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Ascension LLC is seeking a detail-oriented, production-focused Metadata Cataloging Specialist to support cataloging services for English-language materials within the Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication workflow. This role is designed for an experienced cataloging professional who understands the importance of accurate, consistent, and standards-based metadata in helping libraries, publishers, and researchers access high-quality bibliographic records before publication.

The ideal candidate will bring strong hands-on cataloging experience, a working understanding of MARC bibliographic records, RDA cataloging standards, Library of Congress Classification, Library of Congress Subject Headings, Sears Subject Headings, and authority control practices. The Library of Congress requirement states that the contractor will provide cataloging services for English-language materials in the CIP workflow, including BIBCO-level cataloging, RDA description, name authority record creation and updates, and classification and subject heading assignment.

This position is best suited for a cataloging professional who can work independently in a virtual production environment, maintain accuracy under defined workflow expectations, and contribute to the timely movement of older materials through the PrePub Book Link workflow.

Summary of the Contractor Role

The Metadata Cataloging Specialist will support the creation and enhancement of pre-publication bibliographic metadata for English-language materials in the Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Program. The CIP Program works directly with U.S. publishers to receive electronic book galleys or key information about forthcoming titles to create pre-publication metadata for the nation’s libraries.

In this role, the contractor will perform core production cataloging tasks for assigned materials, apply cataloging rules and controlled vocabularies, identify and resolve metadata issues, and support quality review activities to ensure records are complete, consistent, and aligned with Library of Congress expectations. The contractor will work as part of a virtual team and is expected to manage assigned work efficiently, communicate questions clearly, document decisions when needed, and maintain strong attention to detail across all assigned records.

The successful candidate should be organized, self-driven, comfortable working with minimal day-to-day supervision, and capable of applying specialized cataloging judgment to materials across multiple subject areas. The role does not include shelflisting or Dewey Decimal number assignment, as those functions are expected to be performed by Library staff.

Position’s Day-to-Day Activities

The Metadata Cataloging Specialist will be expected to:

• Create BIBCO-level catalog records for English-language materials assigned through the CIP workflow.
• Apply RDA cataloging standards to develop full bibliographic descriptions for forthcoming titles.
• Review electronic galleys, publisher-provided information, and available source materials to determine appropriate metadata treatment.
• Assign Library of Congress Subject Headings, Sears Subject Headings, and Library of Congress Classification as required by the workflow.
• Create and update name authority records in the LC/NACO Name Authority File when needed.
• Validate MARC metadata elements for completeness, consistency, coding accuracy, and alignment with applicable standards.
• Identify cataloging questions, anomalies, duplicate records, authority conflicts, or incomplete publisher data that may require escalation.
• Document cataloging decisions, issue resolutions, and workflow notes in accordance with project guidance.
• Coordinate with lead cataloging staff, quality reviewers, and project management personnel to resolve record-level issues.
• Prioritize assigned records, including older materials in the workflow, to support production timeliness.
• Participate in virtual team coordination meetings, production check-ins, quality discussions, and workflow updates as needed.
• Support continuous improvement by identifying recurring metadata issues, workflow bottlenecks, or quality trends.
• Maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and quality discipline when working with unpublished or pre-publication materials.