Assistant Cataloger, On-call

You create the vital Information that allows our customers to be successful when they search our catalog for the Information they seek. You have precise attention to detail that helps to make accessing the Information easy. You love solving puzzles and working out the nitty-gritty details that give a complete picture of our extensive collection.

You embrace and maintain an environment of inclusion, diversity, and respect with your coworkers. Whether working directly with customers or behind the scenes, our remarkable team is committed to education that aids in the dismantling of unjust systems and creating a more equitable and just society for all people. As such, we work to ensure that this mission achieves our racial and social equity goals in all that we do.

We are seeking a highly motivated Assistant Cataloger to join our team! 

We are guided by these shared values:

• We are your place to learn, connect, and grow
• We contribute to achieving HCLS' racial and social equity goals. Please view the Brave Voices, Brave Choices initiative
• We advance HCLS' educational mission, effectively communicating our curriculum, which comprises Three Pillars (Self-Directed Education, Research Assistance & Instruction, Instructive & Enlightening Experiences)

Essential Duties:

• You perform cataloging tasks, as assigned
• You update holdings/item records for materials being added to the library database
• You update MARC bibliographic records for added copies using the Polaris Integrated Library System
• You perform simple copy cataloging using OCLC and Polaris
• You assign local and Dewey Decimal classification (DDC) call numbers
• You edit MARC bibliographic records as necessary, using RDA and local policies
• You value professional training and development
• You jump in where needed to perform other duties and special projects, as assigned
• You can be depended upon to maintain regular and predictable attendance
• You take pride in adhering to all policies and procedures

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from a 4-year institution
• Demonstrated people skills – ability to work effectively with staff and customers of various races and ethnicities, and enjoy it
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships
• Ability to input and retrieve data accurately
• Demonstrated passion for attention to detail
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to understand and retain detailed instructions
• Work experience/familiarity with copy cataloging and MARC format preferred
• Ability to work against tight deadlines and meet production goals
• Ability to work independently
• Computer proficiency- ability to use programs/processes such as the Internet, specialized online research tools, office applications, as well as other library-related programs
• Polaris knowledge a plus

Your Job will involve being on the move:

• You need to stand, walk, bend, stoop, squat, reach, and push/pull carts
• In addition, strenuous activity is required, such as carrying bags or boxes of books or arranging rooms for classes and events
• Some driving may be required

Additional Details:

• Position is located at the Administrative Branch
• Works under the supervision of the Senior Cataloger
• On-call hourly: 10 hours per week. Monday - Friday (8 AM-5 PM)
• Salary $18.78 hourly
• Position closes at 4 PM on Monday, June 22, 2026

EEO STATEMENT

Howard County’s diversity is its greatest asset. Howard County Library System embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. All communities, including communities of color and immigrant communities, are fundamental to our spirit of service, workforce, and long-term success. Equity and empowerment are top priorities. We believe all Howard County residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. Among our goals is for our workforce to reflect the community it serves. We are actively working to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Howard County Library System takes pride in providing equal employment opportunities.