Cataloguer Onboarding Process
Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Cataloguer starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Library onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Cataloguer, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Cataloguer onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.
Cataloguer Onboarding Checklist
1. Orientation: The new cataloguer attends an orientation session to familiarize themselves with the library’s mission, values, organizational structure, and policies. This task is typically performed by the human resources department or a designated orientation coordinator.
2. Introduction to Library Systems: The cataloguer receives training on the library’s cataloging and classification systems, including the Integrated Library System (ILS) or other software used for cataloging and managing library collections. This training is usually conducted by the library’s technical services department or a senior cataloguer.
3. Familiarization with Library Collections: The new cataloguer is introduced to the library’s collections, including various formats such as books, periodicals, audiovisual materials, and digital resources. They learn about the library’s collection development policies, subject areas, and special collections. This task is typically performed by the head of technical services or a senior cataloguer.
4. Understanding Cataloging Standards: The cataloguer is trained on cataloging standards such as Resource Description and Access (RDA), Library of Congress Classification (LCC), and Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH). They learn how to apply these standards to accurately describe and classify library materials. This training is usually conducted by the head of technical services or a cataloging supervisor.
5. Learning Metadata Creation: The new cataloguer is trained on creating metadata for digital resources, including assigning appropriate metadata elements such as title, author, subject, and keywords. They learn how to use metadata standards like Dublin Core or MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging) for digital resources. This training is typically provided by the library’s digital services department or a metadata librarian.
6. Understanding Authority Control: The cataloguer receives training on authority control, which involves maintaining consistent and accurate access points for names, subjects, and series in the library catalog. They learn how to use authority files such as the Library of Congress Name Authority File (LCNAF) and the Library of Congress Subject Authority File (LCSAF). This training is usually conducted by a cataloging supervisor or a metadata librarian.
7. Learning Catalog Maintenance: The new cataloguer is trained on catalog maintenance tasks, including updating records, correcting errors, and resolving cataloging discrepancies. They learn how to perform routine maintenance activities to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the catalog. This training is typically provided by the head of technical services or a cataloging supervisor.
8. Collaboration with Other Departments: The cataloguer is introduced to other library departments, such as reference services, circulation, interlibrary loan, and acquisitions. They learn about the workflows and interactions between these departments and how cataloging supports their operations. This introduction is usually facilitated by the head of technical services or a senior cataloguer.
9. Familiarization with Library Policies: The new cataloguer becomes familiar with the library’s policies related to cataloging, collection development, intellectual property rights, privacy, and confidentiality. They learn how to adhere to these policies while performing their cataloging duties. This task is typically performed by the library’s policy coordinator or a designated staff member.
10. Continuous Professional Development: The cataloguer is encouraged to engage in ongoing professional development activities, such as attending conferences, workshops, and webinars related to cataloging and library science. They are informed about available resources and opportunities for professional growth within the library and the broader library community. This guidance is usually provided by the library’s professional development coordinator or a senior cataloguer
Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process
From reading through the items in the example Cataloguer checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Cataloguer up to speed and working well in your Library team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.