Library Cataloger

Job Title: Librarian (Copy Cataloger)
Employment Type: Full-Time with benefits
Agency: Library of Congress (LOC) – National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS)
Work Location: Hybrid
Place of Performance: Rockville, MD
Work Authorization: Must be authorized to work in the United States.
Security Requirement: Candidates must comply with Library of Congress federal records handling requirements and complete required LOC records management training.

Position Overview

• The Librarian (Copy Cataloger) will support the Library of Congress (LOC), National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), Bibliographic Control Section (BCS), by performing enhanced copy cataloging for accessible audiobook collections. This position is responsible for producing accurate, high-quality MARC 21 bibliographic records for commercially recorded audiobooks that are converted into accessible formats for patrons who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise unable to read standard print.
• The successful candidate will process recurring batches of approximately 160 titles per week using MarcEdit, OCLC cataloging services, and established cataloging standards. Responsibilities include enhancing bibliographic records with NLS-specific metadata, performing quality assurance, maintaining production schedules, and delivering completed catalog records in accordance with Library of Congress requirements.
• This position requires exceptional attention to detail, expertise in MARC 21 cataloging standards, and the ability to independently deliver high-volume, high-quality cataloging services within established production timelines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform enhanced copy cataloging for commercially recorded audiobook titles in both English and Spanish.
• Process weekly cataloging batches consisting of approximately 160 bibliographic records.
• Load bibliographic records into MarcEdit and apply NLS-provided automated task files.
• Manually edit MARC fields, including Tag 953, Tag 008, and other required bibliographic fields.
• Create and validate MARC 21 bibliographic records in compliance with Library of Congress and OCLC standards.
• Produce completed catalog records in .mrc and .mrk file formats.
• Deliver completed catalog records electronically according to established production schedules.
• Prepare required sample catalog records prior to production and additional samples upon request.
• Identify records requiring original cataloging and return them for replacement.
• Maintain backup copies of completed deliverables for the required retention period.
• Perform cataloging using OCLC cataloging services in accordance with OCLC Bibliographic Input Standards.
• Apply Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) and Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) accurately.
• Maintain cataloging accuracy levels of 95% or greater across all production batches.
• Prepare monthly status reports, production summaries, completion reports, and supporting documentation.
• Support quality assurance activities and promptly correct rejected records when required.
• Safeguard Library of Congress-issued OCLC credentials and ensure proper handling of non-public information.
• Support project documentation, cataloging procedures, metadata standards, quality control processes, and delivery schedules.
• Immediately report cataloging errors, data integrity issues, or information security incidents to project leadership.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS/MLS) from an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited institution.
• Minimum two (2) years of professional cataloging experience in a library, archive, or similar environment.
• Demonstrated experience performing enhanced copy cataloging using MARC 21 bibliographic records.
• Hands-on experience using MarcEdit, including automated task processing and manual MARC field editing.
• Experience cataloging audiobooks, sound recordings, or other audio materials.
• Experience cataloging Spanish-language library materials.
• Experience applying:
• MARC 21 Bibliographic Standards
• Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC)
• Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH)
• Experience using OCLC cataloging tools and OCLC Bibliographic Input Standards.
• Experience creating, editing, validating, and delivering .mrc and .mrk record files.
• Ability to maintain cataloging accuracy exceeding 95%.
• Ability to manage recurring production schedules and deliver high-quality work with minimal supervision.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting Federal Government library or cataloging projects.
• Familiarity with Library of Congress cataloging practices.
• Experience supporting the National Library Service (NLS) or accessible library services.
• Knowledge of NLS-specific MARC tagging conventions.
• Familiarity with accessible media production workflows.
• Experience cataloging large-scale audiobook collections.
• Working knowledge of metadata quality assurance and validation processes.
• Experience preparing production reports and project status documentation.
• Experience working under Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contracts or production-based delivery models.
• Familiarity with RDA cataloging standards.
• Knowledge of BIBFRAME concepts and modern library metadata practices.

Preferred Certifications

Candidates possessing one or more of the following are highly desirable:

• RDA (Resource Description and Access) Cataloging Training
• OCLC Cataloging Training or OCLC Cataloging Certification
• BIBFRAME or Linked Data for Libraries Training
• Advanced Metadata or MARC 21 Cataloging Training

Pay: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have an MLIS, MLS, or equivalent master's degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution?
• Do you have hands-on professional experience using MarcEdit to edit MARC records, including automated task processing and manual MARC field editing?
• Do you have professional experience using OCLC cataloging services to create or enhance bibliographic records?
• Do you have professional experience applying MARC 21, Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC), and Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) in bibliographic cataloging?
• Do you have professional experience cataloging Spanish-language materials?

Ability to Commute:

• Rockville, MD 20855 (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Rockville, MD 20855