Head Cataloger Librarian
About The Position
Cornerstone is seeking a highly qualified Head Cataloger Librarian to support the National Defense University (NDU) Libraries in Washington, DC. This position will support the migration, implementation, maintenance, and optimization of the Ex Libris ALMA / PrimoV / Digital Integrated Library System (ILS) while providing advanced cataloging and metadata management support for physical and digital collections. The selected candidate will serve as a subject matter expert in library science, cataloging standards, metadata creation, authority control, and digital collections management within an academic and national security-focused environment.
Requirements
- Master’s Degree in Library Science (MLS or MLIS) from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited program
- Minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional library experience – ideally Experience supporting academic, military, federal, or special libraries
- Demonstrated experience with library cataloging standards including MARC 21 and RDA
- Experience supporting Integrated Library System (ILS) migration or implementation activities
- Experience with Ex Libris ALMA, Primo, or comparable enterprise library systems
- Experience with metadata creation, authority control, and digital collections management
- Strong understanding of catalog maintenance, database cleanup, and records standardization
- Ability to work independently in a professional academic or government library environment
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to obtain and maintain required government access credentials and background investigation
Nice To Haves
- Experience supporting academic, military, federal, or special libraries
- Experience working with OCLC and original cataloging workflows
- Familiarity with archives, records management, and special collections
- Experience supporting digital repositories and online discovery platforms
- Prior experience supporting Department of Defense or Federal Government organizations
Responsibilities
- Support migration and implementation activities associated with the Ex Libris ALMA / PrimoV / Digital Integrated Library System
- Coordinate with government personnel and vendor project teams during system migration and post-implementation cleanup activities
- Perform original cataloging in accordance with national cataloging standards, including MARC 21 and RDA
- Create and maintain bibliographic, authority, and metadata records for physical and digital collections
- Conduct database cleanup, metadata normalization, and authority control activities
- Support maintenance and organization of special collections, archives, and government documents
- Apply metadata standards including Dublin Core, EAD, TEI, VRA, CDWA, and related standards
- Analyze subject matter and assign appropriate call numbers and subject headings
- Support digital content management and discovery optimization within the ALMA / Primo environment
- Produce monthly status reports, issue tracking documentation, and cataloging metrics
- Monitor emerging metadata standards and recommend improvements to cataloging practices and workflows
- Assist with configuration recommendations and ongoing maintenance of the integrated library management environment
Benefits
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
