CATALOGER
WORCESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY
CITY OF WORCESTER
The City of Worcester seeks qualified applicants for the position of Cataloger (Graduate Librarian, Grade 2) for the Worcester Public Library. Under the direction of the Manager of Collections, the Cataloger is responsible for cataloging materials in all formats and all subject areas, including special collections materials, and will perform original and enhanced cataloging activities in support of the needs of the entire Worcester Public Library. The ideal person in this position will possess excellent interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills and have experience working with diverse populations in an urban community. Schedule will include evening and weekend hours and travel to other branches as assigned.
Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:
- Organize and perform full range of cataloging from copy, complex copy, and original cataloging of all formats of library materials according to guidelines to facilitate their identification, access, retrieval and use according to priorities developed by the Manager of Collections
- Search OCLC for bibliographical records to match item in hand and download to local ILS as needed; verify and edit bibliographic data using current RDA, AACR2, local practices, and authority file standards
- Interpret and apply Library of Congress (LC) Subject Headings, the Dewey Decimal Classification System, RDA, AACR2, and Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) manuals for cataloging and classifying library materials
- Conduct complex research in English and foreign languages to establish appropriate form of main entries, added entries, and place names; assign main entries and subject headings; determine edition statements, imprints, collations, and series notes
- Work collaboratively with Collections team and Manager of Collections to improve cataloging processes by participating in discussions of cataloging standards and policies/procedures and assist in updating Cataloging Manual
- Assist with various re-cataloging and reclassification projects
- Work closely with subject specialists and reference librarians to provide intellectual and physical access to materials in a timely manner
- Create reports to assist with the maintenance and global changes to the collection
- Maintain records, keep statistics, and assist in preparation of various departmental reports
- Collaborate with a team of professional and paraprofessional staff
- Contribute to the maintenance of the list of items on standing order, tracking orders with various vendors, updating quantities and items with vendors as needed and requested by selectors, and cataloging all standing order items.
- Knowledge of receiving and entering invoices into the ILS, coordinating and organizing payments with the finance office, and tracking and maintaining the budget for standing orders
- Participate in the cataloging of materials for the Worcester Room, local history area, and closed stacks items, including items from the Dr. Green Collection. Identifies and uses accepted preservation methods to house and label these materials
- Maintain a working knowledge of library resources and an awareness of new resources and technologies
- Proficient in Microsoft Office suite products, and comfortable working in a digital environment
- Contribute to creating an environment oriented to trust, open communication, creative thinking, and cohesive team effort
- Actively participate in staff development and training opportunities
- Interpret library services and policies to patrons in a clear and courteous manner
- Provide exemplary reference and reader advisory duties as an adjunct Reference Librarian when required
- Perform other duties, as assigned, consistent with the functions of the work unit and level of responsibilities
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of principles and procedures of professional library work, including methods, practices, and techniques of library cataloging, acquisitions, and classification
- Knowledge of the Dewey Decimal Classification System
- Knowledge of and ability to apply the following cataloging tools: Resource Description and Access (RDA), the Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules (AACR2r), Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) and classification, and MARC21 formats for bibliographic and authority data
- Experience in cataloging materials through a cataloging utility such as OCLC or an integrated library system environment such as Evergreen
- Ability to learn various and complex computerized cataloging systems
- Knowledge of standard bibliographic sources, bibliographic forms, and verification tools
- Working experience with spreadsheets and database software
- Ability to learn and use library technologies
- Flexibility in prioritizing multiple projects, ability to problem-solve, and propensity for details
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate with professional and paraprofessional staff about concepts, ideas, and requirements
- Strong commitment to consistent excellent customer service to a diverse population in an urban environment
- High level of professionalism and commitment to the organization
- Embrace opportunities to learn in a fast-paced changing environment
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to create positive working relationships with a diverse staff and population
- Knowledge of the principles and correct usage of the English language including grammar, punctuation, and spelling
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Master’s degree in Library Sciences from a Graduate School of Library Sciences accredited by the American Library Association or approved by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners
- Reliable transportation to travel between required locations
- Ability to successfully pass CORI/SORI
- Excellent communication skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- One (1) year of professional cataloging experience in original or copy cataloging
- One (1) year of experience in classification of library materials using Dewey Decimal, Library of Congress classifications, and Machine readable (MARC) records
- One (1) year of experience working with diverse collections
SALARY RANGE: $31.63 - $41.35 hourly, full-time, excellent benefits package.
The Worcester Public Library makes every effort to support ALA’s “Core Competences of Librarianship” http://www.ala.org/educationcareers/careers/corecomp as approved and adopted as policy by the ALA Council, January 27th 2009 and, as an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, values diversity and aims to have its workforce reflect the community.
To apply, please visit: www.worcesterma.gov/employment or send resume and cover letter to: City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA 01608. OPEN UNTIL FILLED, applications received prior to or on FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2024, will receive preference. Preference is given to Worcester residents. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.Direct inquiries to: City Hall, Human Resources, Room 109, 508-799-1030, HR@worcesterma.gov.
For a full job description please visit: www.mywpl.org/jobs-wpl
