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Cataloging Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Zimmerman Associates, Inc.

ZAI is seeking a cataloger/metadata specialist to support a major federal scientific and technical institution in the Washington, D.C. area. This position will provide original and copy cataloging ...

Library Systems & Services LLC

Cataloger

Washington, DC · On-site

$9.43/hr

MLS or MLIS from an ALA-accredited institution. * 2+ years of original cataloging experience in an academic or research library. * Expert knowledge of LCSH, LCC, MARC21 and other standards used in ...

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Cataloging information

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$33K

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$57K

How much do cataloging jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for cataloging in the United States is $46,634.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,000.00 and $47,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is cataloging?

Cataloging is the process of creating detailed records for items in a collection, such as books, artworks, or digital materials, to make them easy to find and access. In libraries and museums, catalogers assign standardized metadata like titles, authors, subjects, and classification numbers, ensuring consistency and discoverability. This work helps users search for and locate resources efficiently, both in physical and digital catalogs. Cataloging often involves following specific rules and using specialized software or cataloging systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cataloger, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cataloger, you need a solid understanding of bibliographic standards, metadata schemas, and classification systems, as well as a degree in library science or a related field. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS) like OCLC WorldCat, MARC records, and cataloging tools such as RDA Toolkit is typical. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong organizational skills are vital soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate, accessible records that support efficient information retrieval and resource management in libraries and archives.

What are some common challenges faced by cataloging professionals when working with diverse material formats?

Cataloging professionals often work with a wide variety of materials, including books, multimedia, digital resources, and special collections. Each format can present unique challenges, such as interpreting non-standard metadata, dealing with incomplete or ambiguous records, and ensuring consistency across different cataloging standards. Staying up-to-date with evolving cataloging rules (like RDA or MARC) and adapting workflows to accommodate new material types are also key aspects of the role. Collaboration with subject specialists and technical services teams is typically essential to resolve complex cataloging issues and maintain high-quality records.

What is the difference between Cataloging vs Librarian?

AspectCatalogingLibrarian
Required CredentialsTypically a postsecondary certificate or associate degree in library science or related fieldBachelor's or master's degree in library science (MLS or MLIS)
Work EnvironmentLibraries, archives, museums, or digital repositoriesPublic, academic, or special libraries, educational institutions
Job FocusOrganizing and classifying library materials, creating catalog recordsProviding access to information, assisting patrons, managing collections
Common Search/ComparisonCataloging vs Librarian

While cataloging involves organizing and classifying library materials, librarians perform a broader role that includes assisting users, managing collections, and providing information services. Both roles are essential in library settings, but cataloging is more specialized in metadata and classification tasks, whereas librarians have a wider scope of responsibilities.

More about Cataloging jobs

What cities are hiring for Cataloging jobs?

Cities with the most Cataloging job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Cataloging jobs?

The most popular types of Cataloging jobs are:

What states have the most Cataloging jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Cataloging jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Cataloging jobs are:

Cataloging jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cataloging job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,634 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Cataloging and Metadata Librarian

Zimmerman Associates, Inc.

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

Part-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

ZAI is seeking a cataloger/metadata specialist to support a major federal scientific and technical institution in the Washington, D.C. area. This position will provide original and copy cataloging for technical materials in a variety of languages and formats utilizing cataloging metadata standards and emerging linked data standards. Duties will also include cataloging and assigning descriptive metadata to images of museum objects, photographs, and other archival materials.
This is a part-time, 25-hour-per-week, remote position. Candidates in the Eastern and Central time-zones will be preferred.
Responsibilities
  • Perform complex original and copy cataloging in the MARC21 format for materials in a variety of languages and formats utilizing cataloging metadata standards and emerging linked data standards
  • Create full-level bibliographic records in accordance with RDA and local practices.
  • Catalog and assign descriptive metadata to images of museum objects, photographs, and other archival materials.
  • Prepare digital objects (e.g. publications, image files) and related metadata for ingest into digital repositories
  • Assist in the maintenance and operation of the library system platform (Alma ILS), including creation and editing of bibliographic records
  • Assist in performing quality control checks of all bibliographic metadata records and digital objects

Requirements
  • MLS degree from an accredited institution or equivalent library experience
  • At least 5 years of experience with metadata work and technical services
  • Experience using Ex Libris Alma ILS or similar library services platform
  • Proven ability to consistently apply cataloging rules and standards, including RDA, Bibframe, AACR2, and authorities including LCSH and LCNAH
  • Experience with various metadata formats including MARC21, XML, MARCXML
  • Experience with cataloging tools such as OCLC Records Manager and Connexion, MarcEdit, bibliographic formats and standards, and authority files
  • Experience with command line scripting, batch scripting, XSLT transformations, and regular expressions
  • Previous original and copy cataloging experience.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
  • Ability to work independently while maintaining a high degree of accuracy and productivity.

ZAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

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