What does a Cataloger do?
Cataloger responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real cataloger resumes:
- Manage category of materials: including books, CDs, films and other documents.
- Assign subject headings using LCSH.
- Cataloge books and serials for all the school district libraries.
- Master the use of cataloguing resources such as WorldCat and HomeBase.
- Assist librarians in other EPA libraries with the conversion of their serials list.
- Assign LCSH and LCC, as well as a local classification system for legal treatises.
- Cataloge 18th and 19th century American manuscripts and documents in MARC format and input into RLIN database.
- Design procedure for processing problem records into library's catalog, editing MARC records as well as creating new records.
- Copy-Cataloge and create original bibliographic records using OCLC.
- Administer OCLC database as repository for all digitize bibliographic information.
- Perform cataloging for academic Libraries/customers.
- Develop internal documentation for library specific cataloging project for cross-training catalogers
- Serve as a scanner for record errors and book defects.
- Develop internal documentation for library specific cataloging project for cross-training catalogers
Cataloger skills and personality traits
We calculated that 13% of Catalogers are proficient in Library Catalog, RDA, and Cataloging. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Initiative, and Interpersonal skills.
We break down the percentage of Catalogers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Library Catalog, 13%
Created, updated and maintained all library cataloging records.
- RDA, 11%
Used NLM and MESH subject headings, and learned to use RDA LC Copy for customers.
- Cataloging, 11%
Developed internal documentation for library specific cataloging project for cross-training catalogers
- OCLC, 8%
Administered OCLC database as repository for all digitized bibliographic information.
- Online Database, 8%
Cataloged commercial, editorial and historical media assets for online database using metadata application
- Lcsh, 6%
Assigned subject headings using LCSH and LC Childrens Subject Headings.
Common skills that a cataloger uses to do their job include "library catalog," "rda," and "cataloging." You can find details on the most important cataloger responsibilities below.
Communication skills. The most essential soft skill for a cataloger to carry out their responsibilities is communication skills. This skill is important for the role because "librarians need to be able to explain ideas and information in ways that patrons understand." Additionally, a cataloger resume shows how their duties depend on communication skills: "implemented process improvement and efficiency for policies, procedures, communications and outreach programs. "
Initiative. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling cataloger 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 cataloger resume, here's how catalogers can utilize initiative in their job responsibilities: "supported a wide range of strategic initiatives in the areas of business/client intelligence, client development and marketing research. "
Interpersonal skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of catalogers is interpersonal skills. This skill is critical to many everyday cataloger duties, as "librarians must be able to work both as part of a team and with the public or with researchers." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "demonstrated strong customer service and interpersonal skills by providing reference services to nasa/gsfc staff and one-on-one training on using online searching. "
Problem-solving skills. For certain cataloger responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "problem-solving skills." The day-to-day duties of a cataloger rely on this skill, as "librarians conduct and assist with research." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what catalogers do: "searched oclc for updated records; resolved duplicate record conflicts, updated mesh headings and authority records. "
Reading skills. Another crucial skill for a cataloger to carry out their responsibilities is "reading skills." A big part of what catalogers relies on this skill, since "librarians must be excellent readers." How this skill relates to cataloger duties can be seen in an example from a cataloger resume snippet: "worked with technical publications department in proofreading and editing major government proposals and presentations. "
Technology skills. Lastly, "technology skills" is an important element of what a cataloger does. Cataloger responsibilities require this skill because "librarians use technology to help patrons research topics." This resume example highlights how cataloger duties rely on this skill: "conducted staff meetings and external exchanges with california institute of technology catalogue library collection. "
The three companies that hire the most catalogers are:
- Househappy
8 catalogers jobs
- IIngram Book Group Inc2 catalogers jobs
- Harvard University2 catalogers jobs
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Compare different catalogers
Cataloger vs. Instruction librarian
The primary role of an instruction librarian is to create educational experiences. Instruction librarians design instructional materials and develop learning objects, assessment tools, and learning outcomes in different learning environments. These librarians serve as liaisons as they meet with students and faculty for research and teaching purposes. They promote and offer training for information literacy opportunities such as database access, computer literacy, and research. It is also their responsibility to maintain awareness of library and information technologies.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a cataloger are more likely to require skills like "rda," "oclc," "online database," and "lcsh." On the other hand, a job as an instruction librarian requires skills like "library services," "research assistance," "professional development," and "library resources." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Instruction librarians earn the highest salaries when working in the education industry, with an average yearly salary of $55,560. On the other hand, catalogers are paid more in the education industry with an average salary of $40,571.On average, instruction librarians reach higher levels of education than catalogers. Instruction librarians are 17.9% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.6% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Cataloger vs. Reference librarian
Being a reference librarian requires good people skills, knowledge in their respective fields, and good teaching ability to handle the varied responsibilities. Job duties include the interpretation, recommendation, evaluation, and use of information resources in order to assist library patrons with their respective information requirements. These are tasks that will just as often be conducted through phone chat and email as in person.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real cataloger resumes. While cataloger responsibilities can utilize skills like "rda," "cataloging," "online database," and "lcsh," reference librarians use skills like "library patrons," "library services," "research guides," and "reference desk."
On average, reference librarians earn a higher salary than catalogers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, reference librarians earn the most pay in the education industry with an average salary of $54,597. Whereas catalogers have higher pay in the education industry, with an average salary of $40,571.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Reference librarians tend to reach higher levels of education than catalogers. In fact, they're 16.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Cataloger vs. School librarian
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a cataloger is likely to be skilled in "rda," "oclc," "online database," and "lcsh," while a typical school librarian is skilled in "library services," "library resources," "student learning," and "library programs."
School librarians make a very good living in the education industry with an average annual salary of $49,633. On the other hand, catalogers are paid the highest salary in the education industry, with average annual pay of $40,571.Most school librarians achieve a higher degree level compared to catalogers. For example, they're 7.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Cataloger vs. Music librarian
Types of cataloger
Updated January 8, 2025
