Cataloger And Classifier, Boston Public Library, Boston MA
Posted January 27, 2014
A leading American historian has called the Boston Public Library (BPL) one of the five great libraries of the world. Over 3.5 million people visit the Boston Public Library every year to use its collection of twenty two million books, maps, manuscripts, photographs, prints, drawings and other items. Another eight million people connect with the BPL through its website www.bpl.org to use its services and the growing collection of electronic resources, downloadable media and digitized rare books, maps and manuscripts.
Among its preeminent collections, the BPL holds a First Folio by William Shakespeare; original music scores by Mozart, Prokofiev and others; and the personal library of President John Adams. In addition, the BPL is home to the renowned Norman B. Leventhal Map Center, which includes over 200,000 historic maps and 5,000 atlases from all over the world. Over 10,000 programs and classes attract thousands of residents from across diverse neighborhoods and cultural groups. Award winning online and in-library homework assistance sessions, literacy classes, author programs and computer training sessions are also a popular draw.
The BPL is a department of the municipal government of Boston and a statutory charitable organization governed by a board of nine Trustees appointed by the Mayor.
Job Purpose:
Responsible for performing entry-level phases of descriptive and subject cataloging for review, including basic original cataloging and classification, which may require special language and / or subject knowledge.
Reports to:
Chief of Cataloging or delegate
Supervises:
As assigned, assists in supervision of pre-professional and non-professional staff
Typical Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Assists in performing one or all phases of descriptive or subject cataloging, including basic original cataloging and classification, which may require special language or subject knowledge.
2. Assists in the processing of library materials by creating or editing bibliographic records in the appropriate MARC format.
3. Participates in special projects involving the modification of large numbers of bibliographic records.
4. Maintains a consistent output of cataloging, copy-cataloging, classification and database maintenance according to a competitive, departmental standard for entry-level catalogers.
5. Accurately catalogs titles at various bibliographic levels including minimal, core, and full level standards as directed.
6. Processes library materials according to designated priorities.
7. Assists in training of pre-professional and non-professional staff.
8. Assists in evaluating and suggesting changes in policies and procedures concerning descriptive and subject cataloging.
9. Performs other related and comparable duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
A bachelors degree from a recognized college or university and a masters degree in library science from an ALA accredited library school. In exceptional circumstances specialized education, training and/or experience may be substituted for part or all of the educational requirements.
Basic knowledge of library catalogs and other bibliographic tools and sources; basic knowledge of current descriptive and subject cataloging practices and procedures for coding bibliographic records in the MARC format; ability to learn and apply highly detailed standards and techniques. Relevant language or subject knowledge and / or specialized training may also be required. Ability to work well independently and cooperatively in a group. Dependability.
Requirements:
1. Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.
2. Residency – Must be a resident of the City of Boston upon the first day of hire.
3. CORI – Must successfully clear a Criminal Offenders Record Information check with the City of Boston.
Terms:
Union/Salary Plan/Grade: PSA/P-1 (2 Temporary, Part – time positions)
Hours per week: 18
Please refer to the Salary Information section on the Boston Career Center site for more information on compensation. For each Salary Plan, salaries are listed by Grade and Step.
To apply: