Remote Catalog Writer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Description

LAC Federal is seeking an experienced Copy Cataloger (Audiovisual Materials) to provide copy cataloging and catalog record enhancement for sound recordings in both English and Spanish. This fully remote position supports one of the nation's premier accessible library programs by enhancing commercial MARC records for talking books and other accessible media. The successful candidate will apply national cataloging standards, edit MARC21 bibliographic records, assign Dewey Decimal Classification numbers, verify Library of Congress Subject Headings, and prepare production-ready records for integration into the NLS catalog. Candidates should possess strong copy cataloging skills, exceptional attention to detail, and experience working with sound recordings and accessible library collections in a production-oriented environment. The solicitation emphasizes enhancing commercial vendor MARC records into NLS-compliant records using prescribed MARC fields and NLS cataloging practices.
 

Responsibilities

• Perform enhanced copy cataloging of commercial MARC records for talking books and other audiovisual materials in accordance with agency cataloging instructions.
• Review and edit MARC21 bibliographic records to ensure completeness, consistency, and compliance with provided standards.
• Add, modify, or validate required MARC fields, including fixed fields, descriptive elements, access points, and subject headings.
• Assign and verify Dewey Decimal Classification numbers and ensure appropriate classification for collection materials.
• 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 metadata when applicable.
• Use MarcEdit and other cataloging tools to edit, validate, and quality check bibliographic records.
• Compare commercial vendor records with provided cataloging requirements and make all required metadata enhancements before submission.
• Ensure authority-controlled access points are accurate and consistent with current Library of Congress authority files.
• Meet established production schedules while maintaining exceptional cataloging accuracy and quality standards.
• Document cataloging decisions and participate in quality assurance reviews and corrective actions as needed.
• Collaborate with project leadership and quality reviewers to continuously improve cataloging workflows and metadata quality.

Requirements

Mandatory Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS/MLS) from an ALA-accredited institution (Master's degree preferred)
• Experience cataloging Spanish-language materials
• Ability to comprehend spoken Spanish sufficient to catalog sound recordings
• Minimum 2-3 years of professional cataloging experience.
• Demonstrated experience performing enhanced copy cataloging using MARC21.
• Experience cataloging sound recordings, talking books, or other audiovisual materials.
• Working knowledge of AACR2 and/or RDA descriptive cataloging standards.
• Experience assigning or validating Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) numbers.
• Experience applying Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH).
• Experience using MarcEdit for metadata editing and validation.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a fully remote production environment.
• Excellent written communication skills and meticulous attention to bibliographic accuracy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting a federal library.
• Experience cataloging materials for blind or print-disabled library users.
• Experience working with sound recording bibliographic records.
• Knowledge of Library of Congress Name Authority File (LCNAF).
• Experience with authority control and authority record maintenance.
• Experience cataloging multilingual materials, particularly Spanish-language publications.
• Familiarity with BIBFRAME concepts and linked data initiatives.
• Experience using OCLC Connexion or WorldCat Metadata Services.
• Experience with batch metadata remediation and quality assurance.
• Experience working under federal performance metrics and production quotas.
• Familiarity with accessibility standards and alternate-format library collections.
• Knowledge of Library of Congress MARC coding practices and cataloging policies.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit for extended periods while performing detailed computer-based cataloging work, including reviewing, editing, and validating bibliographic records using multiple software applications in a fully remote environment. 
• Ability to use a computer, keyboard, mouse, and monitor for prolonged periods with sufficient visual acuity to accurately review MARC records, metadata fields, classification data, and multilingual bibliographic information. 
• Ability to communicate effectively via email, virtual meetings, and telephone, and maintain sustained concentration, attention to detail, and productivity while meeting established production schedules and quality standards in an independent remote work setting.

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.