Senior Cataloging Librarian (Head Cataloger)

LAC Federal•Washington, DC

12d•$95,000 - $120,000

About The Position

The Senior Cataloging Librarian (Head Cataloger) to support a federal academic library. This position will play a critical role in supporting an Integrated Library System (ILS) migration and ongoing cataloging operations, ensuring the accuracy, consistency, and discoverability of bibliographic and authority data across physical and digital collections. The selected candidate will provide advanced cataloging expertise, perform metadata normalization and authority control, and support system implementation and post-migration cleanup activities within an Ex Libris Alma/Primo environment. The position is bonus eligible based on project completion.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited program
Minimum of 5 years of professional cataloging experience in an academic, federal, or special library environment
Demonstrated expertise in MARC21, RDA, LCSH, and LC Classification
Experience performing authority control and working with LCNAF and controlled vocabularies
Experience with Integrated Library Systems, preferably Ex Libris Alma/Primo
Experience performing metadata cleanup, normalization, and database maintenance
Strong attention to detail and ability to apply cataloging standards consistently
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, production-oriented environment

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting ILS migration projects (e.g., SirsiDynix to Alma)
Experience with OCLC Connexion and metadata tools such as MARCEdit or OpenRefine
Familiarity with digital collections metadata standards (e.g., Dublin Core, MODS, EAD)
Experience in a federal or Department of Defense library environment
Knowledge of metadata crosswalks and schema alignment
Experience mentoring junior catalogers or serving as a technical lead

Responsibilities

Perform original and complex copy cataloging in MARC21 in accordance with RDA, LCSH, and LC Classification standards
Execute authority control and maintain authority records using LCNAF and established vocabularies
Support ILS migration activities including data cleanup, normalization, validation, and post-migration reconciliation
Analyze and correct legacy bibliographic records to improve metadata accuracy and consistency
Create and maintain standardized subject, name, and series access points to support discovery and collocation
Conduct metadata quality control, including peer review and validation of catalog records
Collaborate with government staff and system vendors to align cataloging workflows with system configuration
Support integration of digital collections and special collections metadata into the ILS and discovery layer
Document cataloging procedures and contribute to metadata governance and best practices
Generate reports and track cataloging productivity and quality metrics