ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Full Time Museum Cataloging Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Elixir Technologies

Curator

New Orleans, LA · On-site

Job Type Full-time Description The National WWII Museum is currently seeking a Curator. Reporting ... Inventory, catalog, and document artifacts and archival items in the Museum's collection management ...

Shaker Village

Museum Intern

Harrodsburg, KY · On-site

$1.5K/wk

Position: Museum Intern (fall 2026) Status: Full-time (40 hours/week) for 10 weeks To Apply ... cataloging institutional archives, and assisting with other collections management tasks. Time and ...

Museum of Fine Arts

Registrar Fellow

Boston, MA · On-site

Additionally, the Fellow will receive training in TMS (The Museum System), the collections ... Essential Functions: • Register, catalogue, document, and record artworks both on loan to and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMuseum Cataloging JobsFull Time Museum Cataloging Jobs

Full Time Museum Cataloging information

See salary details

$31.5K

$44.2K

$56K

How much do full time museum cataloging jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time museum cataloging in the United States is $44,195.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $48,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced in a full-time museum cataloging role, and how can they be managed?

Full-time museum catalogers often encounter challenges such as managing large volumes of items, maintaining accuracy and consistency in records, and integrating new acquisitions into existing catalog systems. Staying organized and establishing clear cataloging standards helps ensure accuracy and efficiency. Collaboration with curators, conservators, and registrars is also essential to verify details and prioritize tasks, making good communication skills and adaptability valuable assets in this role.

What is the difference between Full Time Museum Cataloging vs Part Time Museum Cataloging?

AspectFull Time Museum CatalogingPart Time Museum Cataloging
Work HoursTypically 35-40 hours per weekFewer hours, often less than 20 hours per week
Job ResponsibilitiesComplete cataloging, data entry, and collection managementSimilar tasks but on a reduced schedule
CredentialsRelevant education and experience often requiredSame credentials but with flexible scheduling
Work EnvironmentOn-site in museum or archive settingOn-site or remote, depending on institution policies

Full Time Museum Cataloging involves a standard 35-40 hour workweek with comprehensive responsibilities in collection management. Part Time Museum Cataloging offers similar duties but with fewer hours, providing flexibility for those balancing other commitments. Both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable environments, but the full-time position typically offers more stability and benefits.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Full Time Museum Cataloger, and why are they important?

To excel as a Full Time Museum Cataloger, you need strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and a background in art history, museum studies, or a related field. Familiarity with museum collection management systems (such as TMS or PastPerfect) and digital cataloging standards, as well as experience with database software, are typically necessary. Excellent written communication, analytical thinking, and the ability to work independently make candidates stand out. These skills ensure accurate documentation, preservation, and accessibility of collections, which are critical for the museum's educational and preservation missions.

What is a Full Time Museum Cataloging job?

A full time museum cataloging job involves the systematic documentation and management of a museum's collection. Catalogers are responsible for recording detailed information about each object, such as its origin, condition, history, and location within the museum. This information is typically entered into a digital collection management system to ensure accurate tracking and accessibility. Full time positions generally require attention to detail, organizational skills, and knowledge of museum standards for cataloging. Catalogers may also assist with research, exhibitions, and the care and preservation of objects.
More about Full Time Museum Cataloging jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Cataloging jobs? The most popular types of Museum Cataloging jobs are:
What states have the most Full Time Museum Cataloging jobs? States with the most job openings for Full Time Museum Cataloging jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Full Time Museum Cataloging jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Full Time Museum Cataloging jobs are:
Full Time Museum Cataloging jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Museum Cataloging job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% Locum Tenens, 60% As Needed, 26% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,195 per year, or $21.2 per hour.
Cataloging Librarian

Cataloging Librarian

Library Systems & Services LLC

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
LAC Federal is seeking a Cataloger to support a major federal cultural institution in the Washington, D.C. area providing original and complex cataloging for artists' books and related materials. This position will focus on the cataloging, metadata creation, and physical processing of unique and rare artists' books within one of the nation's premier art research collections. The position requires detailed bibliographic analysis, application of RDA cataloging standards, assignment of Library of Congress classification (LCC) and subject headings (LCSH), creation of item records, and physical processing of collection materials. The Cataloger will also assist with rehousing and preservation-oriented processing activities for unique and editioned artists' books. This is a full-time, on-site position in downtown Washington, DC.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Retrieve artists' books from secure storage and return materials to designated storage locations after processing.
  • Perform original and complex copy cataloging of artists' books using OCLC and the library services platform.
  • Create full-level bibliographic records in accordance with RDA and local practices.
  • Research artists, publishers, formats, and publication history to verify and enhance cataloging data.
  • Assign Library of Congress Classification (LCC) numbers and Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH).
  • Apply genre and form headings and other specialized metadata appropriate for artists' books.
  • Update OCLC holdings and export/import bibliographic records into local systems.
  • Create and maintain item-level records in the local ILS
  • Generate call number labels, barcodes, acid-free tags, and other processing documentation.
  • Rehouse artists' books and related ephemeral materials in archival enclosures and identify materials requiring custom housing.
  • Participate in cataloging discussions and coordinate with Smithsonian staff regarding cataloging practices and standards.
  • Prepare monthly progress reports documenting completed cataloging and processing activities.
  • Handle rare, unique, and special-format materials using appropriate preservation and collections care practices.

Requirements
  • Demonstrated experience using library cataloging platforms, including OCLC Connexion and library services platforms (LSPs).
  • Ability to perform original and copy cataloging at the full bibliographic level in accordance with professional cataloging standards.
  • Experience creating bibliographic records using RDA standards and applying Library of Congress Classification (LCC) and Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH).
  • Ability to work on-site in Washington, DC during normal business hours.
  • Ability to successfully complete any required Smithsonian background investigation and credentialing requirements.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's Degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited institution.
  • Two or more years of professional cataloging experience in academic, museum, research, special, or art libraries.
  • Experience cataloging artists' books, rare books, special collections, museum collections, visual resources, or other unique formats.
  • Knowledge of MARC21 bibliographic and authority formats.
  • Familiarity with PCC, NACO, LC-PCC Policy Statements, Getty AAT, and genre/form vocabularies.
  • Experience with Alma, Horizon, or other integrated library systems.
  • Experience performing authority work and metadata enhancement.
  • Knowledge of book arts, printmaking, photography, artist publications, visual arts, or museum collections.
  • Experience handling rare, fragile, archival, or special-format materials.
  • Strong research, analytical, and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently while maintaining a high degree of accuracy and productivity.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to retrieve, transport, and shelve library materials, including lifting and carrying books, archival boxes, and collection materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
  • Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move throughout library storage and processing areas for extended periods while handling, rehousing, and processing collection materials.
  • Ability to perform repetitive hand and finger movements, including keyboarding, data entry, labeling, scanning, and handling rare or fragile materials with appropriate care and precision.

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.

Apply