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Library Cataloger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Librarian (Cataloger)

Washington, DC ยท On-site +1

$70K - $91K/yr

Summary The Library of Congress shares its vast collections of books, manuscripts, photographs ... Catalog a variety of music and performing arts material in an automated cataloging environment ...

Apply and validate Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) and authorized name headings. * Catalog English and Spanish-language materials, including verifying language coding and multilingual ...

Cataloger

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$16.21/hr

Apply and validate Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) and authorized name headings. * Catalog English and Spanish-language materials, including verifying language coding and multilingual ...

Cataloger

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$9.43/hr

Job Type Part-time Description LAC Federal is seeking an experienced Cataloger to provide high ... Assign subject headings using Library of Congress Subject Headings. * Create and update name ...

Cataloger

Worcester, MA ยท On-site

$45K - $50K/yr

The AAS library today houses the largest and most accessible collection of books, pamphlets ... We are seeking a forward-thinking and detail-oriented individual to join our cataloging department.

New

Library Project Specialist

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

Catalog technical library resources, including digital and print materials related to audio/video technologies. Maintain accurate and up-to-date catalog records in library management systems for ...

Library Aide

Appleton, MN ยท On-site

$19.38/hr

We are currently seeking a Library Aide who has a passion for providing the highest quality care in ... Search catalog files, biographical dictionaries and indexes, and examines content of reference ...

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Library Cataloger information

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$26K

$62.1K

$100.5K

How much do library cataloger jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for library cataloger in the United States is $62,056.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $72,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a library cataloger?

Library catalogers are professionals responsible for organizing and classifying library materials, such as books, journals, and digital resources, so they can be easily found and accessed by library users. They create detailed records for each item, assigning standardized subject headings, authorship information, and call numbers according to cataloging rules like MARC and RDA. Catalogers play a crucial role in maintaining the accuracy and usability of a library's collection, ensuring resources are discoverable through the library catalog.

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

To thrive as a Library Cataloger, you need expertise in bibliographic classification, metadata standards, and information organization, often supported by a degree in library science. Familiarity with cataloging tools like MARC, OCLC WorldCat, integrated library systems (ILS), and relevant cataloging rules such as RDA is essential. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are key soft skills that help ensure accuracy and collaboration with library staff. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining precise, accessible, and user-friendly library collections.

What are some common challenges faced by library catalogers, and how can they be addressed?

Library catalogers often face the challenge of keeping up with evolving cataloging standards, such as RDA and MARC, while ensuring the accuracy and consistency of bibliographic records. Handling diverse materials, like digital resources or rare items, can require specialized knowledge and adaptability. Collaboration with other library staff is crucial to resolve ambiguities and maintain a user-friendly catalog. Staying up-to-date through professional development and open communication with colleagues helps catalogers overcome these challenges and support library users effectively.

What is the difference between Library Cataloger vs Library Archivist?

AspectLibrary CatalogerLibrary Archivist
Required CredentialsMLS or MLIS, cataloging certificationsMLS or MLIS, archival certifications
Work EnvironmentPublic, academic, or special librariesArchives, museums, special collections
Employer & IndustryLibraries, educational institutionsArchives, cultural institutions
Primary FocusOrganizing and maintaining library catalogsPreserving and managing archival collections

While both roles require an MLS or MLIS degree, Library Catalogers focus on organizing library materials and maintaining catalogs, whereas Library Archivists specialize in preserving and managing archival collections. Both work in similar environments but serve different functions within information management.

What does a library cataloger do in a library?

A library cataloger is responsible for creating and maintaining bibliographic records for library materials, ensuring accurate and consistent catalog entries. They use cataloging standards like MARC and tools such as integrated library systems (ILS) to organize resources for easy retrieval by patrons and staff.
More about Library Cataloger jobs

What cities are hiring for Library Cataloger jobs?

Cities with the most Library Cataloger job openings:

What states have the most Library Cataloger jobs?

States with the most job openings for Library Cataloger jobs include:

Infographic showing various Library Cataloger job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,056 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

Librarian (Cataloger)

Library of Congress

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site, Remote

$70K - $91K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Catalog a variety of music and performing arts materials in an automated cataloging environment.

  • Analyze and organize subject data to determine its relationship to existing collections and apply cataloging rules and guidelines.

  • Maintain personal contacts and collaborate with team members and cataloging policy staff to improve cataloging processes and procedures.


