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Catalog Librarian information

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$31K

$65.2K

$102.5K

How much do catalog librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for catalog librarian in the United States is $65,193.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a catalog librarian?

Catalog librarians are information professionals who organize and classify library materials to make them easily discoverable and accessible to users. They create and maintain bibliographic records using standardized cataloging systems, such as the Dewey Decimal System or Library of Congress Classification. Their work ensures that library collections are searchable both online and in physical catalogs, supporting research and information retrieval. Catalog librarians often collaborate with other library staff to improve access to resources and stay up-to-date with evolving cataloging standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a catalog librarian?

To thrive as a Catalog Librarian, you need expertise in bibliographic control, metadata standards, and classification systems, often supported by a master's degree in library science (MLS or MLIS). Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), cataloging tools like OCLC Connexion, and standards such as MARC21, RDA, and AACR2 is essential. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong organizational and communication skills set outstanding catalog librarians apart. These competencies ensure accurate resource organization, efficient information retrieval, and high-quality service for library users.

What are some common challenges faced by catalog librarians when implementing new cataloging standards or technologies?

Catalog librarians often encounter challenges when adopting new cataloging standards or technologies, such as adapting to evolving metadata schemas, integrating new software with existing library systems, and ensuring data consistency across collections. These changes may require ongoing professional development and collaboration with IT staff and other librarians to update workflows effectively. Staying current with best practices and maintaining attention to detail are essential to ensure accurate and accessible catalog records for users.

What is the difference between Catalog Librarian vs Archivist?

AspectCatalog LibrarianArchivist
CredentialsMaster's in Library Science (MLS) or Library and Information Science (MLIS)Master's in Library Science, History, or Archival Studies
Work EnvironmentLibraries, information centers, academic institutionsArchives, museums, historical repositories
Industry UsageOrganizing library collections, cataloging resourcesPreserving and managing historical records and collections
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding library cataloging roles and skillsDistinguishing archival preservation and management roles

The main difference between a Catalog Librarian and an Archivist lies in their focus areas. Catalog Librarians organize and manage library collections, ensuring resources are easily accessible through cataloging systems. Archivists, on the other hand, focus on preserving and managing historical records and archival materials. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but serve different purposes within information management and preservation environments.

More about Catalog Librarian jobs

What cities are hiring for Catalog Librarian jobs?

Cities with the most Catalog Librarian job openings:

What states have the most Catalog Librarian jobs?

States with the most job openings for Catalog Librarian jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Catalog Librarian jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Catalog Librarian jobs are:

Catalog Librarian jobs near you
Infographic showing various Catalog Librarian job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,193 per year, or $31.3 per hour.

Cataloging Librarian

Library Systems & Services LLC

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$71K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
LAC Federal is seeking an experienced Cataloging Librarian to support a federal library in Alexandria, Virginia. The Cataloging Librarian will provide professional original and copy cataloging services for a significant collection of print materials, including books, technical reports, and specialized materials. The successful candidate will create accurate, standards-based bibliographic records that improve the discovery, identification, organization, and accessibility of information resources. This is an on-site federal contract position requiring a strong command of MARC, professional cataloging standards, subject analysis, classification, authority-controlled access, and bibliographic quality control.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Perform original and copy cataloging of print library materials, including books, technical reports, and other specialized publications and information resources.
  • Examine materials to identify and accurately record bibliographic elements, including title, statement of responsibility, edition, publication information, and physical or digital characteristics.
  • Create complete, accurate, and consistent bibliographic records within the Library's integrated library system using the MARC framework and established professional cataloging practices.
  • Apply current professional cataloging standards, including Resource Description and Access (RDA) and, where appropriate for existing or legacy records, AACR2.
  • Perform subject analysis and assign appropriate Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) and locally established subject headings.
  • Assign and maintain appropriate classification information and access points to support effective organization, retrieval, and discovery of library materials.
  • Create appropriate bibliographic notes and other descriptive information needed to accurately represent the intellectual and physical characteristics of library materials.
  • Research and resolve complex cataloging questions associated with technical, unusual, rare, specialized, or difficult-to-describe materials.
  • Review, edit, and correct bibliographic records to ensure accuracy, consistency, completeness, and compliance with applicable cataloging and metadata standards.
  • Perform quality-control reviews and identify cataloging or metadata errors that could negatively affect resource discovery and user access.
  • Maintain consistent production and quality while supporting the Government's anticipated cataloging workload and established processing requirements.
  • Remain current with evolving cataloging standards, metadata practices, library technologies, and professional developments relevant to federal and technical libraries.

Requirements
Mandatory Qualifications
  • Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:
  • Master of Library Science (MLS) or Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited institution.
  • Minimum of two years of professional experience using the MARC framework for bibliographic cataloging.
  • Minimum of two years of experience applying professional cataloging standards such as AACR2 and/or RDA.
  • Demonstrated professional experience performing original and copy cataloging.
  • Demonstrated ability to create complete and accurate bibliographic records for print materials.
  • Experience performing descriptive cataloging, subject analysis, classification, and creation of appropriate bibliographic access points.
  • Working knowledge of Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH).
  • Demonstrated ability to review and edit bibliographic records for accuracy and quality.
  • Strong research, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and ability to consistently apply complex cataloging rules and standards.
  • Ability to work effectively in an on-site federal Government environment in Alexandria, Virginia.
  • Ability to meet applicable Government facility access and suitability requirements.

Preferred Qualifications
Ideal candidates will also possess several of the following:
  • Three or more years of professional cataloging experience in a federal, academic, research, technical, or special library.
  • Experience cataloging government publications, technical reports, scientific or engineering materials, or comparable specialized collections.
  • Advanced knowledge of MARC 21 bibliographic and authority formats.
  • Strong working knowledge of RDA, AACR2, LCSH, Library of Congress Classification (LCC), and authority control practices.
  • Experience using OCLC Connexion, WorldCat, or comparable OCLC cataloging utilities.
  • Experience working with an integrated library system or library services platform in a production cataloging environment.
  • Experience identifying and correcting incomplete, inconsistent, duplicate, or erroneous bibliographic and metadata records.
  • Experience cataloging rare, historical, specialized, or otherwise complex materials requiring additional research and professional judgment.
  • Familiarity with digital-library metadata standards such as Dublin Core or MODS and an interest in supporting digital-library workflows.
  • Experience working under production goals while maintaining established cataloging and quality-control standards.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to sit and work at a computer workstation for extended periods while performing detailed cataloging, bibliographic review, data entry, and quality-control activities.
  • Ability to handle, retrieve, organize, and examine library materials, including books, technical reports, and other print materials, requiring frequent use of hands and occasional reaching, bending, or stooping.
  • Ability to lift, carry, and move library materials weighing up to 25 pounds and safely transport materials between workstations, shelving, carts, and other areas within the library facility.

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.
Salary Description
$71,000 - $80,000

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