Cataloging Specialist (Library Services Specialist III)

Company: San Diego State University
Location: San Diego
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Position Summary The Cataloging Specialist plays a key role in ensuring library materials are accurately described, organized, and discoverable for the SDSU community. Working within Discovery Services, this position supports timely access to physical and electronic resources by applying national cataloging standards and maintaining high-quality bibliographic records. Key Responsibilities: Catalog Library Materials: Perform copy cataloging for new physical and electronic resources to ensure accurate description and access. Maintain Bibliographic Records: Edit, enhance, and maintain bibliographic and holdings records to support reliable discovery and use. Apply Cataloging Standards: Consistently apply national and international cataloging standards in alignment with local practices. Support Resource Discoverability: Ensure materials are added to the library catalog efficiently and display correctly for public access. Collaborate Across the Library: Work closely with colleagues to support shared workflows and continuous access to library collections. Contribute to Special Projects: Participate in cataloging clean-up efforts and other projects as needed. Why Join Us? Mission-Driven Work: Help connect students, faculty, and staff with the resources that support teaching, learning, and research. Collaborative Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, shared problem-solving, and respectful working relationships. Meaningful Impact: Play a behind-the-scenes but essential role in making library collections usable and discoverable. Professional Growth: Build and apply expertise in cataloging practices within a large academic library setting. Position Information This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position. This 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 Library, click here . Education and Experience These 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 Experience applying sound judgment when interpreting and adapting cataloging standards to meet local practices, with the ability to learn and follow institution-specific guidelines. Experience working with library classification systems, such as Dewey Decimal and/or Library of Congress Classification, or the ability to learn these systems on the job. Experience assessing the condition of physical library materials and determining appropriate repair or preservation actions. Ability to lift boxes of books weighing up to 40 pounds. Experience using a library management system (LMS) or comparable database-driven systems is preferred. Experience using OCLC Connexion, including searching for bibliographic records, editing records, issuing commands, and evaluating record quality is preferred. Experience working with cataloging standards, schemas, and bibliographic tools (e.g., RDA, MARC21, AACR2, Library of Congress Classification) is preferred. 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). 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 January 22, 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. 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 Livia Peeples at lpeeples@sdsu.edu .

Keywords: San Diego State University, San Diego , Cataloging Specialist (Library Services Specialist III), Administration, Clerical , San Diego, California