Rare Materials Catalogue Librarian, Boston Athenaeum, (Boston, MA)
Posted November 10, 2026
Description
The Boston Athenaeum seeks a motivated, detail-oriented Rare Materials Catalog Librarian. Reporting to the NEH Chief Technical Services Librarian and working closely with the Senior Rare Materials Catalog Librarian, the librarian performs original cataloging and complex copy cataloging of the Athenaeum’s rare holdings, which range from incunabula to 21st-century artists’ books. Essential qualifications include a demonstrated understanding of rare book description and content standards, such as DCRM(B) and RDA, and of MARC 21 bibliographic and authority formats. The position’s workflow will eventually include a variety of rare photographs and printed visual works. Candidates with proficiency in the cataloging standards for these materials, or with a willingness to learn them on the job, are encouraged to apply.
Successful candidates will be intellectually curious, open to a collaborative work environment, and eager to expand their expertise in new cataloging standards and technologies. They will also have strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills and share the library’s commitment to accuracy, consistency, and ethical cataloging practices.
Responsibilities
Duties:
Cataloging and Bibliographic Description
- Create in depth original and enhance existing MARC 21 catalog records for rare books in accordance with DCRM(B) and local practice.
- Assign authorized subject and genre/form headings using Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) and other controlled vocabularies.
- Construct and assign Library of Congress Classification Numbers and local classification systems for rare materials.
- Contribute to database maintenance, reconciliation, and retrospective conversion projects as assigned.
- Participate in the planning, drafting documentation, and implementation of the departmental policies and procedures.
- Track and/or solve problems resulting from retrospective conversion
Other Responsibilities
- Assist with the supervision and training of Technical Services Interns.
- Supervises in the Special Collections Reading Room on a weekly rotation.
- Work with Digital Programs to ensure consistent metadata entry to accompany digital resources.
- Provide reader assistance as needed.
- Monitors current and emerging cataloging standards, trends, and best practices, including, but not limited to, MARC21, DCRMR and other RBMS cataloging aids, Official RDA, LC-PCC PS, OCLC Bibliographic Standards, and BIBFRAME.
Qualifications
Education, Experience, and Skills:
Required
- Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program.
- 2 years of recent experience performing original and complex copy cataloging of MARC 21 records for rare books in accordance with DCRM(B), RDA, and local practice.
- Experience creating and editing LC/NACO authority records for personal, corporate, jurisdictional names, uniform titles, and series to PCC specifications.
- Experience assigning authorized subject and genre/form headings using Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) and RBMS and other controlled vocabularies.
- Demonstrated experience using OCLC Connexion Client and an integrated library system (FOLIO a plus).
- Ability to interpret and apply cataloging rules, local practices, and controlled vocabularies consistently.
- Demonstrated experience handling rare materials.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-based environment.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document work clearly.
Preferred
- Experience creating and editing LC/NACO authority records for personal, corporate, jurisdictional names, uniform titles, and series to PCC specifications.
- Formal training in rare book cataloging such as Rare Book School or equivalent.
- Proficiency cataloging rare prints, photographs, or cartographic materials using the DCRM suite of standards.
- Detailed knowledge of DCRMR and Official RDA.
- Reading or bibliographic knowledge of at least one language other than English.
- Knowledge of American, New England and Western European history and literature.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
- Periods of standing, walking, and sitting.
- Use of hands for basic grasping/manipulation, fine manipulation, occasional reaching,
- Ability to lift 30 pounds.
- Work occasionally requires spending up to 90 minutes in spaces cooled to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
- May be exposed to dust, mold, and/or other organic material. Hazards are considered minor and controllable.
Hours and Compensation
This is a full-time (35 hour) onsite position. The hours are Monday-Friday between 9am-5pm, with some flexibility about start and end times.
Salary $58,000/yr
How to Apply
Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job description describes you, then please apply for this role.
To Apply: Please submit a Cover Letter and Resume using the following link:
The Boston Athenæum is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome candidates who will increase our diversity; we encourage candidates of color and all diverse candidates 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 HR Generalist Nora Conley at 617-720-7630 or [email protected]