What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cataloguer - Rare books position at Heritage Auctions?
Description
Start your career with the nation’s fastest-growing auction house that focuses on treasured collectibles from Sports, Entertainment to Luxury Handbags and Fine Art. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with offices in New York, Chicago, Beverly Hills, London, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. For almost 50 years, Heritage Auctions has been the largest auction house founded in the U.S. and serves more than 50 different auction categories, including Coins, Sports, Comics, Historical, Jewelry, Fine & Decorative Art, Wine, and many more.
Summary
The Rare Books Department seeks an experienced Rare Book Cataloger to create bibliographically accurate and detailed catalog descriptions of rare and antiquarian books for auction catalogs. This position involves advanced bibliographical research, descriptive cataloging, and collaboration with other specialists to ensure Heritage Auctions’ Rare Books offerings meet the highest scholarly and professional standards.
LOCATION: Dallas, TX or Beverly Hills, CA
Benefits
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Start your career with the nation’s fastest-growing auction house that focuses on treasured collectibles from Sports, Entertainment to Luxury Handbags and Fine Art. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with offices in New York, Chicago, Beverly Hills, London, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. For almost 50 years, Heritage Auctions has been the largest auction house founded in the U.S. and serves more than 50 different auction categories, including Coins, Sports, Comics, Historical, Jewelry, Fine & Decorative Art, Wine, and many more.
Summary
The Rare Books Department seeks an experienced Rare Book Cataloger to create bibliographically accurate and detailed catalog descriptions of rare and antiquarian books for auction catalogs. This position involves advanced bibliographical research, descriptive cataloging, and collaboration with other specialists to ensure Heritage Auctions’ Rare Books offerings meet the highest scholarly and professional standards.
LOCATION: Dallas, TX or Beverly Hills, CA
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, Vision coverage
- Paid time off
- 401k savings plans
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Prepare advanced bibliographic and descriptive catalog entries for rare and antiquarian books.
- Research and confirm bibliographic data, provenance, and condition details using established references and trade tools.
- Apply deep knowledge of early printing and bookmaking techniques, including papers, watermarks, bindings, illuminations, color plates, and engravings.
- Determine appropriate cataloging depth and description length based on estimated value and significance.
- Edit and proof catalog entries and images for accuracy and consistency during catalog production.
- Respond to inquiries from prospective bidders regarding rare book lots.
- Assist with organizing, inspecting, and preparing materials for photography and sale.
- Participate in departmental initiatives and occasional travel to book fairs, previews, or auctions.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s in Library Science, English, or History preferred.
- Minimum five years of cataloging experience with antiquarian or rare books in a Rare Book Seller environment or Special Collections Library.
- Advanced knowledge of bibliographic references, descriptive cataloging standards (e.g., DCRM(B)), and historical bibliography.
- Experience with incunabula and early printed books is required.
- Proficiency in one or more foreign languages preferred (especially Latin, French, or German).
- Exceptional attention to bibliographic and descriptive detail.
- Strong research, writing, and editing skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
- Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and meet strict deadlines.
- Collaborative, organized, and self-motivated.