Cataloging and Metadata Librarian

About the role

The Bowdoin College Library seeks an engaged, versatile, and collaborative early-career cataloger for the position of Cataloging and Metadata Librarian. As one of two full-time catalogers in an active collections management department, the Cataloging and Metadata Librarian creates and enhances catalog records for materials in a broad range of formats, including books, audiovisual materials, serials, digital assets, and maps, across a variety of languages.

Working in the OCLC and Alma environments, the ideal candidate will be attentive to details and descriptive standards, with a focus on discoverability, clarity, and consistency in catalog records, to make collections accessible to the broadest audience possible. A motivated candidate will find opportunities to acquire new skills and approach cataloging tasks of increasing complexity, potentially including special-collections work, through on-the-job training and professional development.

Responsibilities

• Create and enhance catalog records for materials in a broad range of formats, including books, audiovisual materials, serials, digital assets, and maps, across a variety of languages.
• Work in the OCLC and Alma environments to ensure the integrity and fullness of catalog data.
• Serve as an expert and advisor on evolving cataloging standards and practices, including emerging trends in critical cataloging.
• Perform a variety of complex database maintenance work, some of it in concert with colleagues at Colby and Bates, to ensure the integrity and fullness of catalog data.

Requirements

• A Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited library program or an advanced degree in a related discipline is required.
• Familiarity with various metadata and content standards and vocabularies, including but not limited to MARC, RDA, Library of Congress Subject Headings, and Library of Congress Genre/Form Terms.
• Familiarity with current and emerging trends in descriptive metadata.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a service-oriented disposition and ability to work well both independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Familiarity with cataloging and integrated library systems, and capacity to learn new systems and technologies.

Qualifications

• One year of experience cataloging using MARC and RDA, including experience gained through education.

Skills

• Familiarity with one or more foreign languages.
• Experience classifying materials according to Library of Congress Classification.
• Familiarity with sheet music, maps, or other formats, preferably in a library metadata context.

Benefits

• A variety of health insurance plans (Medical, Vision, Dental)
• Generous Retirement Plan – 401(a) and 403(b)
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off: 20 days of vacation per calendar year, 12 days of personal/sick time
• Paid Holidays and Special Days Off
• Paid Parental Leave (Available after one year of service)
• Household access to many of the College’s facilities including the gym and pool
• Free fitness and wellness classes!
• And more: More benefits

Pay

The hiring range for this position is expected to be: $67,700-71,400

Schedule

This is an exempt position requiring time commitment necessary to satisfactorily complete job requirements. Hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Schedules may vary to meet operational needs.

About Bowdoin

Bowdoin embraces diversity in all forms, and the College is home to talented students, faculty and staff—with a variety of racial, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds; religious beliefs; and gender identities, among other factors. We encourage applications from candidates committed to the support of an inclusive campus community and those who will enrich and contribute to the College’s multifaceted diversity.