Cataloging and Acquisitions Specialist

Cataloging and Acquisitions Specialist

Position Title & Department: Cataloging and Acquisitions Specialist; Copley Library

Posting # 5538

Department Description: The Helen K. and James S. Copley Library, located on the west end of the campus, currently houses over 500,000 volumes. Collections include books, journals, reference works, databases, government documents, newspapers and electronic journals in many languages, as well as maps, videos, sound recordings, microforms and rare books.

University Description: The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity's urgent challenges.

Detailed Description: The Cataloging and Acquisitions Specialist plays a vital role in ensuring both digital and physical access to Copley Library's collections. They report to the Acquisitions and Cataloging Librarian in coordination with the Head of Collections, Access, and Discovery. This position independently performs complex copy cataloging, as well as subject analysis, classification, and catalog record maintenance. Additionally, they support library acquisition's firm order purchasing, collect analytical data, and assist with processing materials for shelving. The role is also responsible for the oversight and training of student employees, who work in a variety of functions supporting cataloging, shelf-ready processing, acquisitions, and book repair activities. It is crucial in this role to support the acquisitions and cataloging workflows by ensuring a strong integration between the two.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Cataloging:

• Performs advanced copy cataloging of book and nonbook formats, ex. streaming video, scores and special collections, using bibliographic tools (OCLC Connexion) and the integrated library system (ILS) - Ex Libris Alma and Primo interfaces.
• Ensures high quality bibliographic accuracy for greater discovery by applying cataloging standards, such as Resource Description and Access (RDA) and MARC, along with local practices.
• Completes bibliographic records as necessary by assigning subject headings and call numbers using the Library of Congress controlled vocabularies and classification schedules.
• Remains current with national cataloging and metadata standards as well as new ILS features and upgrades.
• Assists with metadata for the institutional repository (DigitalUSD) as needed.
• Provides additional cataloging support in the absence of the Copy Cataloging Assistant.

Catalog Database Maintenance:

• Performs regular and project-based maintenance on library catalog records to maintain accuracy and user access, under the direction of the Head of Collections, Access, and Discovery and the Acquisitions and Cataloging Librarian.
• Manages ILS batch loads of metadata for streaming videos.
• Enhances bibliographic records with descriptive fields on a case-by-case basis, including non-English language materials, and vendor-provided records.
• Provides updates to legacy and migrated records (e.g. non-RDA compliant) and assists with catalog maintenance projects, including withdrawals and transfers.

Acquisitions:

• Completes bibliographic searching and ordering of materials on behalf of the acquisitions unit. Verifies bibliographic accuracy and physical condition of acquired library resources with catalog records or sellers' descriptions.
• Reconciles Concur and Amazon firm orders in the ILS and works with the Acquisitions and Electronic Collections Assistant to reconcile in WorkDay.
• Monitors streaming video records license expiration dates and helps troubleshoot other access issues.
• Conducts regular data gathering of monographs and other non-serial resources.
• Helps maintain print vendor records, POL (order) records, and reporting codes to track firm-order budgets.
• Provides open order reconciliation of non-serial materials with oversight by the Acquisitions and Cataloging Librarian.
• Provides additional acquisitions support in the absence of the Copy Cataloging Assistant.

General and Miscellaneous Duties:

• Hires, trains, supervises and evaluates up to two work study student assistants in book repair, book and media processing, and other cataloging and acquisitions-related projects.
• Participates in library activities and committees.
• Maintains technical knowledge by attending professional development workshops, etc.
• Supports the collection of bibliographic acquisition and cataloging statistics.
• Other duties as assigned.

Tools and Equipment Used:

• The Cataloging and Acquisitions Specialist works with the Ex Libris Interfaces' resource and acquisition modules
• Online bibliographic utilities and vendor resources
• Computers
• General office equipment
• Audiovisual equipment
• Book carts

Special Conditions of Employment:

Background check: Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.

Job Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires bachelor's degree or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One year supervisory or leadership experience.
• Two or more years of cataloging-related work experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to read at least one non-English language (preferably Spanish).
• Experience working in the Alma ILS environment.
• Familiarity with bibliographic editions and attention to detail in comparing a catalog description to books in hand.

Performance Expectations - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of cataloging rules and practices
• Excellent organization and problem-solving skills
• Ability to multi-task and to prioritize duties and meet deadlines
• Ability to work effectively under pressure
• Detail-oriented and accurate in all work
• Experience with Microsoft Office and Google products
• Thorough knowledge of automated library systems, preferably Ex Libris Interfaces
• Ability to work cooperatively with staff, librarians, and student assistants in various departments
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
• Knowledge of RDA, the internationally accepted standard for cataloging rules
• Knowledge of MARC formats, the national standard for entry of cataloging data
• Knowledge of Library of Congress subject headings
• Knowledge of OCLC, the online bibliographic database
• Ability to work unsupervised

Posting Salary: $25.00 - $29.00 per hour; Excellent Benefits The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including; medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution given to you by the University, and access to on-campus Fitness Centers. Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer. USD: Human Resources: Benefits

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.

Special Application Instructions:

Resume and Cover Letter Required

Click the 'Apply Now' button to complete our online application. In addition, please upload a cover letter and resume to your application profile for the hiring managers' review. If you have any questions or difficulties please contact the Employment Services Team at jobs@sandiego.edu.

Additional Details:

37.5 Hours per week

Closing date:May 19, 2026