Library Specialist - Cataloging

Job Posting End Date:

12-22-2025

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

WHO WE ARE:

The Marathon County Public Library consists of nine locations throughout Marathon County, Wisconsin, including our Wausau Headquarters, plus branches in Athens, Edgar, Hatley, Marathon City, Mosinee, Rothschild, Spencer, and Stratford.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This is a full-time position with the Library Support Services Team of the Headquarters Library in Wausau.

This position delivers extraordinary service to our customers and fellow library staff through precise cataloging of library materials, delivering exemplary customer service to patrons, contributing to service enhancements, and contributing to the overall efficiency of library operations.  The work is performed under the guidance of the Lead Library Specialist and/or the Library Support Services Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Associate's or Bachelor’s degree preferred, with two years of experience in a public library or related customer service environment. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered. Familiar with basic cataloging principles, including bibliographic information and the use of OCLC and MARC Records is a plus.

EXAMPLES OF WORKED PERFORMED:

The following duties are normal for this position.  These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Catalog library materials to ensure excellent patron access.
• Participate in the creation of an accurate and complete bibliographic database.
• Manage, organize, and maintain library materials and equipment, including inventory, maintenance, repair, and acquisition/removal of items.
• Assist in developing and implementing services, policies, and procedures.
• Interpret and enforce library policies and procedures consistently.
• Process fines, fees, and balance daily cash accounts.
• Act as a resource for the Library Support Services Manager.
• Recommend improvements to processes and procedures to enhance library efficiency.
• Consider each decision’s impact on the patron experience.
• Greet and assist patrons with a welcoming and helpful demeanor.
• Offer guidance and support to patrons of all ages regarding library materials, equipment, and digital resources.
• Answer and direct telephone calls, taking and relaying messages.
• Receive, unpack, and process incoming library materials for check-in.
• Engage in ongoing professional development through workshops, meetings, and relevant literature.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with library staff and patrons.
• Assist with special projects or short-term committees.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance, with flexibility to work additional hours as needed.
• May prepare new materials for circulation, including applying barcodes, labels, protective jackets, stamps, and tape.
• May issue and manage library card registrations.
• May process customer hold requests.
• May empty book return bins and process returned materials.
• May scan, straighten, and proofread shelves to ensure materials are in proper order.
• May retrieve requested materials from shelves based on generated reports.
• May process inter-library loan requests.
• May perform basic repairs on damaged books and audio-visual materials to extend their lifespan.
• May clean and maintain audio-visual materials.
• May submit orders created by selectors to book vendors.
• May import records for on-order items into the ILS.
• May assist in creating payments to vendors with the Business Specialist.
• May assist patrons with all aspects of material circulation, including identifying, locating, and processing check-ins, check-outs, and holds.
• May assist patrons with the use of personal electronic devices.
• May provide support to homebound patrons as needed.
• Produce and manage documentation required for daily operations, which includes faxing, photocopying, printing, and typing.
• Perform other duties as required.
   

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Ability to become proficient in utilizing library software, electronic resources, and standard office technology, including email and productivity software.
• Ability to process, calculate, and sum numerical data, and apply the results to practical library-related tasks, such as financial transactions and data reporting.
• Ability to provide clear guidance, assistance and interpretation to colleagues and patrons regarding library policies, procedures, and standards.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with patrons, staff, volunteers, and community organizations.
• Ability to be open and considerate in all interactions.
• Receptive to learning from all individuals and experiences.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with staff and patrons.
• Ability to multitask and manage a high volume of work efficiently.
• Ability to follow established procedures in an orderly and logical manner and adhere to prescribed routines.
• Ability to support leadership and management effectively.
• Willingness to accept responsibility for behavior, quality of work, and results.
• Capability to perform repetitive motions, including but not limited to, shelving, material processing, and keyboard use.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to push and maneuver book carts weighing up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to coordinate eye-hand-foot movements for tasks requiring moderate skill, such as typing and material handling.
• Ability to recognize and differentiate colors, shapes, and sounds relevant to library materials and equipment.

COMPENSATION:

Starting Salary:  $21.07 per hour

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  11:59 p.m. on Sunday, December 21

Please note that, due to the upcoming holidays, interviews will be held in January 2026

Special Accommodations:

Marathon County will make arrangements to furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary and reasonable to afford an individual with a disability the opportunity to participate in the recruitment process. Please notify the Employee Resources Department office or phone (715) 261-1451 to request special accommodations prior to the application deadline.

Notice to Applicants:

Wisconsin Statutes, Sections 19.36 (7), 64.09 (5), and 64.11 (7) require public employers to treat the following items as a public record: Each applicant’s application, records, recommendations, and qualifications except as provided in Section 19.36 (7), Wis. Stats. that allows the identity of an applicant to remain confidential if the applicant requests in writing that the County not provide access to this information.  If you choose not to have this information become a public record, you must make such a request in writing to the Employee Resources Department. If you become a finalist for the position, your identity may be disclosed as required by law