Head Cataloging Librarian jobs in Wisconsin

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Libraries seek an experienced, collaborative, and visionary cataloging and metadata librarian to join the Central Technical Services (CTS) Cataloging Department. The Cataloging Department is responsible for providing access to the UW-Madison Libraries' rich collection in all formats. This position focuses on Special Collections materials. The holdings of the Department of Special Collections include rare books, manuscripts, archival collections, printed ephemera, maps, broadsides, photographs, recordings, and other objects that benefit from special handling. Special Collections also holds collections that are themselves of unique research value, because they concentrate on particular authors, publishers, topics, or genres and thereby permit exploration of subjects in depth.

This position provides advanced resource description for the libraries of UW-Madison, including original and complex copy cataloging for all physical formats in a variety of subjects and languages, creating/enhancing authority records according to professional standards, and providing consultation and training for staff and students. The Resource Description Librarian and Cataloging Coordinator for Special Collections will also manage cataloging and metadata activities to enhance discovery of and access to the holdings of Special Collections; create records for scholarly and special collection items in a wide range of formats and languages according to best practices and standards; and contribute to initiatives to review, enhance, and/or remediate descriptive information. A successful candidate will also actively participate in professional discussions and activities in PCC programs, conferences and other professional venues. They will contribute to the campus, the Universities of Wisconsin, and the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) consortium committees.

The Libraries at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are dedicated to the practices of social justice, diversity, equality, and respect among our staff, students, collections, and services. We strive to overcome historical and divisive biases in our society and embrace diverse points of view as assets to the fabric of our community. All positions will be called on to contribute to building this environment.

• 40% Creates processes and maintains the most complex metadata records for the purposes of resource discovery, access, and inventory control, by following local and national cataloging and metadata standards and exercising a significant degree of independent judgement
• 15% Provides expertise in the analysis, planning, development, and deployment of resources to search, manipulate, and preserve information
• 20% Oversees day-to-day functions of one or more library operations or services
• 5% Serves as a resource to other librarians and staff both within and outside of their work unit on a regular basis
• 5% Initiates and solicits input to modify policies, procedures, and assessment tools to improve workflows and/or user experiences
• 5% Serves on committees to advance librarianship at the campus, local, and/or state and national levels
• 5% May direct the day-to-day activities of student workers
• 5% Actively participate in national corporative cataloging programs

• Serve as the coordinator for cataloging in the Special Collections Department and provide original cataloging and complex copy cataloging for Special Collections
• Provide original cataloging and complex copy cataloging for library materials in all physical formats including but not limited to monographs, serials, maps, audiovisual, microforms, etc
• Participate in national cataloging programs CONSER, BIBCO, NACO, SACO.
• Collaborate with colleagues in the department, on campus and across the Universities of Wisconsin on cataloging tasks and actively participate in committees at various levels.
• Provide training and consultations for staff members and student assistants.
• Contribute to creating and updating department policies and procedures.
• Participate in scholarship and professional activities.

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit:

Master's degree in Information and Library Science from an ALA-accredited institution or equivalent is required.

Required Qualifications:
- Minimum of 2 years of professional cataloging experience

Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated strong working knowledge and experience of cataloging and metadata rules, standards, and tools such as MARC, RDA, DCRM, and a variety of controlled vocabularies.
- Working experience in cataloging special collections materials and rare books.
- Working experience with national cooperative cataloging programs such as PCC (CONSER, BIBCO, NACO, SACO) and OCLC Enhance.
- Reading knowledge of one or more non-English languages.
- Experience in cataloging different formats, including serials.
- Experience with creating authority records.
- Knowledge of trends and best practices in both traditional and linked data resource description.
- Demonstrated leadership skills, collaborative working skills, and project management skills.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills as well as strong interpersonal skills.
- Experience with Ex Libris Alma integrated library system.
- Demonstrated participation or interest in scholarship and professional activities.

Full Time: 100%

It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.

Ongoing/Renewable

Minimum $57,500 ANNUAL (12 months)
Depending on Qualifications

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

A cover letter and resume are required. Contact Melissa Ortiz () for more information. All applications must be submitted through the Jobs at UW applicant system. Click on 'Apply Now' to submit your materials. References will be collected from finalists at the time of the interviews.

Amber Smart

Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See for further information.

Lib II-Rsrc Mgmt & Data Svcs(LM004)

A49-GENERAL LIBRARY/CENTRAL TECHNICAL SERVICE

Academic Staff-Renewable

295452-AS