LAC Federal is seeking an experienced Cataloger II –Cataloging & Metadata Specialist to support a comprehensive cataloging, metadata enhancement, and bibliographic records modernization program for a major federal research library in Washington, DC. The successful candidate will perform complex original and copy cataloging of monographs, serials, and specialized research materials; improve bibliographic data quality following migration to Ex Libris Alma; and support the reduction of significant cataloging backlogs. This position requires demonstrated expertise in RDA, MARC 21, OCLC cataloging tools, and authority control, along with the ability to independently catalog materials in at least one foreign language. The Cataloger II will also help coordinate remote multilingual cataloging activities, resolve complex metadata issues, and contribute to the long-term accessibility and discoverability of the Smithsonian's diverse research collections.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform complex original and copy cataloging of monographs, serials, electronic resources, and specialized research materials using RDA, MARC 21, OCLC WorldCat, and established authority-control standards.
- Independently catalog materials in one or more foreign languages, including accurate transcription of non-English bibliographic information, application of appropriate romanization standards, and creation or enhancement of original-script access points.
- Analyze, correct, and enhance legacy bibliographic records following migration to Ex Libris Alma, including resolution of UTF-8 encoding errors, diacritical inconsistencies, malformed MARC fields, and inaccurate bibliographic relationships.
- Review and upgrade older bibliographic records to current cataloging standards, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and improved resource discovery.
- Support complex serials cataloging and remediation, including title changes, bibliographic linking relationships, ISSN verification, enumeration and chronology, and holdings accuracy.
- Coordinate foreign-language cataloging assignments with remote specialists, including reviewing digital cataloging packages, tracking assignments, validating completed records, and facilitating integration into Alma.
- Perform bibliographic authority research and maintenance using established name, subject, classification, and identifier standards, including LCNAF, LCSH, and Library of Congress Classification.
- Identify and resolve duplicate, incomplete, inconsistent, or obsolete bibliographic records, including problems affecting electronic resources and legacy collections.
- Import, validate, and maintain bibliographic and holdings records in Alma using approved cataloging profiles, normalization procedures, and quality-control workflows.
- Collaborate with the Project Manager/Senior Serials Cataloger and other team members to prioritize cataloging backlogs, improve workflows, establish production standards, and meet quality and productivity objectives.
- Support inventory maintenance, withdrawals, and collection reconciliation by providing bibliographic verification and assisting with appropriate holdings and item-record updates.
- Document cataloging decisions, maintain accurate production statistics, participate in quality assurance reviews, and recommend improvements supporting future metadata modernization and BIBFRAME readiness.
