Cataloging and Metadata Librarian

Job title: Cataloging and Metadata Librarian

About the Role 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 Librarian creates and enhances catalog records for materials in a broad range of formats to support discoverability and broad access across languages. The role involves working in OCLC and Alma environments, collaborating with Bowdoin staff and with Colby and Bates Colleges on shared cataloging standards and practices, and growing in scope through on-the-job training and professional development.

What You'll Do

• Create and enhance catalog records for materials across formats (books, audiovisual materials, serials, digital assets, maps) in OCLC and Alma, with attention to discoverability, clarity, and consistency.
• Ensure the integrity and fullness of catalog data, working in concert with colleagues at Colby and Bates for a shared catalog.
• Serve as an expert and advisor on evolving cataloging standards and practices, including emerging trends in critical cataloging; participate in on-the-job training and professional development; potential for special-collections work.
• Perform complex database maintenance and quality checks to improve metadata quality and accessibility; seek opportunities to acquire new skills and take on increasing levels of responsibility.
• Contribute to collaboration on standards, best practices, and efficiency improvements across institutions.

What We're Looking For

• Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited library program or an advanced degree in a related discipline.
• Familiarity with metadata standards and vocabularies, including MARC, RDA, LCSH, and LC Genre/Form Terms.
• Familiarity with current and emerging trends in descriptive metadata.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a service-oriented disposition and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Familiarity with cataloging and integrated library systems, and the capacity to learn new systems and technologies.
• One year of experience cataloging using MARC and RDA (through education or work).

Nice to Have

• 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.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $67,700–$71,400 per year (USD).
• Benefits include health insurance (Medical, Vision, Dental), generous retirement plan (401(a) and 403(b)), life and disability insurance, and paid time off (20 vacation days, 12 personal/sick days), holidays and special days off, paid parental leave (available after one year of service), and campus facility access (gym and pool) with free fitness and wellness classes.