Library Scientist Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Description

LAC Federal is seeking an experienced Cataloging Librarian to support a federal library in Alexandria, Virginia. The Cataloging Librarian will provide professional original and copy cataloging services for a significant collection of print materials, including books, technical reports, and specialized materials. The successful candidate will create accurate, standards-based bibliographic records that improve the discovery, identification, organization, and accessibility of information resources. This is an on-site federal contract position requiring a strong command of MARC, professional cataloging standards, subject analysis, classification, authority-controlled access, and bibliographic quality control.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform original and copy cataloging of print library materials, including books, technical reports, and other specialized publications and information resources.
• Examine materials to identify and accurately record bibliographic elements, including title, statement of responsibility, edition, publication information, and physical or digital characteristics.
• Create complete, accurate, and consistent bibliographic records within the Library's integrated library system using the MARC framework and established professional cataloging practices.
• Apply current professional cataloging standards, including Resource Description and Access (RDA) and, where appropriate for existing or legacy records, AACR2.
• Perform subject analysis and assign appropriate Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) and locally established subject headings.
• Assign and maintain appropriate classification information and access points to support effective organization, retrieval, and discovery of library materials.
• Create appropriate bibliographic notes and other descriptive information needed to accurately represent the intellectual and physical characteristics of library materials.
• Research and resolve complex cataloging questions associated with technical, unusual, rare, specialized, or difficult-to-describe materials.
• Review, edit, and correct bibliographic records to ensure accuracy, consistency, completeness, and compliance with applicable cataloging and metadata standards.
• Perform quality-control reviews and identify cataloging or metadata errors that could negatively affect resource discovery and user access.
• Maintain consistent production and quality while supporting the Government's anticipated cataloging workload and established processing requirements.
• Remain current with evolving cataloging standards, metadata practices, library technologies, and professional developments relevant to federal and technical libraries.

Requirements

Mandatory Qualifications

• Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:
• Master of Library Science (MLS) or Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited institution.
• Minimum of two years of professional experience using the MARC framework for bibliographic cataloging.
• Minimum of two years of experience applying professional cataloging standards such as AACR2 and/or RDA.
• Demonstrated professional experience performing original and copy cataloging.
• Demonstrated ability to create complete and accurate bibliographic records for print materials.
• Experience performing descriptive cataloging, subject analysis, classification, and creation of appropriate bibliographic access points.
• Working knowledge of Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH).
• Demonstrated ability to review and edit bibliographic records for accuracy and quality.
• Strong research, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to consistently apply complex cataloging rules and standards.
• Ability to work effectively in an on-site federal Government environment in Alexandria, Virginia.
• Ability to meet applicable Government facility access and suitability requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

Ideal candidates will also possess several of the following:

• Three or more years of professional cataloging experience in a federal, academic, research, technical, or special library.
• Experience cataloging government publications, technical reports, scientific or engineering materials, or comparable specialized collections.
• Advanced knowledge of MARC 21 bibliographic and authority formats.
• Strong working knowledge of RDA, AACR2, LCSH, Library of Congress Classification (LCC), and authority control practices.
• Experience using OCLC Connexion, WorldCat, or comparable OCLC cataloging utilities.
• Experience working with an integrated library system or library services platform in a production cataloging environment.
• Experience identifying and correcting incomplete, inconsistent, duplicate, or erroneous bibliographic and metadata records.
• Experience cataloging rare, historical, specialized, or otherwise complex materials requiring additional research and professional judgment.
• Familiarity with digital-library metadata standards such as Dublin Core or MODS and an interest in supporting digital-library workflows.
• Experience working under production goals while maintaining established cataloging and quality-control standards.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and work at a computer workstation for extended periods while performing detailed cataloging, bibliographic review, data entry, and quality-control activities.
• Ability to handle, retrieve, organize, and examine library materials, including books, technical reports, and other print materials, requiring frequent use of hands and occasional reaching, bending, or stooping.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move library materials weighing up to 25 pounds and safely transport materials between workstations, shelving, carts, and other areas within the library facility.

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.