LAC Federal is seeking a detail-oriented Inventory Clerk to support a specialized microfilm inventory and preservation project at a major federal research library in Washington, DC. The successful candidate will help inventory, identify, inspect, document, and prepare archival master and print-negative microfilm collections for secure storage. This hands-on position combines library technical services, MARC-based metadata verification, integrated library system (ILS) operations, barcode processing, and careful handling of historical research materials. The Inventory Clerk will work closely with the Project Manager and federal library personnel to maintain accurate electronic records, identify preservation concerns, and ensure the integrity and accessibility of important research collections.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Retrieve, organize, transport, and stage microfilm reels from designated shelving and secure storage areas for inventory processing, following established collection handling and security procedures.
- Review, verify, create, and update holdings records (HREC) and item records (IREC) in the library's FOLIO integrated library system.
- Verify bibliographic and inventory information, including titles, call numbers, copy numbers, enumeration, chronology, and item locations, against physical microfilm reels and existing catalog records.
- Apply barcode labels to microfilm boxes, scan barcode numbers into the appropriate electronic item records, and verify accurate barcode-to-record associations.
- Examine microfilm reels to identify acetate and polyester film, vinegar odor, damaged film, defective containers, and other conditions requiring preservation attention.
- Document inventory completion, film characteristics, damaged materials, and processing exceptions using required electronic record fields, inventory markings, and identification flags.
- Maintain accurate batch control slips, inventory statistics, shelf number sequences, and documentation of completed and incomplete work.
- Perform routine quality control checks to identify and correct cataloging, metadata, barcode, labeling, and physical inventory discrepancies.
- Follow established preservation and collection handling procedures, including the use of gloves, secure handling of individual reels, and protection of fragile historical materials.
- Prepare completed and approved microfilm reels for return to secure storage or packing into archival storage boxes for off-site transfer.
- Compile daily and weekly production statistics and assist with monthly and annual reporting on completed reels, processing exceptions, quality control results, and inventory progress.
- Communicate inventory discrepancies, damaged materials, system issues, and workflow concerns promptly to the Project Manager and designated library personnel.
