Librarian II (Cataloging Librarian)

JCFPL JOB TITLE: Librarian II (Cataloging Librarian)

DEPARTMENT: Collections and Technical Services

LOCATION: Priscilla Gardner Main Library 

REPORTS TO:  Head of Collections and Technical Services

CIVIL SERVICE JOB TITLE: Librarian II

STARTING SALARY RANGE: $66,654 to $73,646 per year

FULL-TIME/PART-TIME: Full-Time

WORKWEEK: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (35 hours/week). May be required to work evenings and weekends as needed.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 23, 2025

BENEFIT SUMMARY: This summary outlines the general benefits available to library employees, designed to support their health, financial security, and work-life balance. Benefits available to Full-Time Employees: Medical coverage 60 days from the first day of employment, Prescription coverage is the first of the month following 60 days of employment at no cost to the employee and additional cost per each dependent added. Dental coverage is provided at no cost 60 days after the first day of employment.  Vision coverage is provided at no cost and reimbursed at $250.00 per year.  Additional Full-Time benefits include Life & AD&D insurance, 403b, Participation in pension plan (dependent on age at the time of hire date). Part-Time Employee benefits include participation in pension plan and sick/vacation leave.  A more detailed summary can be found on our Employment Opportunities page located at www.jclibrary.org    

JCFPL is the largest municipal library in the State of New Jersey, with ten locations and growing, and a collection comprising over 2.5 million print and digital items. Our staff of nearly 120 dedicated individuals serves the residents, students, and workers of Jersey City: the largest city in Hudson County, N.J., and the second-largest city in New Jersey.

The staff of JCFPL reflects the cultural and linguistic diversity of Jersey City, which is consistently ranked as the most diverse community in the United States. Collectively, our staff speaks over 16 languages, including English, Spanish, Arabic, Hindi, Tagalog, Gujarati, Marathi, Igbo, Portuguese, and others.

JCFPL is committed to building on our strong foundation and expanding our ability to meet the needs of Jersey City’s growing and increasingly diverse community.

About the Position:

The Cataloging Librarian is responsible for efficiently and accurately cataloging and classifying print and electronic resources to ensure their effective discovery and access by library patrons. This role involves managing metadata, maintaining the library's catalog, and collaborating with other library staff to enhance the overall user experience. The position is responsible for supervising the library’s technical services staff and reports to the Head of the Collections and Technical Services Division.

Job Duties:

• **Cataloging and Classification:**
  • Create bibliographic records for print and electronic materials using standardized cataloging rules such as MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging) format.
  • Assign appropriate subject headings, classification numbers, and keywords to facilitate accurate resource discovery.
  • Utilize online databases, cataloging software, and integrated library systems (ILS) to input and manage bibliographic data.
• **Metadata Management:**
  • Enhance and maintain accurate metadata for all resources, including title, author, publisher, publication date, and edition details.
  • Update and revise existing records to reflect changes, corrections, and additions to the collection.
  • Ensure consistency and quality of metadata to improve search and retrieval processes.
• **Electronic Resources Management:**
  • Catalog and maintain electronic resources such as e-books, online databases, digital magazines, and audiovisual materials.
  • -Ensure seamless integration of electronic resources into the library's catalog and website.
• **Authority Control:**
  • Implement authority control procedures to ensure standardized and consistent terminology, author names, and subject headings in the catalog.
  • Collaborate with other library staff to resolve discrepancies and enhance the overall quality of bibliographic data.
• **Collaboration and Training:**
  • Work closely with acquisition and reference librarians to ensure accurate and timely cataloging of newly acquired materials.
  • Train library staff on cataloging procedures, metadata standards, and best practices.
  • Assist patrons and staff in locating materials through effective search strategies and troubleshooting.
• **Collection Management:**
  • Collaborate with collection development teams to ensure appropriate selection and acquisition of resources aligned with community needs.
  • Assist in weeding and deaccessioning outdated or damaged materials from the collection.
• ** Process materials
  • -Supervise technical services staff to ensure items are shelf-ready in a timely manner
• **Professional Development:**
  • Stay current with emerging trends and best practices in cataloging, classification, and metadata standards.
  • Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences related to library cataloging and technical services.

**Required Experience:**

• - Master's degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) or equivalent from an ALA-accredited program.
• - Strong understanding of cataloging principles, metadata standards, and classification systems (e.g., Dewey Decimal, Library of Congress).
• - Proficiency in using cataloging tools, integrated library systems (ILS), and MARC record editing software.
• - Familiarity with electronic resource management and emerging trends in digital library services.
• - Attention to detail, accuracy, and the ability to work independently.
• - Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues.
• - Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• -Experience working with industry vendors to remain current on new services and trends.

Preferred Skills:

•  -Fluency in a language other than English, especially one or more of those spoken by a substantial portion of Jersey City’s population, including Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Hindi, Gujarati, or Tagalog.
•   -Supervisory experience.

NOTES:
For all employees, regardless of full-time or part-time status, JCFPL is considered the primary employer. Work hours are assigned according to the Library’s operational needs. Work hours are not scheduled to accommodate employees’ other employment, academic, or other outside obligations, except in circumstances agreed upon in writing by the employee and the employee’s supervisor.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of
activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for the employee for this job. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

This job description is associated with a N.J. Civil Service job title; the New Jersey Civil Service Commission requires all incumbents to possess and be prepared to verify the minimum experience and skills required for the associated Civil Service job title.