Rare Materials Project Cataloguer
Smith College, Northampton, MA, United States
For questions about the position or application process, please contact recruiting-u@smith.edu.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Head of Technical Services for Special Collections and working closely with the Curator of Rare Books, the Rare Books Project Cataloger will create new or copy records for a wide variety of rare and/or unique bibliographic materials in the Mortimer Rare Book Collection, the Sophia Smith Collection, and College Archives. The project cataloger also will improve existing stub records to further facilitate discovery and access. This position may supervise a student worker. This is a limited‑term position expected to run for three years from the date of hire and is covered by a collective bargaining unit.
Essential Functions
Cataloging operations (80%):
Original and copy cataloging of rare books, artists' books, and other bibliographic materials following appropriate local practices and national standards.
Enhance existing MARC records to meet cataloging requirements.
Project administration (10%):
Attend regular meetings with project stakeholders and periodically submit written progress reports. Periodically present on project progress to Special Collections and Smith College Library Staff.
Collection management (5%):
Prepare cataloged items for shelving; make recommendations for preservation and conservation needs. Review and update the cataloging manual for Special Collections, including examples and templates, to reflect national best practices and local workflows and procedures.
Other project‑related duties as assigned (5%):
Minimum Required Qualifications
MLS/MLIS from an ALA‑accredited program.
1–5 years’ experience in rare material and copy cataloging.
Knowledge of:
Creating original and complex copy metadata for rare materials in OCLC WorldShare with demonstrated experience working with Bibliographic metadata structures, standards, and best practices including DCRM(B) and RDA; Reading knowledge of at least one foreign language; Ability to identify and describe copy‑specific features of a book, including noteworthy provenance.
Skills:
Best practices for handling, housing, and preservation of rare books; Attention to detail, strong communication skills, and an ability to organize and prioritize work effectively; Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Preferred Qualifications
5 or more years’ experience.
Knowledge of:
Reading knowledge of multiple foreign languages.
Skills:
Strong experience with subject cataloging and LC classification; Experience with authorities and controlled vocabularies; Familiarity with developments in reparative and inclusive cataloging; Experience using an integrated library system like FOLIO, Alma, or similar; Experience supervising student workers with limited familiarity with special collections practices.
Work Schedule
Typically 35 hours per week, Monday‑Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (requires flexibility for occasional evenings or weekends).
Compensation
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with a progressive wage schedule. The Step 1 annualized pay is $70,558.75. New hires are typically placed at Step 1.
Position Type
Fixed Term
Equal Opportunity Statement
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu.
As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.
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Job Summary
Reporting to the Head of Technical Services for Special Collections and working closely with the Curator of Rare Books, the Rare Books Project Cataloger will create new or copy records for a wide variety of rare and/or unique bibliographic materials in the Mortimer Rare Book Collection, the Sophia Smith Collection, and College Archives. The project cataloger also will improve existing stub records to further facilitate discovery and access. This position may supervise a student worker. This is a limited‑term position expected to run for three years from the date of hire and is covered by a collective bargaining unit.
Essential Functions
Cataloging operations (80%):
Original and copy cataloging of rare books, artists' books, and other bibliographic materials following appropriate local practices and national standards.
Enhance existing MARC records to meet cataloging requirements.
Project administration (10%):
Attend regular meetings with project stakeholders and periodically submit written progress reports. Periodically present on project progress to Special Collections and Smith College Library Staff.
Collection management (5%):
Prepare cataloged items for shelving; make recommendations for preservation and conservation needs. Review and update the cataloging manual for Special Collections, including examples and templates, to reflect national best practices and local workflows and procedures.
Other project‑related duties as assigned (5%):
Minimum Required Qualifications
MLS/MLIS from an ALA‑accredited program.
1–5 years’ experience in rare material and copy cataloging.
Knowledge of:
Creating original and complex copy metadata for rare materials in OCLC WorldShare with demonstrated experience working with Bibliographic metadata structures, standards, and best practices including DCRM(B) and RDA; Reading knowledge of at least one foreign language; Ability to identify and describe copy‑specific features of a book, including noteworthy provenance.
Skills:
Best practices for handling, housing, and preservation of rare books; Attention to detail, strong communication skills, and an ability to organize and prioritize work effectively; Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Preferred Qualifications
5 or more years’ experience.
Knowledge of:
Reading knowledge of multiple foreign languages.
Skills:
Strong experience with subject cataloging and LC classification; Experience with authorities and controlled vocabularies; Familiarity with developments in reparative and inclusive cataloging; Experience using an integrated library system like FOLIO, Alma, or similar; Experience supervising student workers with limited familiarity with special collections practices.
Work Schedule
Typically 35 hours per week, Monday‑Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (requires flexibility for occasional evenings or weekends).
Compensation
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with a progressive wage schedule. The Step 1 annualized pay is $70,558.75. New hires are typically placed at Step 1.
Position Type
Fixed Term
Equal Opportunity Statement
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu.
As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.
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