What does a catalog librarian do?
Catalog librarian responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real catalog librarian resumes:
- Manage category of materials: including books, CDs, films and other documents.
- Edit catalog record copy find in OCLC's database.
- Train cataloging and acquisitions personnel in use of DRA automate cataloging module.
- Open new patron accounts, provide customer support regarding account status and work with Polaris systems.
Catalog librarian skills and personality traits
We calculated that 12% of Catalog Librarians are proficient in RDA, OCLC, and Library Materials. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Initiative, and Interpersonal skills.
We break down the percentage of Catalog Librarians that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- RDA, 12%
Used NLM and MESH subject headings, and learned to use RDA LC Copy for customers.
- OCLC, 10%
Perform original and copy cataloging for all language materials using Dewey classification, OCLC, and Sierra.
- Library Materials, 9%
Cataloged library materials according to AACR2 standards using LibraryWorld and Microsoft Excel software.
- Cataloging, 8%
Supervised the Cataloging Department staff and all cataloging and processing of library information resources.
- Technical Service, 7%
Trained new hires in Technical Services Department.
- Serials, 7%
Cataloged titles of reports: Monographs and serials.
"rda," "oclc," and "library materials" are among the most common skills that catalog librarians use at work. You can find even more catalog librarian responsibilities below, including:
Communication skills. One of the key soft skills for a catalog librarian to have is communication skills. You can see how this relates to what catalog librarians do because "librarians need to be able to explain ideas and information in ways that patrons understand." Additionally, a catalog librarian resume shows how catalog librarians use communication skills: "revolutionized library services, communications and user access through automation. "
Initiative. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling catalog librarian duties is initiative. The role rewards competence in this skill because "new information, technology, and resources constantly change the details of what librarians do." According to a catalog librarian resume, here's how catalog librarians can utilize initiative in their job responsibilities: "conduct research to support legal business development and marketing initiatives. "
Interpersonal skills. This is an important skill for catalog librarians to perform their duties. For an example of how catalog librarian responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "librarians must be able to work both as part of a team and with the public or with researchers." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a catalog librarian: "leveraged superior interpersonal skill to provide reference services to up to 50 clients each day. ".
Problem-solving skills. catalog librarian responsibilities often require "problem-solving skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "librarians conduct and assist with research." This resume example shows what catalog librarians do with problem-solving skills on a typical day: "managed the electronic resource management knowledgebase via serials solutions. "
Reading skills. Another common skill required for catalog librarian responsibilities is "reading skills." This skill comes up in the duties of catalog librarians all the time, as "librarians must be excellent readers." An excerpt from a real catalog librarian resume shows how this skill is central to what a catalog librarian does: "foster joy in reading through traditional and multimedia story times, readers' advisory, and collection development and promotion. "
Technology skills. While "technology skills" is last on this skills list, don't underestimate its importance to catalog librarian responsibilities. Much of what a catalog librarian does relies on this skill, seeing as "librarians use technology to help patrons research topics." Here is a resume example of how this skill is used in the everyday duties of catalog librarians: "provide helpful and instructional one-on-one technology help assistance to library patrons by appointment. "
The three companies that hire the most catalog librarians are:
- Binghamton University2 catalog librarians jobs
- Peabody Essex Museum2 catalog librarians jobs
- St. Mary's University2 catalog librarians jobs
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Compare different catalog librarians
Catalog librarian vs. Circulation supervisor
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between catalog librarians and circulation supervisor. For instance, catalog librarian responsibilities require skills such as "rda," "cataloging," "technical service," and "serials." Whereas a circulation supervisor is skilled in "library policies," "student assistants," "library patrons," and "circulation services." This is part of what separates the two careers.
The education levels that circulation supervisors earn slightly differ from catalog librarians. In particular, circulation supervisors are 27.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a catalog librarian. Additionally, they're 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Catalog librarian vs. Library supervisor
Each career also uses different skills, according to real catalog librarian resumes. While catalog librarian responsibilities can utilize skills like "rda," "technical service," "serials," and "aacr2," library supervisors use skills like "library patrons," "library operations," "library policies," and "student assistants."
Average education levels between the two professions vary. Library supervisors tend to reach lower levels of education than catalog librarians. In fact, they're 27.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Catalog librarian vs. Library director
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from catalog librarian resumes include skills like "rda," "serials," "aacr2," and "lcsh," whereas a library director is more likely to list skills in "professional development," "library operations," "academic library," and "strategic plan. "
Library directors earn the best pay in the education industry, where they command an average salary of $53,860. Catalog librarians earn the highest pay from the education industry, with an average salary of $54,039.Most library directors achieve a lower degree level compared to catalog librarians. For example, they're 11.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 1.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Catalog librarian vs. Circulation director
Even though a few skill sets overlap between catalog librarians and circulation directors, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a catalog librarian might have more use for skills like "rda," "oclc," "library materials," and "cataloging." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of circulation directors require skills like "audience development," "newspapers," "independent contractors," and "expense budget. "
Circulation directors reach lower levels of education compared to catalog librarians, in general. The difference is that they're 32.8% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of catalog librarian
Updated January 8, 2025
