Cataloging / Technical Services

Cataloging/Technical Services may be for YOU, if you are interested in:

• Classifying and organizing materials
• Describing and indexing resources
• Developing controlled access to information from a user-centered point of view
• Working behind the scenes with materials and/or systems

Coursework for specialization in Cataloging/Technical Services:

• S503 (L505) - Representation and Organization
• S506 (L509) - Introduction to Research
• S504 (L520) - Cataloging
• S501 (L524) - Reference
• S554 (L526) - Library Systems
• S551 (L527) - Library Management
• S502 (L528) - Collection Development and Management
• S652 (L566) - Digital Libraries
• S532 (L571) - Information Architecture for the Web
• S531 (L582) - Subject Access Systems
• S633 (L583) - Indexing
• S634 (L681) - Metadata

Qualities employers seek:

• Knowledge of AACR2R, MARC, Library Classification systems, LC Subject headings
• Knowledge of foreign languages
• Familiarity with the Internet, PC software packages, mark-up languages
• Planning, analytical, interpersonal skills
• Communication skills
• Ability to work in a continuously changing environment
• Willingness to learn new software applications
• Flexibility, problem-solving skills
• Commitment to professional growth and development
• Advanced degrees

Job Titles (listed in American Libraries)

• Cataloging Librarian
• Metadata Specialist
• Electronic Resources Access Specialist
• Bibliographic Record Librarian
• Librarian/Bibliographic Services and Systems
• Acquisitions Librarian
• Collection Services Librarian
• Coordinator Collection Management
• Electronic Products and Serials Librarian
• Serials Cataloger/Serials Librarian
• Acquisition/Technical Services Librarian
• Technical Services/Automation Coordinator
• Librarian/Technical services (cataloging, collection development, library automation, maintaining website, etc.)
• Reference/Catalog librarian

Opportunities to gain experience in this field:

Internships are available with:

• Catalog Management Department at IU Libraries
• Digital Library Program at IU Libraries

Professional Associations:

• Association for Library Collections and Technical Services - a Division of the American Library Association

Technical Services: Useful Web Resources

• Library of Congress. Cataloging Directorate Home Page
  http://lcweb.loc.gov/catdir/
• Online Computer Library Center, Inc. (OCLC)
  http://www.oclc.org/
• Association for Library Collections & Technical Services, American Library Association
  http://www.ala.org/alcts/
• D-Lib Magazine
  http://www.dlib.org/dlib/

Interested in knowing more? Contact:

On campus:

• Taemin Park, Associate Librarian, serials and cataloging
  Indiana University Libraries
  812-335-5672 or e-mail: park@indiana.edu

Employers Include:

• OCLC, the Online Computer Library Center