Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) is looking for a Cataloging Librarian who maintains and facilitates usage of the integrated library system's cataloging module and records, in addition to the discovery layer. This role has the primary responsibility for the accuracy and usability of the catalog, accomplished by managing quality control issues in the database and by supporting the work of other cataloging and technical services staff. This position will also play a critical role in a multi-year project to centralize collection management and technical services at WCCLS for the cooperative.
In this role, you will perform a variety of tasks related to bibliographic records; maintain the catalog and discovery layer; provide leadership to the cooperative-wide cataloging work; and answer staff and patron questions about the catalog and discovery layer. You will also manage projects with cooperative-wide impact in cataloging and technical services including, but not limited to, evaluating vendor products and participating in request for proposal (RFP) processes for new vendors or products.
Our ideal candidate
- Has a background in library cataloging and has been performing complex cataloging tasks as a significant part of their workday
- Uses cataloging applications at an expert level
- Has in-depth knowledge of cataloging, including national and international standard ontologies, frameworks, rules, encoding schemes, vocabularies, and best practices
- Stays current with trends, best practices, standards, and technologies in the field of technical services
- Cultivates strong relationships both among and across teams
- Serves as a mentor, trainer, resource, and leader for cataloging and technical services staff
- Articulates ideas in a concise and organized manner, both verbally and in writing; is equally effective communicating virtually and in-person; and is adept at documentation
- Synthesizes and translates highly technical information for staff with a variety of skill levels
- Approaches problems systematically, using logical steps to explore potential causes and solutions, and problem-solves collaboratively
- Works well both independently and with others by contributing ideas and supporting team goals
This position may be eligible for a hybrid schedule. Employees must reside in Oregon or Washington.
About WCCLS
WCCLS is not a library. We are a partnership among Washington County, nine cities and three non-profit organizations that operate local libraries. WCCLS provides the majority of funding for all public libraries in the county. We are a Washington County department of 36 FTE that supports 16 public library locations, giving patrons access to 1.5 million items in our shared collection. WCCLS reduces costs by efficiently centralizing operations such as our shared catalog, logistics, digital library collections, IT, and more. Learn more about WCCLS at wccls.org/about.
Your Team
The Library Systems & Collections team is integral to the success of WCCLS and our cooperative. The team provides, supports, and manages essential library infrastructure (the ILS, discovery layer, public catalog, records, and staff applications) and manages WCCLS digital collections for the public. Your team will include the Systems & Discovery Librarian, E-Content Librarian, Collections & Online Resources Librarian, and Library Systems & Collections Supervisor. This small and mighty team faces daily, sometimes competing, demands for their time. The Cataloging Librarian works closely with the Systems & Discovery Librarian; the staff in these roles back each other up for essential tasks.
Who You Work With
You will report to the Library Systems & Collections Supervisor. The Library Systems & Collections team is part of the Operations division, which includes Business Operations, Materials Movement, and Patron Services. You and your team will work closely with the teams within Operations and with the WCCLS IT team. In addition to WCCLS teams, Library Systems & Collections works with subject matter experts at libraries to make system improvements, adjust local settings, support catalogers, and gather staff input on the ILS and digital collections.
Who You Serve
Library Systems & Collections serves the community. You and your team will provide easy, reliable, secure access to library resources and cardholder accounts, endeavoring to remove barriers and streamline processes. You and your team will maintain a beloved digital collection of e-books, audiobooks, streaming video, and learning platforms, looking to expand accessibility, languages, and representation within the collection. The Cataloging Librarian is patron-focused and keeps patron access as a high priority when making cataloging decisions.
Library Systems & Collections serves library staff. The integrated library system is essential for daily operations at every library, and you and your team will be responsible for backend maintenance, process improvement, documentation, and system administration that allow library staff to do their work.
A Note About the Future
WCCLS will be centralizing collection management, technical services, and interlibrary loan for the cooperative, aiming to complete this transition in July 2027. This project will include onboarding new team members, evaluating new vendors, and creating new workflows. The Cataloging Librarian will play an important role in this change and see some of their responsibilities evolve as the project develops. WCCLS is seeking candidates who are skilled at managing change in their own work and thinking carefully through impacts at a systems level.
To review this classification including full duties, please use this link: Librarian II
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and that candidate may come from a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role, even if you believe you do not meet all the hiring criteria described above.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
- A Master's-level education in library science from an accredited American Library Association program or related field; AND
- Two (2) years of relevant professional-level library or related experience.