Library Specialist for Slavic Cataloging w/ Language Specialty
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Library Specialist – Slavic Cataloging w/ Language Specialty
Acquisitions & Cataloging Services
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Library
Function: Performs copy and original cataloging of library general collections in various world languages and formats per national standards and local policies of Acquisitions and Cataloging Services and the University of Illinois Library.
Specialty Factor: Reading proficiency in and ability to understand written Russian at an advanced level is required, as well as the ability to read and understand one or more Eastern European languages, including (but not limited to): Ukrainian, Belarusian, Bulgarian, Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian, Polish, Czech, Georgian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Estonian, Hungarian, Romanian, Albanian, Turkish, Kazakh, Uzbek, or Kyrgyz.
Duties and Responsibilities
Copy Cataloging
- Performs copy cataloging of collections in various formats and various languages following national standards and local policies.
- Performs copy cataloging of backlogged materials.
Original Cataloging and Complex Editing
- Performs original cataloging for materials that do not have records in OCLC.
- Performs complex editing of existing bibliographic records.
Bibliographic Maintenance
- Corrects and updates existing bibliographic and holdings records as needed.
- Checks for discrepancies in previously cataloged materials, incorrectly marked materials, call number inconsistencies, and incorrect linkage of bibliographic and holdings records.
Other Duties as Assigned
- Participates in unit-wide cataloging projects.
- Performs other technical services duties as assigned (possibly including training of staff, graduate assistants, and/or student employees).
- Participates in meetings involving discussion of cataloging matters, including policy, workflow, and special projects.
Minimum Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Any combination totaling two (2) years (24 months) from the following categories:
- work experience in a library or equivalent setting.
- college course work in any field as measured by the following conversion table
- 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
- Associate’s degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
- 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
- Bachelor’s Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)
3. Ability to read and translate Russian and one or more additional Eastern European, South Slavic, Baltic, and/or Central Asian languages, as described in the Specialty Factor
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Ability to perform copy cataloging of collections in various formats
- Comprehensive knowledge of national cataloging rules and standards, including:
o Resource Description and Access (RDA)
o Anglo-American Cataloging Rules (AACR2)
o Dewey Decimal Classification
o Library of Congress Classification
o Library of Congress Subject Headings
o MARC21
o OCLC Bibliographic Formats and Standards
- Must excel in the effective application of the following:
o Using locally defined cuttering and classification policy and practice
o Searching and editing in the Alma Cataloging Module and OCLC Connexion client
- Native or proficient speaker of one of the languages listed in the Specialty Factor
Responsibility
A. Supervisory Controls: Incumbent is largely responsible for directing their own workflow under the direction of the World Languages Cataloging Coordinator, who establishes standards and priorities. Daily work is performed both independently and cooperatively with other unit members.
B. Guidelines: In addition to the general library and departmental guidelines, the incumbent will follow various local and national cataloging policies and standards.
Difficulty
A. Complexity: The complexity of the job requires the following:
o Strong analytical skills
o Strong communication skills
o Routinely exercising judgment and decision-making
o Attention to detail, accuracy, and completeness of the projects in order to provide accurate bibliographic and holdings records
o Ability to interpret information and apply concepts from standard cataloging tools
o Ability to manage workflow and maintain quality control
B. Scope and Effect: This position contributes to the unit’s goal of providing access to materials in a timely manner and ensuring bibliographic quality in national and local databases.
Personal Relationships:
Personal Contacts: Works primarily with other Slavic personnel in the Acquisitions and Cataloging Services, but also occasionally with other library personnel and patrons. Must be able to deal effectively with professionals and support staff at various levels.
Purpose: Personal contact involves communication and peer training for established policies and workflow. It contributes to an overall open form of communication that facilitates problem-solving and issue-planning.
Environmental Demands:
Physical Requirements: Work involves handling books and other forms of library materials at the employee’s workstation and typing at a computer workstation. Some physical effort is required in the actual movement of materials from one place to another. Moving within the room to use reference materials is also required.
Work Environment: Work is performed in an office setting with minimal risks or discomfort. The ability to work in a crowded and occasionally hectic environment in an efficient and quiet manner is required.
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 4902 - Library Specialist position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. The negotiated salary for the position is $46,858.50.
This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.
For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on March 12, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Amy Dannowitz at amydanno@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.
Requisition ID: 1035132
Job Category: Administrative Support
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu