Senior Cataloging Librarian (Head Cataloger) (NDU)

LAC Federal•Washington, DC

4d•Onsite

About The Position

LAC Federal is seeking a highly skilled Senior Cataloging Librarian (Head Cataloger) to support a federal academic library in Washington, DC. This role is critical to the successful migration and implementation of the Ex Libris Alma/Primo Integrated Library System and the ongoing maintenance of high-quality cataloging and metadata across physical and digital collections. The selected candidate will operate in a federal academic library environment supporting national security education, ensuring that library resources are accurately described, discoverable, and aligned with national standards. This position requires a senior-level cataloging professional capable of independently executing complex cataloging, metadata remediation, and authority control activities in a live production environment.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited institution (or equivalent)
Minimum of 5 years of professional cataloging experience at a senior level
Demonstrated experience performing original cataloging to national standards
Strong knowledge of MARC21, RDA, and Library of Congress Classification (LCC)
Experience with authority control processes, including LCSH and LCNAF
Hands-on experience working in an Integrated Library System (ILS) environment
Ability to work on-site in Washington, DC
Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance
Strong attention to detail and ability to meet strict quality standards (e.g., 99% accuracy expectations)

Nice To Haves

Direct experience with Ex Libris Alma and Primo (highly preferred)
Experience supporting ILS migrations or system implementations
Familiarity with metadata standards beyond MARC (e.g., Dublin Core, EAD, MODS, TEI)
Experience working with academic, federal, or special libraries
Knowledge of metadata transformation tools (e.g., MARCEdit, OpenRefine)
Experience with digital collections, repositories, or archival metadata
Familiarity with ISO metadata standards (e.g., ISO 19115/19139)
Experience supporting data cleanup and large-scale metadata remediation projects
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills related to bibliographic data
Ability to work independently in a non-personal services federal contract environment

Responsibilities

Support migration from SirsiDynix Symphony to Ex Libris Alma/Primo, including data validation, cleanup, and issue resolution
Perform full-level original and complex copy cataloging in OCLC and local ILS environments
Analyze and enhance bibliographic records to meet MARC21, RDA, and local cataloging standards
Conduct metadata normalization, cleanup, and standardization across legacy and newly migrated records
Apply and maintain authority control for names, subjects, and series using LCNAF and LCSH
Assign classification numbers and subject headings based on content analysis
Identify, track, and resolve migration-related defects and metadata inconsistencies
Maintain both physical and digital collection records, including special collections and archival materials
Develop and maintain indexing structures to improve discoverability and user access
Produce monthly reports detailing work completed, issues, and performance metrics
Collaborate with government staff, system vendors (e.g., Ex Libris), and stakeholders to support system configuration and improvements
Ensure compliance with performance standards, including accuracy and timeliness requirements