Cataloging and Metadata Librarian, Bowdoin College Library (Brunswick, ME)
Posted June 26, 2026
Description
The Bowdoin College Library seeks an engaged, versatile, and collaborative early-career cataloger for the position of Cataloging and Metadata Librarian. As one of two full-time catalogers in an active collections management department, the Cataloging and Metadata Librarian creates and enhances catalog records for materials in a broad range of formats, including books, audiovisual materials, serials, digital assets, and maps, across a variety of languages.
Working in the OCLC and Alma environments, the ideal candidate will be attentive to details and descriptive standards, with a focus on discoverability, clarity, and consistency in catalog records, to make collections accessible to the broadest audience possible. A motivated candidate will find opportunities to acquire new skills and approach cataloging tasks of increasing complexity, potentially including special-collections work, through on-the-job training and professional development.
As the intellectual heart of the Bowdoin campus, and serving as a major research library in the state of Maine, the Bowdoin College Library is valued for its rich and extensive collections, outstanding staff, and vibrant spaces. Bowdoin College Library develops its collections cooperatively and strategically with the libraries of Colby and Bates Colleges, with which it shares a combined catalog, providing significant opportunities for collaboration on cataloging standards, best practices, and other initiatives.
The Cataloging and Metadata Librarian performs a variety of complex database maintenance work, some of it in concert with colleagues at Colby and Bates, to ensure the integrity and fullness of catalog data. The incumbent also serves as an expert and advisor on evolving cataloging standards and practices, including emerging trends in critical cataloging.
Education and Skill Requirements:
Required:
- A Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited library program.
- One or more years of cataloging experience using MARC and RDA, including cataloging experience gained through education.
- Demonstrated knowledge of library metadata standards, content standards, and controlled vocabularies (including Library of Congress name, subject, and form/genre authorities).
- Familiarity with current and emerging trends in descriptive metadata.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a service-oriented disposition and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Familiarity with cataloging and integrated library systems, and capacity to learn new systems and technologies.
Preferred:
- Cataloging knowledge of one or more foreign languages.
- Experience classifying materials according to Library of Congress Classification.
- Familiarity with sheet music, maps, or other formats, preferably in a library metadata context.
Materials required for application:
- CV or resume.
- Cover letter. Please address the following in your cover letter:
- Your interest in the position and in working at a small liberal-arts college.
- The ways that you see cataloging and metadata work supporting library users and staff, and furthering the research and teaching goals of the college.
Compensation:
- The hiring range for this position is expected to be: $67,700-71,400
How to Apply
Applications review will begin on July 13, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. For more information and to apply, please visit the official job posting, located here:
https://careers.bowdoin.edu/postings/17886