Cataloger of Special Collections (term limited)

About the role

This is a full-time four-year term limited, benefits eligible position. Reporting to the Head of Technical Services of the Schlesinger Library, the Special Collections Backlog Cataloger works within a newly reimagined technical services unit that unites archival technical services with books and published materials.

Responsibilities

• Cataloging and Metadata Creation
• Perform original and complex copy cataloging for rare and special collections materials in a variety of formats, adhering to current national and international standards (e.g., RDA, DCRM(B)/DCRMR, LCNAF, LCSH).
• Create, enhance, and maintain high-quality bibliographic and authority records in the ILS (Alma) and OCLC Connexion.
• Create original cataloging in OCLC for various library materials in multiple languages and subject fields according to current metadata content and structure standards.
• Perform serials bibliographic cataloging and create detailed holdings records, often from multiple workflows, following CONSER guidelines.
• Perform complex copy cataloging in all subjects collected by the library, including materials in Romance and other languages.
• Ensure accurate recording of provenance, bindings, copy-specific details, and other unique characteristics of rare materials in bibliographic and holdings records.
• Record detailed copy-specific physical description and provenance information following established practices for holdings records in the library’s Alma system for all items cataloged.
• Perform MARC record maintenance in the local catalog and OCLC Connexion to ensure accurate holdings by correcting errors; updating and enhancing records; reconciling discrepancies; and reporting duplicates.
• Conduct subject analysis and research to verify and support authority records, following national standards and local practices.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of scalable metadata workflows that support discovery and access for rare and special collections materials.
• Contribute to local metadata policies and best practices for rare and special collections materials, including approaches to inclusive, reparative, and community-informed description where appropriate.
• Project and Workflow Planning
• Within the established four year backlog plan, develop and maintain work plans and timelines that prioritize cataloging and metadata creation and ensure steady progress toward project goals.
• Follow established priorities and workflows for processing and cataloging special collections published materials such as books, pamphlets, and serials.
• Track and adjust individual workload in consultation with the Head of Technical Services to meet agreed-upon targets and deadlines.
• Provide feedback on cataloging workflows, tools, and documentation, suggesting practical improvements to enhance efficiency, consistency, and scalability.
• Work closely with the Head of Technical Services and other colleagues to ensure that individual cataloging work aligns with unit-wide policies, priorities, and standards.
• As assigned, offer task-specific training and day-to-day guidance to student workers supporting backlog-related cataloging activities.
• Maintain clear, thorough documentation of cataloging decisions, local practices, and workflow refinements related to rare and special collections materials.
• Supervisory Responsibilities
• May supervise the work of student employees, interns, and/or contingent staff assigned to the backlog project.
• Carry out supervisory responsibilities for these staff in accordance with Institute/University policies and procedures, including assigning and scheduling work, providing training and day-to-day guidance, and monitoring work quality and productivity.

Qualifications

• Basic Qualifications: ALA-accredited MLS/MLIS or an advanced degree with relevant, substantial research library experience in special collections.
• Three or more years of successful professional experience in cataloging special collections materials, including: Cataloging rare books and/or special collections materials, including original and complex copy cataloging.
• Knowledge of cataloging and classification practices, standards, and schema such as MARC, RDA, AACR2, LCSH, and Program for Cooperative Cataloging standards (CONSER, NACO, SACO).
• Knowledge of integrated library systems (Ex Libris Alma preferred) and bibliographic utilities (OCLC Connexion).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to evaluate and adapt cataloging workflows and propose practical, creative solutions.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues across departments.
• Ability to identify basic preservation and conservation issues related to printed materials.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Reading knowledge of at least one non-English language; proficiency in a second and third language strongly preferred.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment and to interact effectively with a broad variety of personnel within and outside of the department.
• Experience contributing to large-scale cataloging, metadata, or backlog reduction projects.
• Experience with automated methods to improve or enhance metadata at scale.
• Demonstrated interest in or experience with inclusive, reparative, or community-informed description practices in special collections.
• Experience directing or guiding the work of student employees and/or temporary staff.