Alfred University

POSITION DESCRIPTION FORM

Title of Position: Technical Services Assistant - Cataloging

Department/School: Scholes Library; University Libraries

Title of Supervisor: Digital Projects/Collection Management Librarian

Part Il: Position Summary

Performs original and adaptive cataloging and classification of library materials in all formats.
Establishes and implements Cataloging goals, priorities and quality control. Defines and
oversees related functional tasks to be performed by student assistants. Serves as backup in
various functions for the Technical Services Assistant -- Acquisitions and Serials.

Part III: Requirements

Formal Education: Associate’s degree or equivalent required; Bachelor's degree preferred.

Experience: Library cataloging experience preferred, ideally in an academic library. Experience

with automated library management systems and previous supervisory experience desirable.

Additional Knowledge/Skills:
Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities. Strong oral and written
communication skills, and sustained attention to detail. Knowledge of current rules, resources,
and practices in cataloging, classification, and authority control, such as Anglo-American
Cataloging Rules, Library of Congress (LC) classification scheme, MARC (machine readable
cataloging) format, and RDA. Experience cataloging and editing bibliographic records with
cataloging programs, such as OCLC Connexion Client, Classification Web, and an online library
system. Excellent computer skills and willingness to acquire new skills and stay current with
new technologies. Ability to provide supervision, on-the-job training, and/or guidance to others
who work in the division and to student assistants. Proficient in working independently, with
minimal supervision and ability to work cooperatively with others establish priorities and follow
through on complex projects.

Part IV: Job Responsibilities

Cataloging:
● Performs original and copy cataloging, creates and maintains metadata for library
materials in all formats, including print, digital and audio-visual material.
 ● Works in coordination with the librarians to create metadata for and cataloging of theses
and dissertations.
● Creates and maintains bibliographic, authority, and holdings data, contributing to both
local and internationally shared databases.
● Using Connexion Client software, searches OCLC (Online Computer Library Center)
worldwide bibliographic database using specific search syntax to locate existing
bibliographic records for newly acquired materials.
● Verifies name, subject and series authority fields using Library of Congress and Machine
Readable Cataloging (MARC) formats.
● Checks and matches MARC fixed field codes against descriptive text and MARC
variable field indicators for accuracy.
● Gives thorough attention to descriptive content in accordance with AACR2 and RDA
including subject headings, added entries, call number, etc. Applies local customization
as needed.
● Creates original bibliographic records, including fixed fields, descriptive content, subject
headings, MARC tags, indicators, codes and call number.
● Edits existing bibliographic record (or inputs original cataloging) in Connexion Client,
using precise keying of text and symbols in MARC format.
● Adds appropriate bibliographic, holdings and item records to the library management
system to reflect the library’s collection.

Policies and Procedures:

● Develops, evaluates, and implements Cataloging Department procedures in conjunction
with cataloging systems, standards, and tools. Establishes long and short-term priorities,
in consultation with librarians as needed.
● Monitors departmental workflow to maximize efficiency.
● Consults with Circulation and Reference faculty and staff as needed to evaluate policies
and procedures affecting patron service. Identifies areas of need and investigates means
to achieve desired improvements.

Maintenance and Accuracy of Catalog:

● Responsible for the accuracy and integrity of bibliographic, holding and item records in
the library management system. Resolves inconsistencies and executes clean-up and
enhancement projects as needed.
● Works with librarians on weeding projects, retrieving and deaccessioning materials and
arranging for their disposal.

Cataloging Rules and Procedures:

● Attends appropriate workshops and conferences to stay current on cataloging rules and
procedures. Monitors print publications and electronic resources dealing with same.
● Consults with librarians in setting priorities and making changes in cataloging
procedures.
● Implements rule changes and standard revisions, changes in rule interpretation and their
application.
● Remains current on emerging guidelines for integration of new information formats.
Processing Materials:
● Oversees the processing and preparation (labelling, identifying information, security
control, etc. of library materials for circulation in all formats.

Statistics:
● Keeps statistics of copy and original cataloging by categories of new materials added to
the collection as well as for items withdrawn.
● Maintains databases to keep accurate records of project descriptions and status
● Maintains documentation of local policies and procedures, special faculty requests, and
departmental statistics.

Supervise Student Workers:

● Supervises, trains, evaluates and sets priorities for student workers in library procedures
and practices, database maintenance, and technical processing of library materials.

Backup:
● Serves as backup in various functions for the Scholes Library Technical Services
Assistant-- Acquisitions and Serials, including book acquisitions, receipt and routing of
gifts, and serials check-in.
● Provides backup as needed for the Herrick Library Technical Processes Manager.

Other:
● Member of the AU Libraries’ Collection Management Team.
● Commitment to support the Libraries’ values of free and open pursuit of knowledge;
support for intellectual and cultural diversity; innovation, collaboration, and creativity;
excellent service; and effective communication.
● Participates in safety training and complies with safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
● Performs additional duties and assists with special projects as assigned.

This job description is an accurate reflection of the work performed by the position.

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Supervisor Signature Date