Rare Books Cataloger and Classifier II, Boston Public Library, Boston MA
Posted April 14, 2014
The Organization
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.
The Boston Public Library is accepting applications for the Cataloger and Classifier II position. The Cataloger and
Classifier II is responsible for performing original and complex copy cataloging including bibliographic description,
subject analysis, classification, and authority control for materials in all formats in accordance with established local and national policies, procedures, and standards. Advanced cataloging skills for serials, music, or rare book/manuscript materials will be required as needed. Special language competencies and/or subject knowledge will be required as needed.
Salary: $49,101 – $66,223, DOQ. Competitive benefits.
Minimum Qualifications:
1. Education
A bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university and a master’s degree in library science from an ALA
accredited library school. Relevant subject knowledge and/or specialized training will be required. In
exceptional circumstances specialized education, training and/or experience may be substituted for part or all of
the educational requirements.
2. Experience
Two years of recent professional library experience creating MARC21 bibliographic and authority records in all
formats. Comprehensive knowledge of and recent hands on experience with current and emerging national
standards including those concerning descriptive cataloging, subject analysis, classification, and authority
control. Experience using modern library catalogs and other bibliographic tools, including major current online
and print cataloging resources and utilities.
3. Requirements
Demonstrated proficiency in the current versions of the following cataloging tools and standards is required:
OCLC Connexion client software
AACR2r
LC Subject Headings
Library of Congress Classification
Library of Congress Rule Interpretations:
General Rules for Description
Books, Pamphlets, and Printed Sheets.
PCC, NACO, and SACO standards
Reading knowledge of one or more foreign languages and the ability to deal with unfamiliar foreign languages is
required. Multiple foreign language skills are highly desirable.
Proficiency with a PC and software at the level necessary to successfully complete the tasks of the job is
required.
Additional relevant special subject knowledge and specialized cataloging experience will be required as needed
to meet the needs of the department:
For a Rare Books and Manuscripts Cataloger: One year of recent professional library experience cataloging rare
books or manuscripts. Working knowledge of Descriptive Cataloging of Rare Materials (DCRM) standards is
required. Proficiency in Latin is required. Experience handling fragile original material is required. Experience
applying the Art and Architecture Thesaurus headings is highly desirable. Familiarity with basic preservation and
conservation standards is highly desirable.
Proficiency with the current versions of the following cataloging tools and software products is highly desirable:
Cataloger’s Desktop
Classification Web
RDA Toolkit
MSWord and Excel
Employment 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.
Complete job description and application available at: www.cityofboston.gov/OHR/careercenter.asp
Deadline for application: April 30, 2014