Cataloging Specialist (Library Services Specialist III)

Position Summary

The San Diego State University Library is seeking a detail-oriented Cataloging Specialist to join its Discovery Services team and play an essential role in connecting students, faculty, and researchers with the resources they need. This position performs complex copy cataloging for a diverse collection of physical and electronic materials, ensuring that scholarly resources are accurately organized, described, and discoverable.

Working under the direction of the Head of Discovery Services, the Cataloging Specialist applies established national and international cataloging standards, maintains bibliographic and holdings records, and contributes to catalog maintenance and improvement projects. This opportunity is ideal for a library professional who enjoys technical precision, problem-solving, and working collaboratively to support the university's teaching, learning, and research mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Complex Copy Cataloging: Independently perform complex copy cataloging for newly acquired physical and electronic library materials, including monographs, media, and serials, ensuring accurate and timely addition to the Library's collections.
• Bibliographic Record Management: Search, evaluate, edit, and enhance bibliographic records using OCLC, including updating subject headings, call numbers, name authorities, and other descriptive information to maintain catalog accuracy.
• Cataloging Standards & Classification: Apply established cataloging standards, including RDA, AACR2, MARC21, and Library of Congress Classification, while following local cataloging policies and procedures.
• Library Systems & Discovery: Import and maintain bibliographic and item records in the Alma library management system, ensuring accurate representation and discoverability of materials through Primo.
• Serials & Holdings Maintenance: Maintain and update serials, monographic series, and local holdings records, including verifying collection information and correcting discrepancies as needed.
• Catalog Quality & Maintenance: Participate in catalog cleanup, database maintenance, and record enhancement projects to improve the accuracy, consistency, and accessibility of library resources.
• Team Collaboration: Work collaboratively with librarians and Discovery Services colleagues to support cataloging workflows, resolve record-related issues, and contribute to ongoing library projects.

Why Join Us?

• Support Academic Discovery: Help ensure students, faculty, and researchers can efficiently find and access the scholarly resources they need.
• Apply Specialized Expertise: Use your knowledge of cataloging standards, classification systems, and library technologies in a role that values technical accuracy and attention to detail.
• Work with Diverse Collections: Gain experience cataloging a broad range of physical and electronic resources, including books, media, and serial publications.
• Collaborative Library Environment: Work alongside experienced librarians and library specialists dedicated to maintaining accessible, reliable academic collections.
• Make a Lasting Impact: Contribute to the quality and integrity of the Library's catalog, supporting teaching, research, and learning across SDSU and its Imperial Valley campus.

As part of the California State University (CSU) system, San Diego State University helps power one of the largest and most impactful public university systems in the nation. See what it's like to work at the CSU—watch our video and imagine your future here: Working at the CSU.

Position Information

• Full-time, benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• Position is designated non-exempt under FLSA and is eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

The Discovery Services Unit is comprised of library cataloging and electronic resource management. This unit is responsible for organizing, cataloging, and managing the records for all scholarly materials, both physical and electronic, available through the library. Additionally, they manage the discoverability of these materials through the integrated library management system. The unit, which handles work for both the SDSU and Imperial Valley libraries, collaborates with librarians and other teams within and outside of the library to ensure new and continued access of thousands of resources used by the SDSU community to support the university's teaching, research, and learning.

For more information regarding the University Library, click here.

Education and Experience

Qualifications normally would be obtained through the completion of a high school education or equivalent certification plus two to three years of related library and/or clerical experience or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Key Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience applying cataloging standards, including RDA, MARC21, and AACR2, with the ability to exercise independent judgment when modifying bibliographic records to meet local cataloging requirements.
• Working knowledge of both Dewey Decimal and Library of Congress Classification systems.
• Experience using library management systems (LMS) and maintaining accurate bibliographic and holdings records.
• Proficiency with OCLC Connexion, including searching, evaluating, editing, and enhancing bibliographic records.
• Experience assessing the condition of library materials, identifying necessary repairs, and performing appropriate book preservation and repair techniques.
• Ability to perform the physical requirements of the position, including lifting and moving items weighing up to 40 pounds

Compensation and Benefits

San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

Compensation:
Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience, in alignment with the department's budget and equity guidelines.

• Initial step placement is not expected to exceed Step 1 ($4,280 per month) for highly qualified candidates.
• Salary step placement for internal applicants will follow the CSUEU / Teamsters Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• CSU Classification Salary Range: $4,280 - $6,235 per month (Step 1 – Step 20).
• Future increases, including step advancements, are subject to contract negotiations.

Full Benefits Package Includes:

• Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• Education Support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional Offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
• Campus & Community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation. Learn more at the SDSU Benefits Overview.

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment. We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university.

SDSU's Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU's Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Apply by November 10, 2026 to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Taylor Smith at tjaress@sdsu.edu.

To apply, visit https://careers.sdsu.edu/en-us/job/563210

About San Diego State University

Since it was founded in 1897, San Diego State University has grown to offer bachelor's degrees in 89 areas, master's degrees in 78 areas and doctorates in 21 areas. SDSU's approximately 32,000 students participate in an academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future.

SDSU's annual economic impact to the state of California is $6.5 billion, according to an impact report done by the California State University in 2010.

Of SDSU's 280,000-plus alumni, approximately 60 percent live in San Diego. They comprise more than half the region's engineers, teachers, entrepreneurs and the local workforce for a host of other industries.

Learn More About

• Research: Since 2000, SDSU faculty and staff have attracted more than $1.7 billion in grants and contracts for research and programs ranging from cardiovascular disease to marine biology.
• Diversity: SDSU ranks No. 19 in the nation for racial diversity and among the top universities for economic diversity. SDSU was ranked No. 11 in the nation and No. 4 in California for bachelor's degrees awarded to Hispanics by Hispanic Outlook for Higher Education
• International Study: SDSU offers 350 international education programs in 50 countries. Nearly 12,000 students have studied abroad in the past 12 years.
• Community Service: SDSU is a recognized leader in innovative efforts to improve urban K-12 education. The City Heights Educational Collaborative and Compact for Success both positively impact the academic achievement of elementary, middle and high school students in the local area.
• Sustainability: Sustainability is an every-day part of the university culture at San Diego State University. Students, faculty and staff all participate in a myriad of ways, from festivals, to research to academic programs. In spring 2014, SDSU opens its first LEED Platinum Certified building — the 206,000 square-foot Aztec Student Union.