LAC Federal is seeking an experienced Cataloger II –Cataloging & Metadata Specialist to support a comprehensive cataloging, metadata enhancement, and bibliographic records modernization program for a major federal research library in Washington, DC. The successful candidate will perform complex original and copy cataloging of monographs, serials, and specialized research materials; improve bibliographic data quality following migration to Ex Libris Alma; and support the reduction of significant cataloging backlogs. This position requires demonstrated expertise in RDA, MARC 21, OCLC cataloging tools, and authority control, along with the ability to independently catalog materials in at least one foreign language. The Cataloger II will also help coordinate remote multilingual cataloging activities, resolve complex metadata issues, and contribute to the long-term accessibility and discoverability of the Smithsonian's diverse research collections.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform complex original and copy cataloging of monographs, serials, electronic resources, and specialized research materials using RDA, MARC 21, OCLC WorldCat, and established authority-control standards.
• Independently catalog materials in one or more foreign languages, including accurate transcription of non-English bibliographic information, application of appropriate romanization standards, and creation or enhancement of original-script access points.
• Analyze, correct, and enhance legacy bibliographic records following migration to Ex Libris Alma, including resolution of UTF-8 encoding errors, diacritical inconsistencies, malformed MARC fields, and inaccurate bibliographic relationships.
• Review and upgrade older bibliographic records to current cataloging standards, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and improved resource discovery.
• Support complex serials cataloging and remediation, including title changes, bibliographic linking relationships, ISSN verification, enumeration and chronology, and holdings accuracy.
• Coordinate foreign-language cataloging assignments with remote specialists, including reviewing digital cataloging packages, tracking assignments, validating completed records, and facilitating integration into Alma.
• Perform bibliographic authority research and maintenance using established name, subject, classification, and identifier standards, including LCNAF, LCSH, and Library of Congress Classification.
• Identify and resolve duplicate, incomplete, inconsistent, or obsolete bibliographic records, including problems affecting electronic resources and legacy collections.
• Import, validate, and maintain bibliographic and holdings records in Alma using approved cataloging profiles, normalization procedures, and quality-control workflows.
• Collaborate with the Project Manager/Senior Serials Cataloger and other team members to prioritize cataloging backlogs, improve workflows, establish production standards, and meet quality and productivity objectives.
• Support inventory maintenance, withdrawals, and collection reconciliation by providing bibliographic verification and assisting with appropriate holdings and item-record updates.
• Document cataloging decisions, maintain accurate production statistics, participate in quality assurance reviews, and recommend improvements supporting future metadata modernization and BIBFRAME readiness.

• Master's degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS/MLS) from an ALA-accredited institution or equivalent internationally recognized qualification.
• Minimum of five years of professional cataloging experience, including substantial original and copy cataloging of research library, academic library, museum, or special collections materials.
• Demonstrated experience independently performing original cataloging and substantive bibliographic record enhancement using RDA and MARC 21.
• Demonstrated proficiency with OCLC Connexion or comparable OCLC cataloging tools, including searching, editing, creating, and exporting bibliographic records.
• Professional experience using Ex Libris Alma for bibliographic record management, cataloging, holdings maintenance, or metadata quality control.
• Demonstrated ability to independently perform original and copy cataloging in at least one of the following target languages: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, Persian/Farsi, Spanish, Italian, German, Hebrew, Greek, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Dutch, Russian or another Slavic language, Thai, Burmese, or an applicable Ethiopian language.
• Ability to accurately interpret bibliographic information in the relevant foreign language and apply appropriate original-script transcription, romanization, or transliteration practices.
• Working knowledge of Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), Library of Congress Classification (LCC), name authority control, and standard bibliographic identifiers.
• Experience identifying and correcting complex cataloging errors, including incomplete records, incorrect access points, duplicate records, and inconsistent descriptive metadata.
• Familiarity with MARC 21 bibliographic and holdings formats, including fields and relationships used for serials and multilingual materials.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct detailed bibliographic research, exercise independent professional judgment, and maintain a high level of cataloging accuracy.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple cataloging assignments and coordinate with other technical services professionals.
• Ability to work full-time on-site in Washington, DC, and meet applicable federal facility access requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Seven or more years of professional cataloging experience, including complex original cataloging of multilingual, scientific, historical, or specialized research collections.
• Professional cataloging proficiency in two or more target foreign languages, particularly Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, Persian, Spanish, or Italian.
• Experience supporting large-scale cataloging backlog reduction, retrospective conversion, or bibliographic records remediation projects.
• Advanced experience with Ex Libris Alma, including import profiles, normalization rules, Alma Analytics, and bibliographic/holdings record management.
• Experience correcting Unicode/UTF-8 conversion errors, diacritical inconsistencies, non-Latin script fields, and MARC 880 field linkages.
• Knowledge of CONSER, PCC, BIBCO, and other cooperative cataloging standards and practices.
• Experience cataloging complex serials, electronic resources, scientific publications, or materials held by museums and research institutions.
• Familiarity with MarcEdit, OpenRefine, or comparable tools for batch metadata analysis, cleanup, and transformation.
• Knowledge of BIBFRAME, linked-data principles, persistent identifiers, and emerging bibliographic metadata standards.
• Experience coordinating with remote cataloging specialists, outsourced cataloging vendors, or distributed technical services teams.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods while performing cataloging, metadata analysis, data entry, and computer-based research.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and reach to retrieve, examine, and organize library materials from shelving and workstations.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move library materials and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long-Term Disability
• Training & Development

EEO Statement

The company and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate the population of differences and does not discriminate in its hiring/hiring practices, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Nothing in this job specification restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. 

Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. 

To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. 

Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

Notice of AI Use in Job Application Review

As part of our commitment in creating a fair, efficient, and consistent hiring process we may use artificial intelligence (AI) to help our recruiting teams organize, summarize, and analyze information provided by candidates, including resumes, application responses, and other materials submitted during the application process.AI may be used to identify patterns, highlight relevant skills, and experience, and assist in comparing a candidate’s qualifications with the requirement of a specific role. These tools are to improve efficiency and consistency while supporting more informed hiring decisions, which will ultimately be made by the hiring team.