, research, and other professional activities.

We seek candidates who are positive, motivated, familiar with best practices, and eager to innovate.

Responsibilities and Duties

Reports to the Library Director
Supervisory Duties: None
Performs original, complex and copy cataloging of all formats of library materials (including books, journals, ephemera, architectural plans, videographic, and born‑digital items) to facilitate their identification, access and use. Modify and enrich these records to make them uniquely accessible to design students.
Interpret and apply Library of Congress subject headings, AACR2, RDA, and the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) manuals in cataloging and classifying library materials.
Interpret and apply Metadata standards appropriate for the BAC Library collections.
Resolve cataloging and authority problems, including maintenance of bibliographic database records.
Provide original cataloging for Boston Architectural College theses, government documents, ephemera, and any work that is not in the OCLC database.
Work with thesis coordinator and Systems Librarian as needed to prepare new theses for cataloging and ingestion into the library online repository D-space.
Participate in training and supervise library clerks to assist in cataloging processes such as the creation of basic original catalog records in OCLC for thesis documents, copy cataloging, and essential physical processing procedures.
Perform physical processing of materials (e.g., labeling, marking, stamping, and housing)
Maintain currency of cataloging practice through membership in professional organizations and participation in conferences.
Provide research and reference assistance to students, faculty, staff, and the public at the circulation desk, online, and over the phone up to 9 hours per week, including one night per week as needed. Instruct patrons in the use of electronic and print reference materials.
Perform additional tasks as determined by the Library Director.

The BAC is committed to developing a diverse and talented team. People with disabilities, people of color, indigenous people, Hispanic/Latinx, and LGBTQ candidates are encouraged to apply. If you are excited about this role but are unsure whether you meet 100% of the requirements, we encourage you to apply.

Team and interpersonal skills: Building and maintaining positive relationships with other team members including faculty, support staff, and senior staff.

Service orientation: A service-oriented perspective in which, to the greatest extent possible, students, faculty, and other employees are treated in such a way that they feel well served by a professional representative of the BAC.

Confidentiality and discretion: The ability not only to maintain the confidentiality of student, faculty, employee, and college records, but also the ability to discern when it is appropriate to divulge privileged or confidential information.

Qualifications

Required

MLS degree from an ALA accredited library school.
Professional experience in an academic or research library.
Advanced coursework and experience in cataloging and metadata.
Experience with automated library systems and discovery platforms, including but not limited to Voyager Ex Libris.
Knowledge of RDA, AACR2, MARC bibliographic and authority records, Library of Congress Subject Headings and Classification Scheme; ability to create original MARC bibliographic and authority records for various material types using RDA; ability to review and edit copy cataloging.
Experience with OCLC cataloging products.
Organizational skills and the ability to work in a team setting.
Interpersonal, written, and verbal skills.

Preferred