Cataloging Librarian

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.