Authorities and Catalog Management Library Associate, UMKC University Libraries

Cataloging & Resource Management/Special Collections and Archives

University of Missouri - Kansas City

For more information about University Libraries, visit: https://library.umkc.edu/

The Authorities and Catalog Management Library Associate supports the quality and consistency of bibliographic, authority, and metadata records within the UM System shared catalog and the UMKC institutional repository. The position holds primary responsibility for catalog maintenance and related special projects. Responsibilities also include complex copy and original cataloging of physical and electronic formats (excluding music) for UMKC Libraries, including LaBudde Special Collections and University Archives. Working under the guidance of the Head of Cataloging & Resource Management and in coordination with other cataloging staff, this position applies national, UM System, and local standards, procedures, and workflows to complete assigned cataloging and metadata tasks, assists with authority control processes, and contributes to enrichment and remediation projects. The position relies on documented practices and guidance from faculty librarians to address complex issues.

The position collaborates with colleagues across UMKC Libraries and the UM System to provide accurate and consistent access to library resources, while following established practices and identifying opportunities for workflow efficiencies. The position requires knowledge of cataloging, the ability to work independently, and reports to the Head of Cataloging & Resource Management.

Authorities and Catalog Data Management

• Receive Backstage reports via UM System as assigned, resolve new, duplicate, blind, and invalid headings, and update bibliographic and authority records accordingly to ensure accuracy and consistency in the UM System shared catalog.
• Along with the Head of CRM and other personnel as needed, serves as a UMKC representative at MERLIN Quality Control Committee meetings and participates in online discussions.
• Serve as the primary contact for catalog maintenance questions from within UMKC Libraries and UM System colleagues within established guidelines and refer complex or policy-related issues to faculty librarians for guidance.
• Execute batch record updates, imports, and exports in the UM System shared catalog and related systems such as OCLC.
• Utilize tools (e.g., MarcEdit, Bulk Edit) to perform catalog data maintenance tasks and gain workflow efficiencies.
• Support catalog data enrichment and remediation projects using reporting tools and predefined queries as available.
• Assist with testing new releases and applying features to cataloging workflows in collaboration with departmental, library-wide, and UM System colleagues.
• Manage withdrawals, including missing and long-missing items, and assist Copy Cataloger & Finishing Supervisor with processing transfers, added copies, and reinstatements as needed.

Cataloging & Metadata

• Provide complex copy and original cataloging of physical and electronic monographs and serials, including but not limited to monographic continuations, selected special collections materials, and electronic theses/dissertations (ETDs), following local, UM System, and national standards.
• Assist in maintaining the integrity of the UM System catalog and OCLC and enhance resource discovery through accurate descriptive cataloging, authorized access points, including subject and genre/form headings, and controlled and linked data vocabularies as appropriate.
• Employ established cataloging policies and suggest workflow improvements.
• Create and maintain descriptive metadata for the UMKC institutional repository and supply controlled vocabularies (e.g., LCSH) for electronic theses and dissertations and selected materials, adding materials to OCLC and the UM System shared catalog as appropriate.
• Provide finishing support to the Copy Cataloger and Finishing Supervisor for physical materials cataloged for UMKC Libraries, including the Law Library, as needed.
• Provide bindery support to the Copy Cataloger and Finishing Supervisor as needed.

Documentation Support

• Document cataloging procedures and workflows as assigned to support consistency across the department and UM System.

General Responsibilities

• Attend and participate in department, division, all-staff, and system-wide meetings or discussions as assigned.
• Engage in continuing education activities to maintain knowledge of cataloging practices and emerging tools.

• A Bachelor's degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of three years' of relevant experience in cataloging, metadata, or technical services.
• Working knowledge of cataloging standards (e.g., RDA, MARC) and controlled vocabularies.
• Experience with a library services platform or integrated library system.

• Experience with FOLIO applications (Inventory, Data Import/Export, Bulk Edit, Lists).
• Familiarity with authority control practices and workflows.
• Experience with batch processing tools (e.g., MarcEdit).
• Basic familiarity with linked data concepts.

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as $22.10-$25.00/hourly.

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual's particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

To be considered, you must complete the application at https://www.umkc.edu/hr/careers/ including Legal Name, US employment eligibility, and current contact information. Upload all application materials (a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, a list of references).

If you are experiencing technical problems, please email umpshrsupport@umsystem.edu.

For questions about the position, please contact umkcfacultysearch@umkc.edu include the Job Identification number 61383 and name of the position.

The application deadline is 10/22/2026.

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

This position typically works a 40-hour week, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at Miller Nichols Library and may provide training or guidance to student assistants or staff as needed.

This is a full-time,12 month, benefit eligible, academic position.

Kansas City offers the best of both worlds-a vibrant, urban community with Midwestern appeal. The city's rich history and its modern-day, innovative thinking come together to create an eclectic group of neighborhoods that offer a little something for everyone. From thriving arts districts, an energetic downtown nightlife, casual to upscale shopping and champion sports teams, you will have no problem making yourself at home. Of course, one of Kansas City's biggest claims to fame is its food, especially its world-famous barbecue. Foodies will delight in the culinary scene found throughout the city. Ranging from award-winning chefs to cozy pizza joints, Kansas City definitely is not lacking any flavor.

UMKC's campuses are conveniently nestled in the middle of all the action. Volker Campus is just minutes from the legendary Country Club Plaza, perfect for shopping or restaurants for lunch or after-work happy hours. Surrounded by hip neighborhoods and eateries, the Health Sciences Campus is located downtown near University Health Truman Medical Center and Children's Mercy Hospital.

UMKC is proud to be "Kansas City's university," and the campus and its people celebrate all the characteristics of the surrounding community. To learn more about life in Kansas City and find more resources, visit VisitKC.com.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.