Music Cataloger

LAC Federal is seeking an experienced Music Cataloger to support the a major research library in the cataloging and description of a unique collection of more than 1,700 historical sheet music titles. The collection includes published musical scores dating primarily from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, including rare and regionally significant materials related to Virginia, the American South, and the Confederacy. Working remotely, the Music Cataloger will perform original and copy cataloging using RDA, MARC21, Library of Congress Classification (LCC), Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), and Library of Congress Genre/Form Terms (LCGFT). This position is ideal for a cataloging professional with strong music expertise who enjoys working with special collections and historical cultural heritage materials. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform original and copy cataloging of historical sheet music and musical scores.
• Create and edit MARC21 bibliographic records in accordance with RDA standards.
• Conduct descriptive cataloging for published musical scores and related materials.
• Assign Library of Congress Classification (LCC) call numbers.
• Apply Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) and Library of Congress Genre/Form Terms (LCGFT).
• Search, evaluate, import, and enhance bibliographic records using OCLC Connexion.
• Create and maintain records within the Library's Alma integrated library system.
• Review musical scores to identify composers, contributors, publication information, formats, and physical characteristics.
• Prepare cataloging notes based on title pages, covers, advertisements, inscriptions, and other bibliographically significant features.
• Verify authorized access points and perform authority control activities consistent with Library of Congress standards.
• Participate in quality control reviews to ensure metadata accuracy and consistency.
• Meet project production goals while maintaining high cataloging quality standards.
• Document cataloging decisions and adhere to local cataloging policies and procedures.
• Communicate effectively with project managers and Library stakeholders regarding progress and issues.

Mandatory Qualifications

• Master's degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS/MLS) from an ALA-accredited institution.
• Demonstrated experience performing original and copy cataloging using MARC21 and RDA
• Knowledge of musical genres, forms, styles, and arrangements sufficient to be able to accurately identify and classify scores
• Ability to read and interpret musical notation.
• Professional experience cataloging printed music, sheet music, scores, or music collections.
• Experience using OCLC Connexion or equivalent bibliographic utility.
• Experience assigning Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH).
• Experience assigning Library of Congress Classification (LCC) call numbers.
• Experience working with integrated library systems, preferably Alma or a comparable platform.
• Strong knowledge of cataloging standards, authority control, and metadata best practices.
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment while meeting production and quality goals.
• Excellent written communication and documentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or advanced coursework in Music, Music History, Music Theory, Musicology, Performance, or a related discipline.
• Experience cataloging rare books, special collections, archival materials, or cultural heritage collections.
• Familiarity with nineteenth-century American publishing and music history.
• Experience cataloging Civil War-era, Confederate, or Southern historical materials.
• Knowledge of Library of Congress Genre/Form Terms (LCGFT).
• Experience working in academic, research, state, or special collections libraries.
• Experience performing authority work using LC/NACO practices.
• Familiarity with metadata quality control and batch record review processes.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to review, analyze, and work extensively with printed musical scores, sheet music, and bibliographic records, including prolonged periods of reading detailed text, musical notation, and metadata on a computer screen. 
• Ability to remain stationary for extended periods while performing cataloging, data entry, authority work, quality control reviews, and other computer-based tasks in a remote work environment. 
• Ability to effectively communicate and exchange information electronically with project managers and library stakeholders and to occasionally handle, organize, and reference physical or digitized collection materials as needed for cataloging and research purposes.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long-Term Disability
• Training & Development

EEO Statement

The company and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate the population of differences and does not discriminate in its hiring/hiring practices, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Nothing in this job specification restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. 

Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. 

To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. 

Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.