How to Be Cataloging Librarian - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 27, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of the Cataloging Librarian is to organize library materials in a way that makes them easily accessible to patrons. This requires a thorough understanding of library cataloging standards and the ability to apply them in a consistent and logical manner. As a result, library patrons are able to quickly locate books, articles, and other materials they are looking for, leading to improved user satisfaction and a better overall library experience.

the Cataloging Librarian's work is essential for effective library resource sharing, as other libraries use their cataloging systems to access each other's collections. Finally, cataloging librarians play an important role in helping to preserve the cultural heritage of a community by cataloging rare and unique materials for future generations.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. To become a cataloging librarian, individuals should first pursue a bachelor's degree in library science, information science, or a related field. This degree provides the fundamental knowledge of libraries, information systems, and digital information retrieval.
Obtain Library Internship. To gain experience in the library science field, students should also get an internship in a library. These internships enable students to gain hands-on experience with library cataloging, circulation systems, and other tasks.
Earn a Graduate Degree. After completing their bachelor's degree, aspiring cataloging librarians should pursue a master's degree in library science. This degree provides advanced training in library cataloging and digital information systems.
Join Professional Organizations. To stay up-to-date with the latest trends in library cataloging and information systems, cataloging librarians should join professional organizations such as the American Library Association (ALA) and the Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE).
Get Certified. To demonstrate their expertise in library cataloging, many cataloging librarians pursue certification through the ALA. This certification requires passing several exams related to cataloging, digital information systems, and other topics.
Obtain Library Experience. Most employers prefer to hire cataloging librarians who have previous library experience. Aspiring librarians can gain this experience through internships or by working as a library assistant or technician.

A Cataloging Librarian is an important professional who is responsible for organizing and maintaining a library's collection of books, magazines, journals, and other media. This individual is responsible for making sure that all materials are properly labeled, filed, and indexed for easy retrieval. To be an ideal and capable Cataloging Librarian, one must have strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills, as well as a thorough understanding of the library's cataloging system.

Furthermore, librarians must be able to keep up with the latest trends in library technology and have the ability to research and analyze materials accurately. All of these attributes are essential for a successful Cataloging Librarian who can effectively maintain the catalog and provide patrons with an enjoyable and efficient library experience.

You may want to check Cataloging Technician, Library Development Officer, and Library Outreach Coordinator for alternative.

Job Description

Develop and maintain cataloging standards and workflows.
Research and apply cataloging and metadata standards and best practices.
Create and maintain bibliographic records for library materials in various formats.
Identify areas for improvement in the cataloging process or systems.
Manage library records, including database maintenance and updates.
Respond to reference requests related to cataloging and classification.
Work with vendors to manage the cataloging process for purchased materials.
Assist in the selection, evaluation, and implementation of new cataloging systems and tools.
Train staff in cataloging processes, tools, and standards.
Perform copy cataloging of library materials in various formats.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of cataloging standards such as MARC, AACR2, RDA, and LCSH
Ability to analyze and interpret library resources
Familiarity with the technical services processes of acquisitions, cataloging, and serials
Advanced knowledge of bibliographic databases such as OCLC and WorldCat
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Proficiency with cataloging software, such as ExLibris' Aleph and OCLC's Connexion
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong organizational skills
Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Knowledge of library systems and software, such as ILS, discovery tools, and e-resource platforms

Cataloging librarians play an important role in organizing and maintaining library collections. Their job is to ensure that all materials are properly labeled, classified, and indexed, which allows patrons to easily find the information they need. This requires a wide range of skills, but the most important skill for cataloging librarians to have is an aptitude for organization.

Organizational skills include the ability to classify items according to a set of standards, the capacity to maintain an organized system, and the aptitude to keep track of multiple details. cataloging librarians must possess strong research skills, allowing them to accurately catalog materials using standard terminology and classification systems. Finally, cataloging librarians must be able to effectively use technology, such as library catalog software and other tools, to accurately and efficiently organize and maintain library collections.

