Cataloger

Cataloger Position at Folger Shakespeare Library

The Folger Shakespeare Library knows that an exceptional staff is the backbone of any great organization. We hire exceptionally qualified individuals who are committed to the mission, vision, and values of our organization. Our recruitment process strives to be interactive, accessible, and responsive. Once employed, the Folger provides a generous compensation, leave, and benefits package, as well as many opportunities for personal and professional growth.

The Folger Shakespeare Library, located on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Cataloger to join the Collection Description and Imaging group. Under the direction of the Associate Librarian for Collection Description and Imaging, and in close collaboration with the Senior Cataloger for printed books and other Collections staff, the Cataloger performs original and copy cataloging of rare books and special collections materials, with a focus on the Folger's early modern printed holdings.

This position contributes to the creation and maintenance of high-quality bibliographic and authority records, supports departmental documentation and workflow, and participates in institutional collaboration and service. This is an excellent opportunity for a mid-career cataloging professional with an interest in rare materials to develop advanced skills through hands-on work and mentorship from senior colleagues.

Successful candidates will be detail-oriented, intellectually curious, and eager to expand their cataloging expertise in the context of rare and early modern materials. They will demonstrate strong analytical and organizational skills, a commitment to accuracy and consistency, and an openness to collaborative peer review. They will show initiative in learning new standards and technologies and will communicate effectively with colleagues across the Collections division.

A successful candidate will value inclusive and ethical description practices, professional growth, and active engagement with the rare-materials cataloging community.

The standard schedule for this role is Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm, which is a 35-hour workweek. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required for special projects. This position is on-site with the potential of remote work 1-2 days a week. The selected candidate will need to be within a commutable distance to the DC office (DC, MD, VA) by their start date.

Please note that the Folger Shakespeare Library can only accept applicants that are already authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. and will not need sponsorship in the future. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Compensation:

• This is a salaried position with an annual pay of $68,000-$72,000.
• Total compensation includes an extensive benefits plan, including fully-covered health, dental, and vision insurance for the individual and a generous 403b contribution and match.

Cataloging and Bibliographic Description

• Creates original and enhances MARC 21 catalog records for rare books, including detailed copy-specific notes, in accordance with RDA, DCRM(B)/DCRMR, and local practice.
• Assigns authorized subject and genre/form headings using Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) and RBMS and other controlled vocabularies.
• Conducts authority work by establishing, revising, and maintaining authorized name headings in the LC/NACO Authority File, following NACO policies and local practice.
• Contributes to database maintenance, reconciliation, and retrospective conversion projects as assigned.

Quality Assurance, Documentation, and Workflow Development

• Participates in peer review and internal quality-control workflows to ensure accuracy, consistency, and completeness of catalog records.
• Participates in the development of cataloging policies, procedures, and workflows.
• Participates in the creation and maintenance of Team documentation.

Standards Awareness and Professional Engagement

• Monitors current and emerging cataloging standards, trends, and best practices; evaluates their relevance to the Folger's rare materials cataloging.
• Maintains active professional engagement through participation in relevant organizations (e.g., RBMS) and seeks ongoing professional development opportunities such as training, workshops, and conferences.
• Participates in team and Collections-wide policy discussions.

Public Service, Collaboration, and Institutional Support

• Provides reference and subject area support to staff and researchers in areas of expertise.
• Serves on exhibition, program, or organization-wide committees as assigned.
• Participates in Reading Room desk coverage on a rotational basis as needed.
• Performs other cataloging-related duties as assigned.

Required

• Master's degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution or foreign equivalent), OR equivalent experience in bibliographic description and rare…