Catalog Intern, Boston Athenæum, Boston, MA
Posted September 16, 2020
Description:
The Boston Athenæum seeks a motivated intern for the Catalog Department who will play an important role in maintaining accurate information in various databases. The intern will copy catalog circulating books and resolve various problems generated by the Library’s conversion from a card catalog to an automated system.
The ideal candidate will be hard-working, organized, ambitious, and must be currently enrolled in a library science graduate program. This position will be available to start by early October. Fexible schedule; about 15 hours per week. Compensation is $14 per hour; paid sick time; free membership concurrent with employment and one year following the date of departure.
Responsibilities:
- Utilizes the library’s two classification systems (Cutter Expansive and Library of Congress), the library’s online library system (Voyager), and OCLC
- Copy catalogs new circulating books to the Athenæum’s specifications.
- Edits cataloging records for long-held books to ensure accuracy with the library’s holdings.
- Helps resolve any cataloging conflicts.
- Retrieves books from the shelves for titles represented in Voyager by brief records.
- Searches OCLC for bibliographic records for titles and replaces the Voyager records with those from OCLC.
- Shelves and shifts books.
- Performs end-processing of new circulation books.
- Collaborates with all other departments when necessary.
- Performs all other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Submit to and pass a background check, including criminal history, personal references, employment verifications, and Registry of Motor Vehicles (if applicable).
- Must be currently enrolled in an ALA-accredited library science graduate program.
- Must be detail oriented and able to work independently.
- Must be proficient in Microsoft Office.
- Must be able to lift and move 40 pounds
- Completion of introductory cataloging course, preferred.
- Experience with OCLC resource sharing, preferred.
- Commitment to fostering a workplace culture of teamwork and inclusion.
About the Boston Athenæum:
Founded in 1807 as “a fountain, at which all, who choose, may gratify their thirst for knowledge,” the Boston Athenæum has evolved into a beloved subscription library, specializing in history, biography, literature, and art. Five thousand households maintain active memberships in the Athenæum, and enjoy a range of services from individualized reference assistance to superb children’s programming, from discussion groups to curated selections of digital and print resources. Tourists and scholars from around
the world consult the quarter-million rare items in the collection, which includes George Washington’s personal library; an important collection of early American portraits; rich holdings related to the Civil War and documenting New England’s built environment; and the Athenæum’s own historical archives, attesting to the institution’s role in American arts and letters. Each year, the Athenæum offers hundreds of cultural programs— including lectures, concerts, performances, exhibitions, and tastings within its exquisite National Historic Landmark structure, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.
How to Apply:
Please send a cover letter (including the days you are available to work) and resume to: [email protected].
The Boston Athenæum is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage individuals of diverse backgrounds to apply and are committed to hiring individuals who value a diverse and inclusive work environment. The Boston Athenæum is also committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment. To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Manager, Christopher Boudrot, at 617-720-7642 or [email protected].