Rare Materials Project Cataloguer

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu. Department Libraries Job Description Job Summary Reporting to the Head of Technical Services for Special Collections and working closely with the Curator of Rare Books, the Rare Books Project Cataloger will create new or copy records for a wide variety of rare and/or unique bibliographic materials in the Mortimer Rare Book Collection, the Sophia Smith Collection, and College Archives. The project cataloger also will improve existing stub records to further facilitate discovery and access. This position may supervise a student worker. This is a limited-term position expected to run for three years from the date of hire and is covered by a collective bargaining unit. Essential Functions Cataloging operations (80%): Original and copy cataloging of rare books, artists' books, and other bibliographic materials following appropriate local practices and national standards. Enhance existing MARC records to meet cataloging requirements. Project administration (10%): Attend regular meetings with project stakeholders and periodically submit written progress reports. Periodically present on project progress to Special Collections and Smith College Library Staff. Collection management (5%): Prepare cataloged items for shelving; make recommendations for preservation and conservation needs. Review and update the cataloging manual for Special Collections, including examples and templates, to reflect national best practices and local workflows and procedures. Other project-related duties as assigned (5%)

MINIMUM REQUIRED

Qualifications (education, experience, certifications, licenses, knowledge, skills)

MLS/MLIS

from an ALA-accredited program 1-5 years' experience in rare material and copy cataloging

Knowledge of:

Creating original and complex copy metadata for rare materials in OCLC WorldShare with demonstrated experience working with Bibliographic metadata structures, standards, and best practices including DCRM(B) and RDA. Reading knowledge of at least one foreign language. Ability to identify and describe copy-specific features of a book, including noteworthy provenance.

Skills:

Best practices for handling, housing, and preservation of rare books. Attention to detail, strong communication skills, and an ability to organize and prioritize work effectively. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively Preferred Qualifications 5 or more years' experience

Knowledge of:

Reading knowledge of multiple foreign languages.

Skills:

Strong experience with subject cataloging and LC classification Experience with authorities and controlled vocabularies Familiarity with developments in reparative and inclusive cataloging Experience using an integrated library system like FOLIO, Alma, or similar Experience supervising student workers with limited familiarity with special collections practices

Work Schedule:

Typically 35 hours per week, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Requires flexibility for occasional evenings/weekends). Compensation This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with a progressive wage schedule. The Step 1 annualized pay is $70,558.75. New hires are typically placed at Step 1. Position Type Fixed Term Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application. You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button. Review of applications will begin April 23, 2026 About Smith College Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women's colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu. As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination. Smith College seeks to attract individuals who are committed to our mission of providing the highest quality education to women. Smith College enjoys the reputation as one of the finest colleges in the country. This reputation, tempered by time and challenged by change, holds strong because of the dedicated work of our staff, faculty and administration. We are a diverse group bringing to our community different talents, perspectives and experiences. Our strength arises from this diversity and is sustained by a community value of providing an outstanding educational environment for our nearly 2,700 students.

Smith at a Glance https:

//www.smith.edu/about-smith/smith-glance