Cataloger

The American Antiquarian Society (AAS) cultivates a deeper understanding of the American past, grounded in its ever-growing collection of printed and manuscript sources. The Society fosters a broad community of inquiry through inclusive programs and generous support of scholarship. A national research library and learned society founded in 1812 by Revolutionary War patriot and printer Isaiah Thomas, AAS is located in Worcester, Massachusetts.

The AAS library today houses the largest and most accessible collection of books, pamphlets, broadsides, newspapers, periodicals, children's literature, music, and graphic arts material printed before the twentieth century in what is now the United States, as well as manuscripts and a substantial collection of secondary texts, bibliographies, and digital resources and reference works.

We are seeking a forward-thinking and detail-oriented individual to join our cataloging department. As part of a team, the person in this role will provide both original and copy cataloging for the Society’s holdings and contribute to ongoing metadata maintenance. They will work with the Society’s collections of 18th-21st century printed materials, including but not limited to monographs and graphic arts materials from both new acquisitions and long-held collections.

They will describe materials according to national and local cataloging rules and policies with support and instruction from our Senior Cataloger, who supervises day-to-day cataloging, workflows, and departmental projects. An ideal candidate will possess a willingness to learn, flexibility, and an open-minded approach to teamwork.

Position Type:
Full-time, non-exempt

Salary Range: $45,000 - $50,000 per year (DOE – depending on experience)

• Location:
  
  Worcester, MA

• Perform original and copy cataloging using applicable standards (AACR2, RDA, DCRM(B), and LC-PCC Policy Statements), controlled vocabularies (LCSH, RBMSCV, and AAT), and authority files (LCNAF).
• Edit and enhance existing catalog records.
• Participate in departmental activities supportive of the AAS strategic plan and inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility commitments.
• Contribute to discrete cataloging department projects and ongoing collection maintenance, including inventories and stack shifting.
• Maintain awareness of changes to national and international cataloging standards and resources.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong information literacy skills and ability to conduct research.
• Familiarity with Descriptive Cataloging of Rare Materials, AACR2, RDA, and MARC
• Knowledge of Library of Congress Name Authority File (LCNAF), Subject Headings (LCSH) and relevant controlled vocabularies is preferred.
• Bibliographic knowledge of one or more non-English languages is beneficial.
• Experience with FOLIO or other integrated library system (ILS) / library management system (LMS).
• Experience with OCLC Connexion Client.

• 2+ years related experience.
• Master’s degree in library/information systems
  • Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Once or twice a year for large-scale member events

Most duties are performed indoors in an office environment with artificial light and cool, thermostatically controlled temperatures. The noise level is low. May be exposed to dust, mold, and/or other organic material or other irritants. Hazards are considered minor and controllable.

Applications accepted on rolling…