Catalog Project Assistant

Part time, 16 hours per week (576 hours max)

Job Term: May 2026 – Jan 2027

Pay: $25/hour

Job Type: Part-Time, Temporary, Non-Union

Location: Hybrid, after initial period

Reports to: Librarian

To learn more about CBA’s collections, please visit the webpage here.

Center for Book Arts is seeking a detail-oriented Catalog Project Assistant to support a major catalog improvement project. As the catalog has evolved over time, a range of approaches to subject assignment and object-type classification has been used, and this project will bring them into closer alignment with today’s research needs and the organization’s educational mission.

This role will focus on improving the clarity, structure, and discoverability of CBA’s catalog records, by establishing clearer distinctions between intellectual content and physical structure. The project will help ensure the catalog better reflects the breadth of the collection and is more accessible and searchable for researchers, artists, educators, and the public.

This position is supported by The Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation and Pine Tree Foundation of New York. This is a grant funded position with a fixed duration and no option for renewal.

Position responsibilities:

The Catalog Project Assistant will:

  • Conduct a comprehensive audit of existing catalog records in CollectiveAccess
  • Redefine and consistently apply subject headings, both intellectual and physical
  • Clarify and configure object-type classifications
  • Oversee the implementation through the online catalog 
  • Support final documentation of a metadata manual to guide future cataloging work
  • Conduct other catalog related research and administration as needed

Qualifications

Required Experience:

  • Experience working with CollectiveAccess is a must
  • Cataloging and/or database management in a library, archival, or museum setting
  • Familiarity with subject headings, controlled vocabularies, and metadata standards
  • MLIS from an ALA-accredited program, or currently in progress toward completion. 

Preferred Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and ability to work systematically with large sets of records
  • Excellent written documentation skills
  • Ability to work independently while coordinating with staff as needed
  • Experience in the physical handling of rare books or works on paper
  • An interest in bookbinding, printmaking, history of the book, artists’ books, and/or other book arts

How to Apply:

No phone calls please. Applicants should submit a single PDF containing a cover letter and resume via email attachment to: collections@centerforbookarts.org with “Catalog Project Assistant” in the subject line. Due to the number of submissions only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The application closes on April 30, 2026.

Founded in 1974, Center for Book Arts promotes active explorations of the book as an art object. CBA is the leading organization for the Book Arts in the U.S., presenting exhibitions, classes, and public programs on the subject while supporting artists through residencies, publishing, and collecting.

Center for Book Arts is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from people from all backgrounds and experience levels.