Salary: $22.75 Hourly
Location : Library! - Main Branch, Boise, ID
Job Type: Full Time Regular
Job Number: 23 -07607
Department: Library
Division: Acquisitions-Technical Srvcs
Opening Date: 05/28/2026
Closing Date: 6/11/2026 12:00 PM Mountain
Summary StatementThe Downtown Public Library is looking for a curious, detail-minded Cataloging Specialist to support the accuracy, consistency, and usability of the library catalog. While rooted in library service, this role focuses on the behind-the-scenes systems and records that help patrons and staff find materials with confidence. Day-to-day work may include checking in magazines, reviewing and comparing bibliographic records, constructing Dewey numbers, verifying authorized headings, maintaining genre and series information, cleaning up records, and running reports to identify and correct catalog errors. With hands-on training and ongoing support, the Cataloging Specialist will develop specialized skills in cataloging standards and shared-system workflows while playing an essential role in connecting the community with library materials.
To ensure internal equity and alignment with the approved budget for this position, offers are made within the posted hiring range. Although the hiring range is fixed, employees receive an exceptional benefits and total rewards package that enhances the overall value of employment with the City of Boise.
Why the City of Boise?The benefits are real and among the best in the Treasure Valley:
- Zero-cost premium medical coverage for you and your family
- PERSI retirement plus employer-matched 401(k)/457b
- 10 hours vacation/month (grows with tenure), 12 paid holidays, and 8 hours sick leave/month
- 10 weeks paid parental leave
- $500 annual wellbeing incentive
- Tuition reimbursement and free local bus pass
- Basic life and long-term disability insurance at no cost
Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training- High school diploma or equivalent and college coursework or specialized training
- Nine years of experience in the library record work
- Or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
Special RequirementsApplicants must be able to pass:
City of Boise background check processes which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation
Disclaimer: This job posting may close earlier than the listed closing date. If this occurs, a minimum of 24 hours' notice will be provided prior to closing.
Applications received for this recruitment may be used to fill similar vacancies within the City of Boise as they occur.
Essential FunctionsCoordinates day-to-day work, delegated tasks and sets deadlines for the assigned team. Provides guidance, direction and support for training and reviews work. Ensures effective collaboration with other teams. Listens to team members' input and feedback and resolves any issues or conflicts.
Performs duties of lower-level Library Acquisitions Specialists; merges and edits bibliographic records as needed and identifies any ongoing issues for cleanup to maintain the integrity of the data in the ILS. Handles complex issues with records, and provides assistance and training to others. Performs complicated tasks requiring considerable judgement, analysis and decision making, and refers only the most complex problems to a cataloger.
Creates and runs routine reports and tracks items needing additional record work. Works closely with the Cataloger and Collection Development team to identify and resolve metadata integrity issues. Performs other record work or statistical functions as needs are identified.
Works on initiatives including but not limited to call number assignments, projects to update outdated collection practices, and authority work. May participate on library-wide teams.
Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.
RequirementsKnowledge of:- Standard library procedures, policies and materials
- Machine-readable cataloging records
- Dewey Decimal Classification system
- Bibliographic record format, library cataloging and classification systems
- Advanced computer skills
- Customer service techniques.
Ability to:- Learn and use changing library systems
- Interpret and understand bibliographic and item records
- Work independently and as part of a team
- Organize work and manage multiple priorities
- Oversee the work of other staff
- Communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance
- Perform all essential functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And TrainingPost-high school education or coursework in library science, information technology, or database management and seven years of experience in a library technical services environment working with library materials and utilizing vendor's online systems.
Two or more years of library technical services experience working in a shared catalog environment such as a consortium.
Working ConditionsThe physical effort characteristics and working environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Efforts While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently lifting/carrying up to 20 pounds, occasionally lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds and rarely lifting/carrying up to 75 pounds. Also, the employee is frequently pushing/pulling up to 100 pounds and occasionally pushing/pulling up to 101+ pounds. The noise level is occasionally moderate and rarely very loud. Work includes sensory ability to talk, hear and touch. Work in this position also includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception. Employees will sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach and grasp. Position requires hand/finger dexterity.
Working EnvironmentThe work environment will include inside conditions, outdoor weather conditions, extreme temperatures, in wet and humid conditions, areas of dust, odors, mist and gases or other airborne matter. Work includes protected exposure to infectious bacteria, bodily fluids and chemicals.
Top talent deserves top-notch benefits. The City is among the best in the Treasure Valley when it comes to the benefits and perks we offer our employees.
Most positions are eligible for the general benefits listed here; firefighters, police officers, senior managers, command staff, and directors may be offered other benefit plans.
Healthcare:
- ZERO premium medical coverage option for you and your family
- Low-cost dental and vision options.
- Post-employment health savings account.
Retirement and Investment Plans:
- PERSI retirement benefits
- 401(k) or 457b pre-tax investment options with employer match.
- 457b Roth after-tax investment options with no match
WellBeing Program:
- Up to $500 cash per year for participants.
- Alternative transportation incentives.
Paid Leave - City employees receive generous paid leave:
- 10 hours of vacation per month, and this increases the longer you stay with the City
- 12 paid holidays every year
- 8 hours of sick leave per month
- 10 weeks Parental Leave
Life & Long Term Disability:
- Basic Life insurance at no cost to you
- Long Term Disability insurance at no cost to you
Other optional benefits:
- Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts
- Supplemental Life Insurance
- Supplemental Disability Insurance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Free local bus pass
- Corporate discount programs
- AFLAC
- Employee Assistance Program for short-term counseling on work, family, finances, and personal issues.
Please visit our website for further details
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Why are you interested in the Cataloging Specialist role with the City of Boise and Boise Public Library? In your response, please include any experience you have with detailed computer-based work, learning complex systems, following standards or guidelines, reviewing information for accuracy, or correcting errors.
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