Cataloging Specialist (Library Services Specialist III)

The San Diego State University Library is seeking a detail-oriented Cataloging Specialist to join its Discovery Services team and play an essential role in connecting students, faculty, and researchers with the resources they need. This position performs complex copy cataloging for a diverse collection of physical and electronic materials, ensuring that scholarly resources are accurately organized, described, and discoverable.

Working under the direction of the Head of Discovery Services, the Cataloging Specialist applies established national and international cataloging standards, maintains bibliographic and holdings records, and contributes to catalog maintenance and improvement projects. This opportunity is ideal for a library professional who enjoys technical precision, problem-solving, and working collaboratively to support the university's teaching, learning, and research mission.

• →Complex Copy Cataloging: Independently perform complex copy cataloging for newly acquired physical and electronic library materials, including monographs, media, and serials, ensuring accurate and timely addition to the Library's collections.
• →Bibliographic Record Management: Search, evaluate, edit, and enhance bibliographic records using OCLC, including updating subject headings, call numbers, name authorities, and other descriptive information to maintain catalog accuracy.
• →Cataloging Standards & Classification: Apply established cataloging standards, including RDA, AACR2, MARC21, and Library of Congress Classification, while following local cataloging policies and procedures.
• →Library Systems & Discovery: Import and maintain bibliographic and item records in the Alma library management system, ensuring accurate representation and discoverability of materials through Primo.
• →Serials & Holdings Maintenance: Maintain and update serials, monographic series, and local holdings records, including verifying collection information and correcting discrepancies as needed.
• →Catalog Quality & Maintenance: Participate in catalog cleanup, database maintenance, and record enhancement projects to improve the accuracy, consistency, and accessibility of library resources.
• →Team Collaboration: Work collaboratively with librarians and Discovery Services colleagues to support cataloging workflows, resolve record-related issues, and contribute to ongoing library projects.

• Full-time, benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• Position is designated non-exempt under FLSA and is eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

The Discovery Services Unit is comprised of library cataloging and electronic resource management. This unit is responsible for organizing, cataloging, and managing the records for all scholarly materials, both physical and electronic, available through the library. Additionally, they manage the discoverability of these materials through the integrated library management system. The unit, which handles work for both the SDSU and Imperial Valley libraries, collaborates with librarians and other teams within and outside of the library to ensure new and continued access of thousands of resources used by the SDSU community to support the university’s teaching, research, and learning.

For more information regarding the University Library, click here.

Qualifications normally would be obtained through the completion of a high school education or equivalent certification plus two to three years of related library and/or clerical experience or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

• Demonstrated experience applying cataloging standards, including RDA, MARC21, and AACR2, with the ability to exercise independent judgment when modifying bibliographic records to meet local cataloging requirements.

• Working knowledge of both Dewey Decimal and Library of Congress Classification systems.

• Experience using library management systems (LMS) and maintaining accurate bibliographic and holdings records.

• Proficiency with OCLC Connexion, including searching, evaluating, editing, and enhancing bibliographic records.

• Experience assessing the condition of library materials, identifying necessary repairs, and performing appropriate book preservation and repair techniques.

• Ability to perform the physical requirements of the position, including lifting and moving items weighing up to 40 pounds

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.  Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment.  We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. 

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. 

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All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.