Cataloger and Metadata Librarian

Monroe County Public Library•Bloomington, IN

About The Position

The Cataloger and Metadata Librarian serves as the Library’s lead cataloger and leads cataloging and metadata standards workflows to maintain accurate, consistent MARC records in the integrated library system. The role ensures adherence to national and local cataloging and metadata standards, recommends enhancements to practices, and coordinates digitization projects under the direction of the department manager. The librarian collaborates on preparing materials for digitization and creates or approves metadata architecture to support equitable access. The position catalogs physical and digital materials; creates, imports, reviews, and corrects bibliographic records and discovery fields; recommends controlled vocabulary; assigns subject and authority headings and Dewey Decimal classification; and enters original cataloging into national databases. The librarian supports new and existing collections, consults with colleagues on item placement and access, evaluates potential products or platforms, and helps improve services in alignment with the Library’s mission. The librarian serves as a resource and mentor for staff, contributes to departmental policies and procedures, maintains professional activity and required certification, and participates in training, meetings, committees, projects, and community partnerships as assigned. The role maintains confidentiality of patron information and performs other assigned library functions to support operations. It receives general oversight, with complex questions and problems referred to the manager.

Requirements

Master’s in Library Science (MLS) from an ALA-accredited college or university, or equivalent.
Indiana Public Library Certification, Librarian Level 3; ability to obtain certification under Indiana Code 36-12-11-6 guidelines may be considered.
Strong computer aptitude.
Ability to deal pleasantly and tactfully with Library staff and customers.
Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

Three years of general library experience.
Experience with integrated library systems and cataloging rules.
Working knowledge of the Dewey Decimal classification system, MARC, and OCLC.

Responsibilities

Lead cataloging and metadata standards workflows and maintain accurate, consistent MARC records in the integrated library system.
Uphold national and local cataloging and metadata standards and recommend enhancements or modifications to practices.
Coordinate digitization projects under the department manager’s direction, including collaborating on inventory and preparation of materials and creating or approving metadata architecture.
Catalog newly acquired physical and digital items and accurately enter or import bibliographic records and digital discovery fields into the integrated library system.
Recommend controlled vocabulary and create, verify, and approve metadata.
Ensure cataloging matches national database standards and complies with local cataloging rules.
Enter original cataloging into national databases.
Review the need for database edits; determine subject matter and Dewey Decimal classification; and assign authority headings.
Complete cataloging tasks for new collections and changes to existing collections.
Add records, including title, series tracing, and subject heading information, and correct discovered inaccuracies.
Review staff and patron feedback and participate in and implement service-improvement efforts aligned with the Library’s mission.
Consult with colleagues about the best location for collection items, considering subject descriptors and access for the intended audience.
Investigate and participate in trials of products or platforms that may support Collection Development, under the Department Manager’s direction.
Serve as a staff resource and mentor, and help instruct assistants, technicians, interns, work-study participants, and other staff on cataloging rules and standards.
Keep abreast of and participate in developing departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines.
Identify and participate in professional development and retain Indiana Public Librarian Certification Level 3 or above.
Keep current with library trends, developments, and technology, and contribute ideas and suggestions to colleagues and staff.
Represent the Library in community partnerships and engage with local organizations through speaking engagements, presentations, committees, and other initiatives as applicable.
Maintain confidentiality of patron information.
Participate in departmental and Library-provided training and educational programs.
Attend and contribute to departmental meetings and participate in assigned special projects and committees.
Perform other assigned library functions to support effective and smooth continuity of library operations.