The Downtown Public Library is looking for a curious, detail-minded Cataloging Specialist to support the accuracy, consistency, and usability of the library catalog. While rooted in library service, this role focuses on the behind-the-scenes systems and records that help patrons and staff find materials with confidence. Day-to-day work may include checking in magazines, reviewing and comparing bibliographic records, constructing Dewey numbers, verifying authorized headings, maintaining genre and series information, cleaning up records, and running reports to identify and correct catalog errors. With hands-on training and ongoing support, the Cataloging Specialist will develop specialized skills in cataloging standards and shared-system workflows while playing an essential role in connecting the community with library materials.
To ensure internal equity and alignment with the approved budget for this position, offers are made within the posted hiring range. Although the hiring range is fixed, employees receive an exceptional benefits and total rewards package that enhances the overall value of employment with the City of Boise.
Why the City of Boise?
The benefits are real and among the best in the Treasure Valley:
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Zero-cost premium medical coverage for you and your family
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PERSI retirement plus employer-matched 401(k)/457b
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10 hours vacation/month (grows with tenure), 12 paid holidays, and 8 hours sick leave/month
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10 weeks paid parental leave
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$500 annual wellbeing incentive
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Tuition reimbursement and free local bus pass
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Basic life and long-term disability insurance at no cost
Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training-
High school diploma or equivalent and college coursework or specialized training
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Nine years of experience in the library record work
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Or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
Special Requirements
Applicants must be able to pass:
City of Boise background check processes which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation
Disclaimer: This job posting may close earlier than the listed closing date. If this occurs, a minimum of 24 hours’ notice will be provided prior to closing.
Applications received for this recruitment may be used to fill similar vacancies within the City of Boise as they occur.
Coordinates day-to-day work, delegated tasks and sets deadlines for the assigned team. Provides guidance, direction and support for training and reviews work. Ensures effective collaboration with other teams. Listens to team members' input and feedback and resolves any issues or conflicts.
Performs duties of lower-level Library Acquisitions Specialists; merges and edits bibliographic records as needed and identifies any ongoing issues for cleanup to maintain the integrity of the data in the ILS. Handles complex issues with records, and provides assistance and training to others. Performs complicated tasks requiring considerable judgement, analysis and decision making, and refers only the most complex problems to a cataloger.
Creates and runs routine reports and tracks items needing additional record work. Works closely with the Cataloger and Collection Development team to identify and resolve metadata integrity issues. Performs other record work or statistical functions as needs are identified.
Works on initiatives including but not limited to call number assignments, projects to update outdated collection practices, and authority work. May participate on library-wide teams.
Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.
Knowledge of:
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Standard library procedures, policies and materials
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Machine-readable cataloging records
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Dewey Decimal Classification system
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Bibliographic record format, library cataloging and classification systems
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Advanced computer skills
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Customer service techniques.
Ability to:-
Learn and use changing library systems
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Interpret and understand bibliographic and item records
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Work independently and as part of a team
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Organize work and manage multiple priorities
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Oversee the work of other staff
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Communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance
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Perform all essential functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And Training
Post-high school education or coursework in library science, information technology, or database management and seven years of experience in a library technical services environment working with library materials and utilizing vendor's online systems.
Two or more years of library technical services experience working in a shared catalog environment such as a consortium.
The physical effort characteristics and working environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Efforts
While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently lifting/carrying up to 20 pounds, occasionally lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds and rarely lifting/carrying up to 75 pounds. Also, the employee is frequently pushing/pulling up to 100 pounds and occasionally pushing/pulling up to 101+ pounds. The noise level is occasionally moderate and rarely very loud. Work includes sensory ability to talk, hear and touch. Work in this position also includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception. Employees will sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach and grasp. Position requires hand/finger dexterity.
Working Environment
The work environment will include inside conditions, outdoor weather conditions, extreme temperatures, in wet and humid conditions, areas of dust, odors, mist and gases or other airborne matter. Work includes protected exposure to infectious bacteria, bodily fluids and chemicals.
