Descriptive Impressions of Entry-Level Cataloger Positions as Reflected inAmerican Libraries, AutoCAT, and theColorado State Library Jobline, 2000–2003

Abstract

Library school students and employers articulate expectations for entry-level cataloger positions including understandings and familiarities with a theoretical basis for organization (cataloging, classification, authority control), technical skills (bibliographic utilities, tools), and non-library specific competencies. Therefore, entry-level catalog librarian position announcements provide insight into shifting requirements regarding graduate education, expertise, and preferred preparations for these positions. This empirical research study explores 150 entry-level cataloger position announcements published during a three-year period in order to determine the common aspects of employers' expectations. A rigorous content analysis methodology enabled the researcher to identify employers' expectations and requirements among types of libraries.

Cataloging professionals in the digital environment: A content analysis of job descriptions

“…In addition to the above‐mentioned responsibilities, there are a wide variety of duties expected from cataloging professions, including collection development and management (20.9%), public services (17.8%), database management (17.2%), committee participation (16.6%), professional development (15.8), reference service (16.3%), instruction (8.3%), flexibility (10.6%), department liaison (11.2%), and Web development (7.2%). Such a wide variety of duties is consistent with the finings of Hall‐Ellis's study (2005).…”

“…More recently, Hall‐Ellis published two studies that investigated the cataloging profession (Hall‐Ellis, 2005, 2006). The goal of the first study (Hall‐Ellis, 2005) was to obtain information about employer expectations regarding academic preparation, technical skills, and competencies for entry‐level cataloging professionals. She analyzed 151 entry‐level cataloging librarian position descriptions posted in American Libraries , AutoCAT and the Colorado State Library Jobline from September 2000 through August 2003.…”

Competencies and Responsibilities of Social Science Data Librarians: An Analysis of Job Descriptions

“…Among others, studies by Hall-Ellis and Park et al are the representatives that categorized meaningful terms and phrases in required and preferred qualifications as well as job duties to identify the current condition of cataloging librarianship. 18 Nonetheless, a question remains in how to standardize categorization given the diverse uses of words and expressions in individual job descriptions. Not only could the category labels created by a study be arbitrary, but the process of classifying terms and phrases into a category is also vulnerable to personal judgment of the coders.…”

Current Market Demand for Core Competencies of Librarianship—A Text Mining Study of American Library Association’s Advertisements from 2009 through 2014

“…Indeed, there is discrepancy between existing jobs held by working librarians at any given time and jobs that are being advertised and therefore open at a particular moment, either in a new position or for replacement. This has been specifically highlighted by some researchers who seek to identify what is newly desired in the jobs advertised [17].…”