Graduate Hourly positions are open to University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Graduate Students only.
Unit: Map Library
Location: 412 Main Library, 1408 West Gregory Drive, Urbana IL 61801
Supervisor: David Griffiths, Senior Library Specialist
Number of Openings: 1
Hours per week anticipated: 10
Hourly Rate: $24.00
Anticipated Start Date: August 24, 2026
Schedule: Flexible, and during regular hours of operation (Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
Academic Term(s) of Employment anticipated: 2026-2027 academic year
Summary
We are seeking a detail-oriented graduate hourly to perform original and copy cataloging of cartographic materials, including mainly printed maps. Working under the direct supervision of the Senior Library Specialist, this student will create and enrich metadata records in OCLC and the UIUC Library catalog, thus ensuring that our cartographic collections are accessible and discoverable for academic research.
This position offers hands-on experience with current metadata standards and specialized resource description in an academic research library setting.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform copy and original cataloging of printed maps using MARC 21, Resource Description and Access (RDA), and Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH)
- Identify and record cartographic metadata, such as geographic coordinates and projections.
- Assign Library of Congress classification numbers in the G Schedule, and prepare items for storage and preservation
- Assist in retrospective conversion, inventory verification, and metadata cleanup projects for legacy map collections as needed
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Enrolled as Graduate Student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for the Academic Terms of Employment listed above
- Interest in cataloging
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong organizational skills
- Ability to work independently, following your training and standards
Preferred Qualifications
- Current enrollment in a graduate degree program at the UIUC School of Information Sciences
- Completion of cataloging/metadata coursework or cataloging experience
- Knowledge of geography, geographic information systems, cartography, or world history
- Knowledge of Library of Congress classification and subject headings
- Reading knowledge of a second language
To Apply: Please email your cover letter and resumé to dngriffi@illinois.edu and qiangjin@illinois.edu by Friday, August 21 for consideration. If you have any questions regarding the position, contact David Griffiths, Senior Library Specialist, at dngriffi@illinois.edu and Qiang Jin at qiangjin@illinois.edu.