POSITION DESCRIPTION
Business Title: SENIOR CATALOGING &
ACQUISITIONS ASSOCIATE
Department: ACCESS SERVICES – TECHNICAL
SERVICES
Location: DOWNTOWN BRANCH
Grade: 62
Bargaining Unit: UNIT B
Full Time or Part Time: FULL TIME
Hours per Week: 37.5 HOURS / WEEK
End Date (if Term Appointment): N/A
Reports to: TECHNICAL SERVICES MANAGER
ABOUT PPL
Portland Public Library is an equal-opportunity employer dedicated to providing safe, free access
to educational and cultural resources for all. As Maine’s most visited cultural institution, PPL has
served the community for over 150 years.
We provide shared resources, including books, films, history, and ideas, in a welcoming environment
that fosters connection and positive change. Our work centers on equity, accessibility, inclusion,
and representation of diverse perspectives. We seek team members who value curiosity,
collaboration, and creativity. Applicants from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds are
strongly encouraged to apply.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Technical Services Section of Access Services coordinates the ordering and receiving of
books, periodicals, electronic resources, and AV materials; provides MARC records and Dewey
Decimal classification numbers for these materials; and processes them following recognized
cataloging standards. Maintenance and control of the library’s database is provided as well as any
retrospective conversion activities for existing materials.
Reporting to the Technical Services Manager, this position plays a key role in supporting access to
library collections across all formats and locations. The position is responsible for acquisitions,
complex and specialized copy cataloging, reporting, and catalog maintenance within the Polaris
ILS. This position uses technology to ensure timely procurement and accurate metadata. This
position provides considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment. It requires a high
degree of responsibility for accuracy plus a comprehensive knowledge of, and ability to synthesize,
a variety of library standards and conventions.
NATURE & SCOPE
- Participates in all aspects of the acquisitions process. This includes:
o electronic ordering and invoicing;
o communicating with vendors and selectors;
o handling order carts;
o tracking purchases and backorders with vendors;
