Digital Collections Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Description

LAC Federal is seeking a Librarian to support a library focused on military and engineering history by managing and enhancing access to historical collections. This role supports a multidisciplinary federal environment that integrates library science, archival processing, and digital collections management. The selected candidate will perform cataloging, metadata creation, and collection analysis for print and digital historical materials, enabling discoverability and long-term preservation of United States military history. This position requires strong attention to detail, knowledge of metadata standards, and the ability to work within structured federal workflows. Some travel may be required to locations in Maryland, Washington, DC., Virginia, and Missouri.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform original and copy cataloging for monographs, reports, and historical publications 
• Create, edit, and maintain metadata for digital and digitized collections 
• Apply metadata standards (e.g., MARC21, Dublin Core) to ensure consistency and interoperability 
• Support accessioning and organization of historical library and research collections 
• Conduct collection analysis, including relevance assessment and weeding recommendations 
• Collaborate with archivists and historians to align cataloging with archival description practices 
• Ensure compliance with federal and institutional cataloging standards and best practices 
• Support digitization workflows by preparing and validating metadata for ingestion into digital repositories 
• Perform quality control reviews of catalog records and metadata outputs 
• Assist with development and refinement of controlled vocabularies and subject headings 
• Provide documentation and reporting on cataloging activities and collection status 
• Coordinate with project leadership to support multiple concurrent task orders and deadlines 

Requirements

• Master's degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS/MLS) from an ALA-accredited institution 
• Minimum 2 years of experience in cataloging and metadata creation in a variety of formats, including monographs, audio and visual formats, maps, manuscripts, rare books, etc.
• Minimum 1 one year's experience with development and/or maintenance of metadata files and the ability to identify errors in metadata
• Demonstrated experience with MARC21 and standard library cataloging practices 
• Experience applying metadata schemas such as Dublin Core or MODS 
• Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS) or library services platforms (EOS.Web preferred)
• Experience working with digital collections and/or digitization workflows 
• Knowledge of controlled vocabularies (e.g., LCSH, LCNAF) 
• Strong attention to detail and ability to perform quality control on metadata records 
• Ability to work on-site in the Washington, DC metro area 
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a Public Trust clearance 
• Be able to lift materials weighing up to 20 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting federal libraries, archives, or cultural heritage organizations 
• Familiarity with archival standards (e.g., DACS, EAD) and hybrid library/archives environments 
• Knowledge of digitization standards and digital preservation concepts 
• Experience working with historical, government, or military collections 
• Familiarity with linked data concepts or emerging metadata frameworks 
• Experience contributing to or managing digital repositories or content management systems 
• Strong written communication skills, including documentation and reporting 
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team (librarians, archivists, historians) 
• Experience supporting federal contract environments or task order-based work 

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while performing detailed cataloging, metadata entry, and computer-based work 
• Ability to lift, carry, and move library materials (e.g., books, archival boxes) up to approximately 25 pounds and handle physical collections as needed 
• Ability to travel occasionally and move between office, library, and archival environments, including accessing shelving and storage areas requiring bending, reaching, or light climbing

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.