Cataloger

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary•Louisville, KY

About The Position

The Cataloger primarily performs copy cataloging for books and other materials by editing records in the OCLC database. After gaining appropriate experience, the Cataloger also performs some original cataloging by contributing new records to OCLC. Cataloging follows standardized rules and formats such as Resource Description and Access (RDA) and MARC 21. The role checks and completes bibliographic and local holding records for newly acquired items, enhances records, assigns and verifies classification and call numbers, and processes gift items. It also includes labeling and preparing books and other materials, maintaining cataloging statistics, and supporting the mission and goals of the Seminary and library. After two years in the position, the Cataloger may train new hires in the relevant procedures. The position reports to the Director of Technical Services and supervises no one. The Cataloger works in a quiet office, sitting at a computer for much of the day and moving books from shelves to carts during the week. Extended cataloging requires concentration and may be mentally fatiguing and straining on the eyesight. Extreme accuracy is required. Equipment includes a computer, copier/printer, and book carts.

Requirements

High school education.
Experience demonstrating attention to detail, proofreading skills, and reading comprehension sufficient to understand directions and manuals.
For cataloging music materials, knowledge of classical music forms and contemporary Christian music.
Ability to perform cataloging accurately and sustain concentration for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

Some college education.
Familiarity with a foreign language, especially German or Latin.
Library experience in technical services or bookstore experience.
Knowledge of biblical studies or church history.
After two years in the position, the ability to train new hires in the procedures.

Responsibilities

Verify that appropriate bibliographic records were selected during acquisitions and that local holding records for new items are complete and correct.
Upgrade minimal-level bibliographic records and enhance records with contents notes and other appropriate fields.
Ensure newly added items are classified and shelved with other editions, translations, copies, or volumes of the same title owned by the library.
Search each new item’s call number in the library database to ensure it does not duplicate the call number of another title.
Ensure name, subject, and series fields are linked to their authority records.
Count and record gift items, search for matching bibliographic records, and complete their cataloging.
Help select classification numbers using the Dewey Decimal and Library of Congress Classification systems, depending on the collections.
Assign author (Cutter) numbers and accession numbers as needed.
Label books and other items; laminate paperback books and apply jacket covers to hardback books.
Change classification numbers, relocate books between collections, and withdraw lost books from the collection when directed.
Support the mission and goals of the Seminary and the library.
Maintain daily, monthly, and annual statistics of completed items.
After two years in the position, train new hires in the procedures described.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.