Library Assistant - Copy Cataloger

Description

NATURE OF WORK: 

Under the administrative direction of the Access Services Manager this position reviews, edits and/or imports bibliographic and item records for materials in the library’s collection. Assigns call numbers to materials being added. Works cooperatively with other library employees to keep new and existing library materials moving through the department in a timely manner. Works cooperatively with catalogers from the Cooperative Computer System (CCS) libraries to maintain and improve the quality of the consortium catalog. The position also assists with the physical processing of materials, such as labeling and barcoding.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Specific assignment may include some or all of the following): 

• Reviews, edits and imports bibliographic records for materials being added to the library’s collection following local and consortium guidelines.

• Reviews, edits and creates item records for materials in the library’s collection following local and consortium guidelines.

• Assigns call numbers to items following Evanston Public Library guidelines.

• Reviews and edits bibliographic and item records received via outsource cataloger Baker & Taylor.

• Corrects, reclassifies, or re-creates records for older materials returned from other departments for cataloging updates.

• Communicates with other Evanston Public Library catalogers, Access Services Manager and catalogers from other CCS libraries about cataloging questions, as appropriate.

• Attends department meetings, cataloger meetings and occasional CCS cataloger workshops.

• Works cooperatively with other Library employees to keep new and existing library materials moving through the department and available to customers in a timely manner. This includes the occasional physical processing of materials, such as labeling and barcoding.

• Has working knowledge of Library policies and procedures, with a commitment to carrying them out at all times, while safeguarding confidential and restricted information. 

• May perform other duties as assigned. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK: 

Possession of a high school diploma (or GED) and a minimum of six months experience performing copy cataloging, or any combination of training and experience that provides the following knowledge, abilities, and skills: 

• Understanding the basic rules of copy cataloging including how to interpret a bibliographic record, how to select the correct bibliographic record that matches the item being cataloged, and ability to identify problems with a record that should be reported to the supervisor.

• Familiarity with the basic rules of descriptive cataloging, subject analysis, marc format and tags, purpose and use of authority records, and call number creation using the dewey decimal classification system.

• Basic understanding of OCLC cataloging systems and how the records are maintained and created.

• Ability to perform complex and detailed work accurately, reliably, and efficiently with minimum supervision. 

• Basic knowledge and use of computer systems, and ability to be trained and become proficient in department-specific software and hardware, specifically Innovative Polaris and OCLC Connexion. 

• Ability to establish and maintain effective, courteous working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, and the public including Library vendors. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK: 

The ability to work in a primarily sedentary position, with the ability to occasionally use force to exert up to 20 pounds. The ability to lift, carry or otherwise move objects, books, materials, etc. using up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. 

The employee is subject to inside environmental conditions: protection from weather conditions, but not necessarily from indoor temperature changes.

  There are no environmental hazards associated with this classification. 

SUPERVISION: 

Work is performed under the supervision and guidance of the Access Services Manager. The individual has contact with other library agencies and staff at all levels, and uses the necessary resources to meet and achieve goals and/or objectives. The employee is responsible for prioritizing work tasks, and for identifying and utilizing the appropriate resources to resolve a problem or situation. Work performance is reviewed through observation, completion of projects, status reports, conferences and meetings. Guidance is provided through the City Code, departmental policies, City operating practices and procedures, and other resources as applicable to specific projects assigned. Work is evaluated at least annually, with respect to customer service, accuracy, problem-solving ability and performance in accordance with this classification standard. 

PUBLIC CONTACT: 

The employee will have limited contact with the general public in city-owned buildings The employee has regular contact with other library employees in order to share information and complete work assignments.