East Asian Languages Cataloging Associate

Job Type: Location Type: On-site

 

ABOUT THE POSITION:

Under the direct supervision of The Claremont Colleges Library Head of Asian Library, the East Asian Cataloging Associate has three essential roles: cataloging Asian studies materials in print and digital format throughout the library; coordinating within and outside of the Distinctive Collections and Digital Scholarship Division for cataloging, digitization, preservation, and dissemination of Asian studies materials; Contributing to the Asian Library’s outreach and programs.

• Priority Deadline: The deadline for first consideration is 02/02/26. Please note that a cover letter and CV/resume are required along with the application.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

60% of Time: Cataloging and Metadata Services

• Perform copy and complex copy cataloging for materials in Asian Library, Special Collections, the general collection, Claremont Colleges Digital Library, and Scholarship @ Claremont by adhering to guidelines established by RDA, AACR2, BIBCO Standard Records, DCRM, MARC 21 format, CONSER Cataloging Manual, OCLC Bibliographic Formats and Standards and the department and Library policies.
• Perform routine catalog maintenance by adding, withdrawing, or transferring items and by enhancing content to improve discoverability, including the use of controlled vocabularies, provenance tracings, and other special collections notes.
• Perform authority work by creating and updating NACO authority records and updating bibliographic headings in catalog records to maintain a controlled vocabulary, increase discoverability of library materials, and contribute to the Library of Congress Name Authorities database.
• Assign subject headings and Cutter and classification numbers as needed for classified library materials.

20% of Time: Coordination

• Coordinate with the Collections, Metadata, and Resource Sharing (CMRS) division on all facets of bibliographic control of Asian Library materials.
• Coordinate with the Digital Initiatives and Production Unit on digitization of and metadata creation for Asian Library materials.
• Coordinate with the Digital Scholarship Unit on data services and digital scholarship related projects for Asian Library materials, including dissemination efforts such as print and digital publishing.
• Coordinate with the Special Collections and Archives on Aeon (patron registration and request system) requests of Asian Library special collections materials, and coordinate the flow of materials in and out of the Asian Library.
• Coordinate with Resource Sharing and Materials Handling Unit for access to Asian Library materials, stacks maintenance and other collection management projects such as shelf reading, inventory, shifting, and related tasks.
• Participate in library-wide activities by leading and serving on teams, committees, and task forces.

20% of Time: Asian Library Team

• Participate as an active and engaged team member by attending Asian Library meetings to discuss priorities and assist with solutions and by contributing to Asian Library planning and goal setting in support of the Library’s strategic initiatives and priorities. Support and assist the Head of the Asian Library, the Special Collections Operations Coordinator and the Head of Cataloging and Metadata in training for student employees assigned to cataloging Asian language resources and related projects
• Assist in Asian Library’s program and events such as exhibitions, outreach and donor relations creating topic/subject specific title lists based on cataloging records, and cataloging specific titles as appropriate when needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Unless otherwise stated, the following qualifications are required to perform the essential functions of this position, or the individual must demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed (with or without reasonable accommodation) using other qualifications not listed below.

Education/Training:

• A bachelor’s degree in a related field or the equivalent

Experience:

• Project-based, internship, or one year of experience in performing copy and enhanced copy cataloging in MARC .

Competencies:

• Proficiency in one of the East Asian languages, preferably Chinese.
• Knowledge of cataloging standards, including RDA and AACR2.
• Familiarity with library systems, including OCLC WMS and OCLC Connexion.
• Knowledge of metadata standards and schemes.
• Understanding of preservation and dissemination practices for rare books and archival collections.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to do detail-oriented work.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Demonstrated technical aptitude.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience with rare book and archival collection digitization projects.
• Experience in performing original cataloging of materials in formats including print, electronic, three-dimensional objects, technology, and games.
• Experience in digitization and dissemination of information resources.
• Bibliographical proficiency in Japanese and Korean.
• Advanced degree in East Asian Studies

Work Schedule: The regular hours for this full-time position are 40 hours scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday for 12 months annually. May be required to work holiday, weekend, and/or evening hours. Regular hours may vary due to the needs of the organization or business unit. This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule to work partial hours remotely as approved by the supervisor.

Union: This position is represented by The Claremont Colleges Services Library Staff Federation AFT Local 6735. The employee in this position will be bound by the collective bargaining agreement.

COMPENSATION

Pay: The pay rate for this position is competitive and commensurate with the duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required for the position, between $24.50 and $25.50/hour.

Benefits: This position is eligible for our employment benefits package including:

• medical, dental, vision,
• 10% retirement contributions after one year (no matching required),
• group life insurance,
• generous time off,
• professional development funds,
• discounts for mobile plans, software, and entertainment,
• access to fitness facilities,
• and more!

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical Requirements:

Sedentary work that primary involves sitting and standing:
• Constantly ☒ Frequently • Occasionally • Never

Active work that primary involves standing and walking:
• Constantly • Frequently ☒ Occasionally • Never

Light work that involves moving objects weighing up to 10 pounds:
• Constantly • Frequently ☒ Occasionally • Never

Medium work that includes moving objects weighing up to 25 pounds:
• Constantly • Frequently ☒ Occasionally • Never

Medium work that includes moving objects weighing up to 40 pounds:
• Constantly • Frequently • Occasionally ☒ Never

Heavy work that includes moving objects weighing up to 50 pounds:
• Constantly • Frequently • Occasionally ☒ Never

Operate a computer or other work requiring repetitive movement of wrists, hands, & fingers:

☒ Constantly • Frequently • Occasionally • Never

Operate a street legal golf cart, a company automobile, or other heavy machinery:
• Constantly • Frequently • Occasionally ☒ Never

Read or write electronic or printed materials:

☒ Constantly • Frequently • Occasionally • Never

Communicate verbally in person, by phone or another device:
• Constantly ☒ Frequently • Occasionally • Never

Moving body into different positions to work down low, overhead, or outward:
• Constantly • Frequently • Occasionally ☒ Never

Work involving climbing ladders, stairs, scaffolding, or similar:
• Constantly • Frequently ☒ Occasionally • Never

Work in various environments including low, high, tight, low-ventilation, or confined spaces:
• Constantly • Frequently • Occasionally ☒ Never

Work indoors in climate-controlled spaces:

☒ Constantly • Frequently • Occasionally • Never

Work outdoors in various weather conditions:
• Constantly • Frequently • Occasionally ☒ Never

Work in a noisy environment:
• Constantly • Frequently ☒ Occasionally • Never

Disclaimer:

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. When duties and responsibilities change and develop, The Claremont Colleges Services will review this job description and make changes of business necessity. TCCS reserves the right to modify job duties or assign additional duties as needed.

ADA/OSHA:

This job description defines the essential job duties of this position. The Claremont Colleges Services expects that employees hired for this position can perform the essential functions of this job without imposing risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of themselves or others. It may also include marginal functions, generally defined within Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Equal Opportunity Employer:

TCCS is an equal opportunity employer. TCCS managers make employment decisions on the basis of merit, with the aim of having the best available person in every job. TCCS prohibits discrimination based on all characteristics protected by federal, state, or local law or ordinance or regulation. TCCS also prohibits discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of these characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of these characteristics. All such discrimination is unlawful.