Job description

Summary
The Library of Congress shares its vast collections of books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, audiovisual materials, and priceless artifacts to cultivate curiosity and spark imagination. We engage, inspire, and inform Congress and the American people with a universal and enduring source of knowledge and creativity.
We seek highly talented professionals to join a vibrant and collaborative community. Your work here will have lasting impact on the Library and its users well into the future.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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This position serves as a Librarian (Cataloger) in the Music Bibliographic Access Section, Music Division, Special Collections Directorate, Researcher and Collections Service (RCS) Library Collections and Services Group (LCSG), at the Library of Congress (LOC) and reports to the Supervisory Librarian.
As the Librarian (Cataloger), you will:
  • Catalog a variety of music and performing arts material in an automated cataloging environment where the bibliographic characteristics of the material are relatively easy to determine and cataloging decisions are made within established standards; search entries in automated and manual catalogs; assign headings to catalog entries; select and assign classification numbers, create and revise bibliographic records, authority records, and classification schedules; perform content designation of bibliographic and authority records; perform research in the catalogs reference collection, online databases, the world wide web, and the collections of the Library; and resolve problems and inconsistencies in the cataloging process.
  • Analyze and organize standard subject data to determine its relationship to the existing collections for proper main entry, and the need for added entries; analyze material to determine subject content; apply standard rules, guidelines, and reference tools and established techniques and practices; and participate in formulating plans for changes and improvements to cataloging related issues.
  • Maintain personal contacts and cooperative work relationships in order to provide or exchange information; consult with the Service Unit and cataloging policy staff to recommend changes and additions in descriptive and subject cataloging rules: offer suggestions and advice to the Service Unit on operational and technical problems; collaborates with the Service Unit and other staff in planning and implementing the following team activities: workflow procedures, team priorities, cataloging projects of an experimental nature, and goal setting and strategies for meeting the team production.
  • Perform other duties assigned.

The position description number for this position is 470542.
The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area.
The incumbent of this position will work a Compflex or Flexitime work schedule. This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position.
Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
Conditions of Employment
Library of Congress employees are prohibited from using illegal drugs, including marijuana. The Library is part of the Federal Government and abides by federal law, so regardless of individual state or District of Columbia laws, marijuana use is illegal, considered criminal activity, and can affect your employment at the Library. In addition, past or current drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment.
Qualifications
Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision.
Knowledge of cataloging principles, standards, and practices for music and performing arts materials.**
Knowledge of history, theory, and literature of music.**
Ability to analyze and organize information and materials and interpret information in a music or performing arts library environment.**
Ability to interact collaboratively with others to provide consultation and liaison duties.
Ability to use integrated library systems, applications, or other information technologies.
Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
Education
All librarians must meet the requirements for professional education in library science or possess equivalent experience and education.
A. Completion of 1 full academic year of graduate study in library science in an accredited college or university, in addition to completion of all work required for a bachelor's degree;
or
B. A total of at least 5 years of a combination of college-level education, training, and experience. To qualify on this basis, the applicant must establish conclusively that the education, training, and experience provided knowledge and understanding of the theories, principles, and techniques of professional librarianship; a knowledge of literature resources; and the knowledge and abilities essential for providing effective library and information services.
Additional Education And Experience Requirements for Positions at GS-9 and Above
In addition to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements, applicants must have directly related education and/or specialized experience in the amounts required for the grade level as shown in the following table.
2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education or master's in library science or equivalent graduate degree, e.g., LL.B. or J.D., related to the position.
You MUST submit a legible copy of your college/university transcripts to your online application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the time of application. Official transcripts will be required if selected. Failure to submit the required legible documentation at the time of application will result in disqualification of your application.
Foreign Education - Education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed equivalent to conventional/accredited U.S. education programs to be acceptable for Federal employment. If your college/university is outside the U.S., your transcripts must be accompanied by a report from a credential evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE). Failure to submit a foreign education evaluation report will result in disqualification of your application.
Additional information
Although it is the Library's policy to afford the maximum pay benefit to employees when setting rates of pay, a new appointee who has had no previous Federal service will generally be paid at step one of the grade.
The Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer.
Applicants must submit a complete application package that is received by the closing date of this announcement.
Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation. For more information, please see:Vetting Process
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please email ADA@loc.gov. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Applicants with disabilities may be considered under special hiring procedures and must submit an appropriate certificate of eligibility when applying for this position. The proof or disability/certification may be issued by the State Vocational Rehabilitation Office, Disability Services or Career Services office of the applicant's college or university, or the Department of Veterans Affairs. The letter must verify that the applicant has a severe disability and must be dated within three years of the date of the application. Certification from health care providers are not accepted. For more information contact the Library's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity at 202-707-6024 or email spp@loc.gov. FAILURE TO SUBMIT YOUR CERTIFICATION WILL CAUSE YOUR APPLICATION TO NOT BE CONSIDERED UNDER THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT PROGRAM.
The Library of Congress is the national library of the United States and is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. As such, all positions are in the excepted service.
The Library reserves the right to fill a lesser or greater number of vacancies indicated during the life of this vacancy announcement.
Initial permanent appointments to the Library of Congress require completion of a one-year probationary period. Probationary periods served at other Federal agencies do not count toward this requirement.
The Library of Congress may offer repayment for all or part of federally insured student loans. However, not all service units within the Library of Congress participates in the repayment of federally insured student loans. Therefore, determination to repay a federally insured student loan is subject to approval by the appropriate service unit.
A "Not to Exceed" (NTE) status is used to identify an appointment with a specific ending date. However, the Library has the right to separate a NTE employee at any time due to either performance issues or budget constraints.
Are you a veteran? Please indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming in your application materials and/or applicant profile and provide the appropriate supporting documentation to validate your claim. Those applying for 5-point preference must submit Member Copy 4 of your DD 214. Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out an SF-15 (click here for the form) and provide the required documentation listed on the back of the form. If required supporting documentation is not attached, Veterans' Preference will not be considered in the application process.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.