Hebraica Catalog Librarian
Catalog & Metadata Services
Yale University Library

Librarian I-III

The University and the Library
The University Library, which is a highly valued partner in teaching and 
research at the University, has approximately 13 million volumes housed in the 
Sterling Memorial Library and 22 school and departmental libraries. It employs 
a dynamic and innovative staff of 600 FTE who have the opportunity to work with 
the highest caliber of faculty and students, participate on committees, and are 
involved in other areas of staff development. A full spectrum of library 
resources, from rare books and manuscripts to rapidly expanding network of 
electronic resources, constitutes one of Yale's distinctive strengths. Hebrew 
script materials are an important part of the Yale Judaica Collection. The 
Judaica Collection comprises more than 200,000 volumes, includes rare books, 
manuscripts, and electronic resources, and is recognized as one of the major 
Judaica collections in the country. The library is engaged in numerous digital 
initiatives designed to provide access to a full array of scholarly 
information. Yale is a member of the Program for Cooperative Cataloging and 
contributes to the NACO and BIBCO Programs. For additional information on the 
Yale University Library, please visit the Library’s Web site at: 
http://www.library.yale.edu/.

Responsibilities

Under the general direction of the Team Leader of Specialty Cataloging, and 
working closely with the Curator and the Curator’s staff of the Judaica 
Collection, the Catalog Librarian provides original cataloging for library 
materials in Hebrew, Yiddish, Ladino, and all other Hebrew-script languages, in 
all physical formats and subject areas. Print-based descriptive cataloging is 
performed in accordance with national standards and the requirements of Yale’s 
local online Voyager system. Cataloging is performed directly in OCLC. Catalog 
Librarian keeps abreast of revisions in cataloging rules and trends, and apply 
new rules, interpretations, and techniques as appropriate. Subject analysis and 
classification assignment follow Library of Congress standards and local 
practice. Authority records follow NACO standards.

The Hebraica Catalog Librarian manages the Hebraica cataloging workflow and 
backlog. He or she works closely with the Team Leader and Judaica Curator to 
ensure coordination of acquisitions and cataloging functions, and implements a 
system of cataloging priorities that best supports user needs.

The Hebraica Catalog Librarian assists with the implementation of emerging 
technologies, and supplies non-MARC metadata for digital projects requiring 
knowledge of Hebrew script. He or she contributes to the development and 
maintenance of the Library’s metadata best practices and may train and revise 
the work of students, cataloging assistants, and other librarians. Catalog 
Librarians at Yale participate actively in the Library’s management, 
assessment, training, and development programs; contribute to implementing the 
mission of the Library; and keep active professionally.


Qualifications

Required:
● Master’s Degree from an ALA-accredited library science program or graduate 
degree in a subject related field.
● Strong reading knowledge of Hebrew.
● In-depth knowledge of MARC21, AACR2, Library of Congress Rule 
Interpretations, Library of Congress Classification and controlled vocabularies.
● Experience with bibliographic services such as OCLC, and network-based tools.
● Strong computer skills, including experience with personal computer software.
● Excellent knowledge of English, including ability to understand, interpret, 
and write complex documentation.
● Ability to manage a variety of tasks and multiple priorities, and 
demonstrated experience developing and implementing effective work routines and 
procedures. Logical and enthusiastic approach to work; careful attention to 
detail; initiative and follow-through in equal measure.
● Strong communication and analytical skills. Ability to learn quickly, and 
work independently and with others in a dynamic and collaborative work 
environment.
● Ability to excel in a rapidly changing team environment.

Preferred:
● Advanced degree in Hebrew Literature, Judaic Studies, or a related field.
● Strong reading knowledge of Yiddish.
● Experience using non-MARC metadata schemas.
● Programming experience, and knowledge of database query techniques a plus.

Appointment to Librarian II requires a minimum of two years professional 
library experience in cataloging or metadata creation and professional 
accomplishment; appointment to Librarian III requires a minimum of five years 
professional library experience in cataloging or metadata creation and 
professional accomplishment.


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