What does a cataloging librarian do?

What is a Cataloging Librarian?

A cataloging librarian specializes in the organization and classification of library materials, ensuring efficient access for patrons. Central to their role is the creation of bibliographic records that describe and categorize books, journals, multimedia resources, and other materials within a library's collection.

Cataloging librarians adhere to standardized cataloging systems such as MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging) and AACR2 (Anglo-American Cataloging Rules) or RDA (Resource Description and Access) to accurately represent each item's bibliographic information, including authorship, title, publication details, and subject classifications. Collaboration with other library staff, including acquisitions, reference, and systems librarians, is common as cataloging librarians contribute to the overall organization and accessibility of the library's collections, supporting efficient resource discovery for library users.

What does a Cataloging Librarian do?

Duties and Responsibilities
A cataloging librarian has a set of key duties and responsibilities centered around effectively organizing and providing access to library materials. Here are the primary aspects of their role:

• Bibliographic Record Creation: Create and maintain accurate bibliographic records for library materials using established cataloging standards such as MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging), AACR2 (Anglo-American Cataloging Rules), or RDA (Resource Description and Access). Include essential information in bibliographic records, such as authorship, title, publication details, and subject classifications, to facilitate the identification and location of resources.
• Classification and Subject Headings: Assign appropriate classification numbers and subject headings to library materials based on standardized systems such as the Library of Congress Classification (LCC) or Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC). Ensure consistency in the application of classification and subject heading rules to enhance the organization and discoverability of resources.
• Authority Control: Implement authority control measures to maintain consistency in names, subject headings, and other controlled vocabulary used in the catalog. This helps prevent variations and ensures uniform access points for similar entities.
• Database Maintenance: Regularly review and update the library's catalog database to reflect changes in the collection, including additions, withdrawals, and changes in item status. Collaborate with other library staff, such as acquisitions and systems librarians, to address database integrity and resolve cataloging-related issues.
• Cataloging Policy Development: Contribute to the development and maintenance of cataloging policies and procedures within the library. Ensure alignment with national and international cataloging standards and guidelines. Stay informed about updates and changes in cataloging rules and best practices to continuously improve cataloging processes.
• Collaboration with Other Departments: Collaborate with acquisitions librarians to ensure that newly acquired materials are promptly cataloged and made accessible to users. Work with reference librarians to address user queries related to cataloged materials and assist in improving user access to the library's collections.
• Training and Support: Provide training and support to library staff, including paraprofessionals, in cataloging procedures and standards. Ensure a consistent understanding and application of cataloging practices across the library.
• Metadata Creation: Engage in metadata creation for digital resources, including electronic journals, databases, and multimedia materials, to enhance discoverability in online catalog systems.
• Quality Control: Conduct regular quality control checks on bibliographic records to identify and rectify errors, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the cataloged information.
• Professional Development: Stay informed about emerging trends, technologies, and developments in cataloging through participation in professional development activities, attending conferences, and engaging with relevant professional organizations.

Types of Cataloging Librarians
While the term "cataloging librarian" is often used broadly, there are different types or specializations within the field of cataloging librarianship, each focusing on specific aspects of the cataloging process. Here are some common types of cataloging librarians:

• Original Cataloger: Original catalogers are responsible for creating bibliographic records from scratch for newly acquired materials. They determine the appropriate classification, subject headings, and descriptive elements for each item.
• Copy Cataloger: Copy catalogers work with existing bibliographic records, often leveraging records from shared databases like OCLC (Online Computer Library Center). They adapt and modify records to match the specific holdings of their library.
• Metadata Librarian: Metadata librarians focus on creating descriptive, structural, and administrative metadata for digital resources. They play a crucial role in organizing and managing digital collections.
• Authority Control Librarian: Authority control librarians specialize in ensuring consistency in the use of names, subject headings, and other controlled vocabularies within the catalog. They manage authority records to standardize access points.
• Serials Cataloger: Serials catalogers specialize in cataloging continuing resources such as periodicals, journals, and newspapers. They handle the complexities associated with ongoing subscriptions, changes in titles, and diverse publication formats.
• Rare Books Cataloger: Rare books catalogers deal with unique and valuable materials in special collections. They apply specialized cataloging practices to describe rare or antiquarian items, often using rare book cataloging standards.
• Multimedia Cataloger: Multimedia catalogers specialize in cataloging non-print materials, including audiovisual resources, CDs, DVDs, and other multimedia formats. They apply appropriate standards for describing and classifying these materials.
• Electronic Resources Cataloger: Electronic resources catalogers focus on cataloging digital materials, including e-books, online databases, and electronic journals. They address unique challenges related to the dynamic nature of electronic resources.
• Cataloging Systems Librarian: Cataloging systems librarians work on the technical aspects of cataloging, including the maintenance and development of the library's cataloging system. They ensure the integration of cataloging processes with overall library systems.
• Cataloging Coordinator: Cataloging coordinators oversee and coordinate cataloging activities within a library. They may be responsible for managing cataloging workflows, training staff, and implementing cataloging policies.
• Subject Cataloger: Subject catalogers specialize in assigning subject headings and classification numbers based on the content of materials. They play a key role in enhancing the subject access points in the catalog.
• Government Documents Cataloger: Government documents catalogers specialize in cataloging publications from government agencies. They follow specific standards for organizing and providing access to government information.

What is the workplace of a Cataloging Librarian like?

The workplace of a cataloging librarian is typically within a library or information institution, which can range from public and academic libraries to special libraries and archives. Within these environments, cataloging librarians operate in dedicated cataloging departments or technical services units. The physical setting often includes a combination of office spaces, workstations equipped with computers, and access to library stacks or storage areas where physical materials are housed.

Cataloging librarians spend a significant portion of their time working with library information systems and cataloging tools to create and manage bibliographic records. This may involve using integrated library systems (ILS) or library services platforms to input data, assign subject headings, and ensure the accuracy of cataloged information. The workplace environment is dynamic, reflecting the ongoing evolution of cataloging standards, technological advancements, and changes in the library's collection.

Collaboration is a key aspect of the cataloging librarian's workplace, as they frequently engage with colleagues from various library departments, such as acquisitions, reference, and systems, to ensure the seamless integration of cataloging processes with broader library functions. Additionally, cataloging librarians may collaborate with subject specialists, archivists, and digital initiatives teams, particularly in academic and research libraries, to enhance the discoverability and accessibility of diverse materials.

The work of a cataloging librarian is not limited to physical materials; it also encompasses the cataloging of electronic resources, digital collections, and multimedia materials. As libraries increasingly embrace digital resources, cataloging librarians play an important role in organizing and providing access to a wide range of materials in both physical and digital formats.