Cataloging Librarian - UC Davis Library

Another Source's client, University of California, Davis (UC Davis), is recruiting a Cataloging Librarian to join the UC Davis Library team in Davis, California. This position offers a hybrid work arrangement and relocation support.

Here's a little about UC Davis and the UC Davis Library:

UC Davis is one of the nation's leading public research universities, recognized among the top 10 public universities in the United States and ranked number one in the world for agricultural research and veterinary medicine. Home to more than 39,000 students, over 4,100 faculty and other academics and researchers, and an annual sponsored research budget exceeding $960 million, UC Davis is a place where discovery, innovation, and collaboration drive meaningful impact.

The UC Davis Library is among North America's leading academic research libraries and is a member of the Association of Research Libraries. As part of the University of California system, UC Davis participates in a collaborative cataloging environment connecting all 10 UC campuses through shared enterprise-level library systems and infrastructure. The Library uses Ex Libris Alma and Primo VE and is actively transitioning cataloging operations from traditional MARC formats toward Linked Data.

This is an opportunity to contribute to a nationally recognized research library while collaborating across one of the largest public university systems in the country.

Learn more about the UC Davis Library: https://library.ucdavis.edu/

About this role:

The Cataloging Librarian will play an important role in shaping how UC Davis's distinctive collections and scholarly resources are described, organized, preserved, and discovered. Reporting to the Head of Content Support Services, this position offers the opportunity to combine hands-on cataloging expertise with forward-looking metadata innovation, cross-campus collaboration, and professional leadership.

As UC Davis advances its transition toward Linked Data and emerging metadata standards, the Cataloging Librarian will help bridge established cataloging practices with the next generation of resource discovery.

A particularly compelling aspect of this opportunity is the chance to represent UC Davis within the Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC), contributing to collaborative cataloging initiatives and national standards development. The position serves as the Library's liaison to the Name Authority Cooperative Program (NACO) and Cooperative Online Serials Program (CONSER).

This role offers an opportunity to build upon established practices while helping shape the future of cataloging and metadata services within UC Davis and the broader UC system.

Your Contribution Will Likely Include

• Create original cataloging and high-quality metadata for a diverse range of library resources, with particular emphasis on special collections and distinctive materials.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in cataloging standards, bibliographic description, authority control, and emerging metadata practices.
• Represent UC Davis in the Program for Cooperative Cataloging through liaison responsibilities for NACO and CONSER, contributing to collaborative cataloging standards and practices.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the UC system's shared cataloging environment to support consistent, effective resource discovery.
• Help advance the Library's transition from MARC to Linked Data by evaluating emerging tools, testing metadata creation environments, and supporting new workflows.
• Partner with the Head of Content Support Services to establish cataloging priorities and determine appropriate approaches for in-house and vendor-supported cataloging.
• Design and lead bibliographic database cleanup, enrichment, and metadata quality improvement projects.
• Provide training, consultation, and technical guidance to colleagues, particularly members of the Metadata Creation and Discovery Unit.
• Collaborate across the Scholarly Resources division to develop policies, improve workflows, and solve complex metadata and discovery challenges.
• Stay engaged with evolving national and international cataloging standards, technologies, and professional practices.
• Contribute to Library committees, professional organizations, research, scholarship, and other activities associated with an academic librarian appointment.

Experience You Will Bring

Required Qualifications

• Graduate degree in library science from an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited institution or equivalent.
• At least two years of professional cataloging experience with library materials, including experience applying standards and tools such as RDA, AACR2R, LCSH, LCC, and MARC 21.
• Knowledge of current and emerging resource description standards, technologies, and developments in metadata and discovery.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and apply new technologies, metadata practices, tools, and workflows.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to provide consultation and collaborate effectively with colleagues.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, culturally diverse academic environment.
• Ability to meet University of California criteria for appointment and advancement in the Librarian Series, including professional service and contributions to the field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience creating or editing NACO authority records and applying authority control practices.
• Experience working with official RDA guidelines and cooperative or consortial cataloging environments.
• Familiarity with non-MARC metadata standards, Linked Data, or emerging bibliographic description technologies.
• Experience with metadata analysis and transformation tools such as OpenRefine or MarcEdit, and scripting languages such as Python or XSLT.
• Experience using RESTful APIs in library systems or metadata workflows.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and manage multiple projects while solving complex technical and operational challenges.
• Interest in mentoring library school interns and supporting colleagues' professional development.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and service-oriented environment.
• Evidence of research, scholarship, creative activity, or teaching consistent with an academic appointment.
• Adaptability, intellectual curiosity, comfort with ambiguity, and a commitment to continuous learning.

What's in it for you:

The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $76,771–$97,577.

The full eligible appointment range extends from $74,752 to $120,755 annually, corresponding to Assistant Librarian, Salary Point 1, through Associate Librarian, Salary Point 15. Final rank and salary will be determined based on the successful candidate's qualifications and experience and may fall anywhere within the eligible appointment range.

UC Davis offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees' health, well-being, professional growth, and long-term financial security.

Benefits highlights include:

• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits for eligible employees and their families.
• 24 days of vacation annually for librarians.
• 12 days of sick leave annually.
• 13 university holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, scholarly engagement, and participation in national and international library organizations.
• Access to the intellectual, cultural, and collaborative environment of a major public research university.

The successful candidate will be an academic appointee and a member of the LX Collective Bargaining Unit, represented by the University Council–American Federation of Teachers (UC-AFT).

Learn more about UC Davis benefits: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/employees/benefits

Application Information

Candidates applying by December 7, 2026, will receive first consideration. The position will remain open until filled. Applications must be submitted through the UC Davis RECRUIT website by December 7.

Applicants should submit:

• A letter of interest addressing qualifications and relevant experience.
• A curriculum vitae.
• Names and contact information for at least four references.

The University will not sponsor work visas for this position. The successful candidate must demonstrate legal authorization to work in the United States.

This is a critical position subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation, including criminal history and identity checks.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community.

We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

We invite you to explore the UC Davis Principles of Community, the campus strategic plan, and the Library's strategic plan.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination

The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

Please visit the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy website to learn more about the University's Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role—or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every preferred requirement. #YouBelongHere

The University of California is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

UC Davis is a smoke- and tobacco-free campus effective January 1, 2014.

Another Source's Commitment to Inclusive Recruiting

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.