With these essential skills, cataloging librarians are able to create an organized and efficient system that allows library patrons to easily find the information they need.

Library Security Officer, Database Librarian, and Research and Instructional Design Specialist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with cataloging and metadata systems?
How do you stay up to date on the latest cataloging standards and best practices?
How would you go about creating an effective taxonomy for a librarys collection?
What challenges have you faced in cataloging different types of library materials?
How would you go about authoring MARC records for library materials?
How do you ensure accuracy and completeness when cataloging library materials?
Have you ever used a computer-based cataloging system?
What techniques do you use to make sure cataloging is performed in a timely manner?
How do you handle complex cataloging situations, such as rare books or multiple formats?
How do you assess user feedback when creating a cataloging system?

Common Tools in Industry

MARC21. A set of standards used to organize and represent bibliographic information (eg: Library of Congress cataloging standards).
OCLC Connexion. A software program used to create and maintain bibliographic records in MARC21 format (eg: Library of Congress cataloging standards).
RDA Toolkit. A resource that provides detailed instructions on cataloging using the Resource Description and Access (RDA) standard (eg: Creating cataloging records for digital resources).
Koha Library Management System. An open-source software platform used to manage library collections and services (eg: Cataloging, circulation, and reporting).
Library of Congress Authorities. A web-based database of names, titles, and other information used for cataloging (eg: Subject headings).
Z39. 50 Protocol. A client-server protocol used to search and access bibliographic databases (eg: Searching for records in a library catalog).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Library Association (ALA)
Special Libraries Association (SLA)
Medical Library Association (MLA)
Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL)
Music Library Association (MLA)
Art Libraries Society of North America (ARLIS/NA)
Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE)
Association of Research Libraries (ARL)
Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA)
International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)

We also have Data Entry Clerk, Library Director, and Library Webmaster jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

AACR2. Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules (Second Edition) a set of rules for creating library cataloging records for books and other materials.
MARC. MAchine Readable Cataloging a format for encoding bibliographic records in a digital format that can be read by computers.
LCSH. Library of Congress Subject Headings a controlled vocabulary used to classify books and other materials by subject.
Authority Control. A process used to ensure consistency in the form, spelling, and structure of bibliographic records by using established authority files.
Classification Schemes. A system used to organize materials into categories or subject areas; common schemes include Dewey Decimal and Library of Congress Classification.
Metadata. Structured data used to describe the characteristics of an item, such as title, author, and publisher information.
Cataloging. The process of creating bibliographic records for library materials in order to make them discoverable in the catalog and other library resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cataloging Librarian?

A Cataloging Librarian is a professional responsible for organizing and maintaining library catalogs and associated metadata to ensure that library resources are easily searchable and accessible to users.

What qualifications are needed to become a Cataloging Librarian?

To become a Cataloging Librarian, the most common requirements include a master's degree in library and information science, knowledge of cataloging standards, and experience with library software systems.

What duties are involved in the job of a Cataloging Librarian?

The duties of a Cataloging Librarian include creating bibliographic records for library materials, editing existing records, assigning controlled vocabulary terms, verifying accuracy of records, and providing access to materials.

What skills are necessary for success as a Cataloging Librarian?

Effective communication and organizational skills, keen attention to detail, knowledge of cataloging standards such as MARC 21 and RDA, and familiarity with library software systems are all necessary skills to be successful as a Cataloging Librarian.

What salary can a Cataloging Librarian expect to earn?

Average salaries for Cataloging Librarians can vary depending on geographic location, experience, and the type of institution they are employed. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Librarians in 2019 was $59,500.

Web Resources

Cataloging & Reference Librarian - Thiel College www.thiel.edu
Careers at UA - Jobs - Job Details - Project Cataloging Librarian careers.alaska.edu
Cataloging | UGA Libraries www.libs.uga.edu