Job Description:
The John Hay Library is home to Brown University’s remarkable collections of rare books, manuscripts, and archival material. The Hay and its collections attract an international cohort of researchers, and as a Carnegie Library, the Hay is committed to investing in community and public engagement. To ensure that its collections are carefully stewarded for long-term access and use by any visitor, the John Hay Library Collecting Directions outlines six strategic collecting directions and core guiding principles for collecting. The Hay’s mission is to collect and preserve rare and unique materials that promote interdisciplinary research, teaching, and learning and inspire experimentation and creativity. Its collections support free and open inquiry, and we are committed to providing equitable access to our collections, exhibitions, and programming to a global community of students, scholars, and the public.
The Brown University Library is a dynamic center of scholarship and community at the heart of a world-class research university. Supporting and collaborating with a broad and diverse academic constituency, the Library is essential for Brown’s mission “to serve the community, the nation, and the world by discovering, communicating, and preserving knowledge and understanding in a spirit of free inquiry.” Integrating with Brown’s ambitious strategic plans, the Library is a site of innovation that fuels intellectual creativity. Signature Library initiatives include the establishment of the Center for Library Exploration and Research to increase campus and community impact; the Racial Justice Project to assess and counteract the legacies of historical racism in library practice; the Digital Publications Initiative pioneering new approaches to born-digital scholarship; and a revisioned special collections program that is positioning the John Hay Library as a research destination and leader in harmful description remediation and community-based collecting. We are seeking outstanding library professionals
at all levels of the organization who are excited about advancing academic excellence at the highest level, and who will bring a wide array of backgrounds, experiences, and abilities to a scholarly community that is actively committed to being more diverse and inclusive.
The Rare Book Project Cataloger will participate in that mission by working with colleagues to provide access to titles in the Daniel G. Siegel Collection, consisting of about 3,000 rare books relating to 17th-20th century American history, science, philosophy, literature, and medicine. Reporting to the Director of Cataloging and Discovery, the Rare Book Project Cataloger will be responsible for performing original and complex copy cataloging of titles in this extensive and valuable collection, perform subject analysis and apply subject metadata to items in accordance with national standards and best practices. If time allows, The Rare Book Project Cataloger will also catalog single-item ephemeral materials and/or manuscript items from this collection. This is a full time and benefits eligible, 2-year temporary position. This position is performed fully on-site.
Job Qualifications
- MLIS/MIS in library and information science from an ALA-accredited program and three to five years experience cataloging rare and unique materials in an academic or research library setting.
- Demonstrated commitment to inclusivity, diversity, equity, accessibility, and the desire to apply that commitment to descriptive work.
- Understanding of LCC, LCSH, DCRM(B) with AACR2/RDA, and MARC and related cataloging rules and tools.
- Experience with a national cooperative cataloging program such as NACO, BIBCO, CONSER or SACO, and in performing name, series, and/or subject authority work.
- Demonstrated proficiency and experience using OCLC Connexion client or Record Manager and integrated library systems/library management systems and discovery layers (preferably ExLibris’ Alma and Primo).
- Outstanding interpersonal and collaborative skills.
- Evidence of analytical, organizational, communication, project, and time management skills and demonstrated ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, and complete tasks and projects on time and in accordance with task/project parameters.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a criminal background check and education verification satisfactory to Brown University.
Best Consideration Date: July 8, 2025
Benefits of Working at Brown:
Information on the Benefits of Working at Brown can be found here.
Recruiting Start Date:
2025-05-16Job Posting Title:
Rare Book Project CatalogerDepartment:
University LibraryGrade:
Grade 10Worker Type:
EmployeeWorker Sub-Type:
Fixed Term (Fixed Term)Time Type:
Full timeScheduled Weekly Hours:
37.5Position Work Location:
Onsite
Statement on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion:
All positions require demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and other Brown and community stakeholders with diverse perspectives and demonstrated ability to contribute to an inclusive environment.
Submission Guidelines:
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.
Still Have Questions?
If you have any questions you may contact [email protected].
EEO Statement:
Brown University is an E-Verify Employer.
As an EEO employer, Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.
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What We Do
Located in historic Providence, Rhode Island and founded in 1764, Brown University is the seventh-oldest college in the United States. Brown is an independent, coeducational Ivy League institution comprising undergraduate and graduate programs, plus the Alpert Medical School, School of Public Health, School of Engineering, and the School of Professional Studies.
With its talented and motivated student body and accomplished faculty, Brown is a leading research university that maintains a particular commitment to exceptional undergraduate instruction. Brown’s vibrant, diverse community consists of about 6,200 undergraduates, 2,000 graduate students, 490 medical school students, more than 5,000 summer, visiting, and online students, and over 700 faculty members.
Brown students come from all 50 states and more than 115 countries. Undergraduates pursue bachelor’s degrees in more than 70 concentrations, ranging from Egyptology to cognitive neuroscience. Anything’s possible at Brown—the university’s commitment to undergraduate freedom means students must take responsibility as architects of their courses of study.
Brown University has 51 doctoral programs and 28 master’s programs. The broad scope of options vary from interdisciplinary opportunities in molecular pharmacology and physiology to a master’s program in acting and directing through the Brown/Trinity Repertory Consortium.
Around the world, nearly 90,000 Brown alumni are - in the words of Brown’s charter - leading lives of “usefulness and reputation” in every imaginable field of endeavor. Through events around the globe, reunions on campus, career resources, a host of online connections, and other services, the Brown Alumni Association fosters and supports a vibrant alumni community, wherever its members may be
