Head of cataloging positions in academic libraries: An analysis of job advertisements

Abstract

This article is based on a detailed analysis of job advertisements for the head of cataloging position in American academic libraries from 2004 to 2006. The sources for the advertisements were American Libraries, C&RL News, AutoCAT, ALA Joblist, HigherEdJobs.com and IUG Job Listing. The findings of this study indicate that the role of the head of cataloging position has become multifaceted; in addition to traditional responsibilities managing cataloging activities, it has expanded into areas which were formerly in the domains of systems librarians, automation librarians, and public services librarians. Non-traditional position titles and non-traditional job responsibilities emerged. ALA-accredited MLS/MLIS was still the core required educational qualification. Managerial skills, cataloging experience, and knowledge of cataloging tools and resources were required by all of the selected job advertisements. Communication skills were required by over 90 percent of the selected job advertisements. Traditional cataloging experience/skills/knowledge was still in very high demand. Meanwhile, the requirements for knowledge related to non-MARC metadata and digital resources were on the rise. © 2008 by The Haworth Press. All rights reserved.