Cataloger

Folger Shakespeare Library

1d • $68,000 - $72,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Folger Shakespeare Library is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Cataloger to join the Collection Description and Imaging group. This position, under the direction of the Associate Librarian for Collection Description and Imaging and in collaboration with the Senior Cataloger, involves performing original and copy cataloging of rare books and special collections, with a focus on early modern printed materials. The role contributes to creating and maintaining bibliographic and authority records, supports departmental documentation and workflow, and engages in institutional collaboration. It is an opportunity for a mid-career cataloging professional interested in rare materials to develop advanced skills through hands-on work and mentorship. Successful candidates should be detail-oriented, intellectually curious, eager to expand their cataloging expertise, possess strong analytical and organizational skills, and be committed to accuracy, consistency, and collaborative peer review. They should also demonstrate initiative in learning new standards and technologies and communicate effectively. Valuing inclusive and ethical description practices, professional growth, and active engagement with the rare-materials cataloging community is important.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution (or foreign equivalent), OR equivalent experience in bibliographic description and rare materials cataloging.
• Minimum of four years of standard MARC cataloging experience, including original cataloging.
• Demonstrated experience with OCLC Connexion and an Integrated Library System (ILS).
• Working knowledge of MARC 21, RDA, and principles of descriptive cataloging.
• Working knowledge of LCSH and genre/form controlled vocabularies.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and commitment to maintaining high cataloging standards.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-based environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document work clearly.
• Commitment to ongoing learning, professional growth, and participation in relevant professional communities.
• Ability to interpret and apply cataloging rules, local practices, and controlled vocabularies consistently.
• Interest in developing or expanding expertise in early modern bibliography, book history, and provenance research.
• Bibliographic facility with European languages.
• Ability to lift and carry items up to 20 lbs.
• Work occasionally requires spending up to 90 minutes in spaces cooled to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Capacity to communicate in person, or using video, phone, or electronic communication methods, in a manner which can be understood by others.
• Willingness and capacity to work in an office environment at a workstation, and to come and go repeatedly throughout the day as is necessary, to perform various responsibilities.
• Ability to work at a computer for an extended period, with accuracy.
• Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. and will not need sponsorship in the future.

Nice To Haves

• TIND ILS a plus.
• Experience working with early-modern printed materials or other special collections.
• Participation in NACO.
• Familiarity with linked data concepts and emerging bibliographic frameworks, such as the Art and Rare Materials (ARM) BIBFRAME ontology extension.
• Understanding ways in which libraries create pathways of discoverability for collections.
• Familiarity with early modern British or European culture and printing history desirable.
• Reading knowledge of at least one European language other than English desirable.
• Familiarity with DCRM(B) or DCRMR is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Performs original and copy cataloging of rare books and special collections materials, with a focus on the Folger’s early modern printed holdings.
• Creates original and enhances MARC 21 catalog records for rare books, including detailed copy-specific notes, in accordance with RDA, DCRM(B)/DCRMR, and local practice.
• Assigns authorized subject and genre/form headings using Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) and RBMS and other controlled vocabularies.
• Conducts authority work by establishing, revising, and maintaining authorized name headings in the LC/NACO Authority File, following NACO policies and local practice.
• Contributes to database maintenance, reconciliation, and retrospective conversion projects as assigned.
• Participates in peer review and internal quality-control workflows to ensure accuracy, consistency, and completeness of catalog records.
• Participates in the development of cataloging policies, procedures, and workflows.
• Participates in the creation and maintenance of Team documentation.
• Monitors current and emerging cataloging standards, trends, and best practices; evaluates their relevance to the Folger’s rare materials cataloging.
• Maintains active professional engagement through participation in relevant organizations (e.g., RBMS) and seeks ongoing professional development opportunities such as training, workshops, and conferences.
• Participates in team and Collections-wide policy discussions.
• Provides reference and subject area support to staff and researchers in areas of expertise.
• Serves on exhibition, program, or organization-wide committees as assigned.
• Participates in Reading Room desk coverage on a rotational basis as needed.
• Performs other cataloging-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Generous compensation, leave, and benefits package
• Fully-covered health, dental, and vision insurance for the individual
• Generous 403b contribution and match
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level