Job Description

Cataloger

LAC Federal is seeking a Cataloger to support a major federal cultural institution in the Washington, D.C. area providing original and complex cataloging for artists' books and related materials. This position will focus on the cataloging, metadata creation, and physical processing of unique and rare artists' books within one of the nation's premier art research collections. The Cataloger will also assist with rehousing and preservation-oriented processing activities for unique and editioned artists' books. This is a full-time, on-site position in downtown Washington, DC.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Retrieve artists' books from secure storage and return materials to designated storage locations after processing.
• Perform original and complex copy cataloging of artists' books using OCLC and the library services platform.
• Create full-level bibliographic records in accordance with RDA and local practices.
• Research artists, publishers, formats, and publication history to verify and enhance cataloging data.
• Assign Library of Congress Classification (LCC) numbers and Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH).
• Apply genre and form headings and other specialized metadata appropriate for artists' books.
• Update OCLC holdings and export/import bibliographic records into local systems.
• Create and maintain item-level records in the local ILS
• Generate call number labels, barcodes, acid-free tags, and other processing documentation.
• Rehouse artists' books and related ephemeral materials in archival enclosures and identify materials requiring custom housing.
• Participate in cataloging discussions and coordinate with Smithsonian staff regarding cataloging practices and standards.
• Prepare monthly progress reports documenting completed cataloging and processing activities.
• Handle rare, unique, and special-format materials using appropriate preservation and collections care practices.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience using library cataloging platforms, including OCLC Connexion and library services platforms (LSPs).
• Ability to perform original and copy cataloging at the full bibliographic level in accordance with professional cataloging standards.
• Experience creating bibliographic records using RDA standards and applying Library of Congress Classification (LCC) and Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH).
• Ability to work on-site in Washington, DC during normal business hours.
• Ability to successfully complete any required Smithsonian background investigation and credentialing requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited institution.
• Two or more years of professional cataloging experience in academic, museum, research, special, or art libraries.
• Experience cataloging artists' books, rare books, special collections, museum collections, visual resources, or other unique formats.
• Knowledge of MARC21 bibliographic and authority formats.
• Familiarity with PCC, NACO, LC-PCC Policy Statements, Getty AAT, and genre/form vocabularies.
• Experience with Alma, Horizon, or other integrated library systems.
• Experience performing authority work and metadata enhancement.
• Knowledge of book arts, printmaking, photography, artist publications, visual arts, or museum collections.
• Experience handling rare, fragile, archival, or special-format materials.
• Strong research, analytical, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining a high degree of accuracy and productivity.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to retrieve, transport, and shelve library materials, including lifting and carrying books, archival boxes, and collection materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move throughout library storage and processing areas for extended periods while handling, rehousing, and processing collection materials.
• Ability to perform repetitive hand and finger movements, including keyboarding, data entry, labeling, scanning, and handling rare or fragile materials with appropriate care and precision.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long-Term Disability
• Training & Development

EEO Statement

The company and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate the population of differences and does not discriminate in its hiring/hiring practices, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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