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Senior Cataloger and Metadata Librarian, Boston Architectural College, (Boston, MA)

Posted December 16, 2025

Description

The Boston Architectural College Library (BAC) seeks an experienced, enthusiastic, and creative cataloger, well-versed in the rapid evolution of cataloging practices to oversee and provide original and complex copy cataloging. This full-time, exempt position leads in establishing cataloging practices and priorities; oversees the creation, modification, and selection of records and metadata for print and digital materials and ensures prompt access to newly acquired resources. The Senior Cataloger oversees all cataloging and metadata for the library collections and provides metadata guidance and support for the Library’s Visual Resources and Archives. This position also oversees the metadata and cataloging-related training of 4-5 part-time library clerks who assist with the library’s original and copy cataloging of thesis documents and electronic resources. This position requires a thorough and up-to-date knowledge of cataloging and metadata standards and keeps informed of the ever-evolving changes to cataloging practices. This librarian will be encouraged to contribute to scholarship, research, and other professional activities.

Responsibilities

  • Reports to the Library Director
  • Supervisory Duties: None
  • Performs original, complex and copy cataloging of all formats of library materials (including books, journals, ephemera, architectural plans, videographic, and born-digital items) to facilitate their identification, access and use.  Modify and enrich these records to make them uniquely accessible to design students.  
  • Interpret and apply Library of Congress subject headings, AACR2, RDA, and the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) manuals in cataloging and classifying library materials. 
  • Interpret and apply Metadata standards appropriate for the BAC Library collections.
  • Resolve cataloging and authority problems, including maintenance of bibliographic database records.
  • Provide original cataloging for Boston Architectural College theses, government documents, ephemera, and any work that is not in the OCLC database.
  • Work with thesis coordinator and Systems Librarian as needed to prepare new theses for cataloging and ingestion into the library online repository D-space.
  • Participate in training and supervise library clerks to assist in cataloging processes such as the creation of basic original catalog records in OCLC for thesis documents, copy cataloging, and essential physical processing procedures.
  • Perform physical processing of materials (e.g., labeling, marking, stamping, and housing) 
  • Maintain currency of cataloging practice through membership in professional organizations and participation in conferences.
  • Provide research and reference assistance to students, faculty, staff, and the public at the circulation desk, online, and over the phone up to 9 hours per week, including one night per week as needed. Instruct patrons in the use of electronic and print reference materials.
  • Perform additional tasks as determined by the Library Director.

Qualifications

Required

  • MLS degree from an ALA accredited library school.
  • Professional experience in an academic or research library.
  • Advanced coursework and experience in cataloging and metadata.
  • Experience with automated library systems and discovery platforms, including but not limited to Voyager Ex Libris.
  • Knowledge of RDA, AACR2, MARC bibliographic and authority records, Library of Congress Subject Headings and Classification Scheme; ability to create original MARC bibliographic and authority records for various material types using RDA; ability to review and edit copy cataloging.
  • Experience with OCLC cataloging products.
  • Organizational skills and the ability to work in a team setting.
  • Interpersonal, written, and verbal skills.

Preferred

  • Educational background in the arts.
  • 2+ years professional experience in an academic or research library.
  • Cataloging experience in at least one modern European language or Japanese.

Hours and Compensation

Salary: $52,000-$54,000

May be called upon to work a single evening shift a week, if needed.

How to Apply

Visit https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/3D03E3AD8F39AE20D18EF38AD2AC3148/jobs/176980 to see full listing and to apply.

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