Cataloging Specialist (Library Services Specialist III)

San Diego State University • San Diego, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Cataloging Specialist plays a key role in ensuring library materials are accurately described, organized, and discoverable for the SDSU community. Working within Discovery Services, this position supports timely access to physical and electronic resources by applying national cataloging standards and maintaining high-quality bibliographic records. Key Responsibilities: Catalog Library Materials: Perform copy cataloging for new physical and electronic resources to ensure accurate description and access. Maintain Bibliographic Records: Edit, enhance, and maintain bibliographic and holdings records to support reliable discovery and use. Apply Cataloging Standards: Consistently apply national and international cataloging standards in alignment with local practices. Support Resource Discoverability: Ensure materials are added to the library catalog efficiently and display correctly for public access. Collaborate Across the Library: Work closely with colleagues to support shared workflows and continuous access to library collections. Contribute to Special Projects: Participate in cataloging clean-up efforts and other projects as needed. Why Join Us? Mission-Driven Work: Help connect students, faculty, and staff with the resources that support teaching, learning, and research. Collaborative Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, shared problem-solving, and respectful working relationships. Meaningful Impact: Play a behind-the-scenes but essential role in making library collections usable and discoverable. Professional Growth: Build and apply expertise in cataloging practices within a large academic library setting. Position Information This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position. This position is designated non-exempt under FLSA and is eligible for overtime compensation. Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs. The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego. Department Summary The Discovery Services Unit is comprised of library cataloging and electronic resource management. This unit is responsible for organizing, cataloging, and managing the records for all scholarly materials, both physical and electronic, available through the library. Additionally, they manage the discoverability of these materials through the integrated library management system. The unit, which handles work for both the SDSU and Imperial Valley libraries, collaborates with librarians and other teams within and outside of the library to ensure new and continued access of thousands of resources used by the SDSU community to support the university’s teaching, research, and learning.

Requirements

• These qualifications normally would be obtained through the completion of a high school education or equivalent certification plus two to three years of related library and/or clerical experience or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Experience applying sound judgment when interpreting and adapting cataloging standards to meet local practices, with the ability to learn and follow institution-specific guidelines.
• Experience working with library classification systems, such as Dewey Decimal and/or Library of Congress Classification, or the ability to learn these systems on the job.
• Experience assessing the condition of physical library materials and determining appropriate repair or preservation actions.
• Ability to lift boxes of books weighing up to 40 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Experience using a library management system (LMS) or comparable database-driven systems is preferred.
• Experience using OCLC Connexion, including searching for bibliographic records, editing records, issuing commands, and evaluating record quality is preferred.
• Experience working with cataloging standards, schemas, and bibliographic tools (e.g., RDA, MARC21, AACR2, Library of Congress Classification) is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform copy cataloging for new physical and electronic resources to ensure accurate description and access.
• Edit, enhance, and maintain bibliographic and holdings records to support reliable discovery and use.
• Consistently apply national and international cataloging standards in alignment with local practices.
• Ensure materials are added to the library catalog efficiently and display correctly for public access.
• Work closely with colleagues to support shared workflows and continuous access to library collections.
• Participate in cataloging clean-up efforts and other projects as needed.

Benefits

• Generous Time Off : 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement : CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
• Health Coverage : Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• Education Support : CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional Offerings : FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
• Campus & Community : Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees