17 Cataloger Interview Questions and Answers

Catalogers are an important part of any library, organizing and classifying the materials in the library so that they are easy to find. They work with all types of materials, from books and magazines to DVDs and CDs.

If you are looking for a cataloger job, you will likely need to go through a job interview. During the interview, you will be asked questions about your skills, experience, and education. You will also be asked questions about your knowledge of library classification systems.

To help you prepare for your interview, we have put together a list of questions and answers that you may be asked.

Are you comfortable working with a variety of different types of data?

Cataloging requires you to work with a variety of different types of data. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the necessary skills and experience to do so. In your answer, explain that you are comfortable working with all kinds of data. Explain how you would approach each type of data.

Example: “I am very comfortable working with all kinds of data. I’ve worked with both numerical and non-numerical data in my previous positions. For example, at my last job, I had to organize books by subject matter. This required me to categorize books based on their content. I also had to enter information into our database about the authors, titles and subjects of the books.”

What are some of the most important skills for a successful cataloger?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have a strong understanding of cataloging and what skills are most important for success. When answering this question, it can be helpful to list several skills and explain why they’re important.

Example: “The two most important skills for a successful cataloger are attention to detail and organization. Catalogers need to make sure all information in their catalogs is accurate and organized so customers can find exactly what they’re looking for. I’ve always been good at both of these skills, which is one reason I’m excited about this position.”

How do you stay organized when working with large amounts of information?

Cataloging requires you to be organized and able to work with large amounts of information. Employers ask this question to see if you have the organizational skills necessary for the job. Use your answer to explain how you stay organized in your personal life, as well as professionally.

Example: “I am naturally an organized person, so I find it easy to keep track of my projects and tasks. In my previous role, I used a project management software to organize all of my cataloging assignments. This helped me stay on top of deadlines and communicate with my team members about any questions or concerns they had.”

What is your experience with using library management systems?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience with cataloging and organizing materials in a library setting. Use examples from past experiences to highlight your skills, knowledge and abilities when working with these systems.

Example: “I have worked with several different library management systems throughout my career as a cataloger. I find that each system has its own unique features that make it useful for specific tasks. For example, I used Koha while working at the public library because of its ability to integrate with other software programs. This helped me use the system to create digital collections of books and other resources within the library. In my current role, I am using Evergreen, which is an open-source library management system that allows me to customize the program to meet the needs of the organization.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to resolve an issue with an existing record in the library’s catalog.

This question can help the interviewer determine how you approach challenges and solve problems. Use examples from your previous experience to highlight your problem-solving skills, ability to work independently and attention to detail.

Example: “At my last library, I noticed that a record for one of our books was missing some important information. The book’s title, author and publication date were all correct, but it didn’t have any information about who published the book or when it was originally released. I contacted the librarian in charge of the collection where the book was housed to see if they had more information on file. They did not, so I researched the publisher online and found an email address. I emailed them asking for more information about the book and within two days, they responded with the missing details. I updated the catalog entry and notified the librarian at my current library that everything was resolved.”

If you saw a book on the shelf that didn’t have a record in the catalog, what would be your first course of action?

This question is a great way to test your problem-solving skills and ability to work independently. Your answer should show the interviewer that you are willing to take initiative and solve problems on your own.

Example: “If I saw a book without a record, my first course of action would be to look for it in other catalogs. If I couldn’t find it there, I would search through our database to see if we had any information about the book at all. If I still didn’t have any luck finding the book, I would create a new record for it in the catalog and enter as much information as possible. Then, I would send an email to my supervisor letting them know what I found so they could add more information to the record.”

What would you do if you noticed a coworker had made a significant error in one of the library’s records?

Cataloging is a highly detail-oriented job, so employers want to make sure you can handle the responsibility of maintaining their library’s records. In your answer, explain that you would first try to help your coworker fix the error and then report it to your supervisor if they were unable to do so.

Example: “I have worked with many different types of libraries in my career, so I am familiar with how each one catalogs its materials. If I noticed an error in one of these libraries, I would first ask my coworker about what they did to create the record. If they could not remember or explain why the record was incorrect, I would tell them to correct it immediately. If they still could not figure out how to change the record, I would contact my supervisor and let them know what happened. They would then work with our IT department to ensure the mistake never happens again.

How well do you perform under pressure?

Cataloging is a job that requires you to work under pressure. Employers ask this question to see if you can handle working in an environment where there are tight deadlines and other responsibilities. Use your answer to show the interviewer that you have what it takes to perform well when faced with challenges. Explain how you stay focused on your tasks even when you’re feeling stressed.

Example: “I am someone who thrives under pressure. I know that some of my best work comes when I’m up against a deadline, so I always make sure to get my assignments done early. In fact, I often complete my work before the due date because I want to give myself plenty of time to review my work for any errors. This helps me feel confident about my cataloging skills and shows employers that I can handle stressful situations.”

Do you have experience working with publishers or other industry professionals?

Employers may ask this question to learn more about your experience and how you’ve applied it in the past. If you have worked with publishers or other industry professionals, consider sharing a specific example of how you helped them achieve their goals.

Example: “I worked as an independent cataloger for several years before I started working at my current company. During that time, I worked with many different publishing companies on various projects. One publisher I worked with was looking to create a new database for their books. They wanted to include information like book reviews, summaries and author biographies. I created a system where they could easily add new information to each book’s record. This allowed them to keep track of all of their data and make changes when needed.”

When organizing your work, what criteria do you use to determine priority?

Cataloging work can be time-consuming, so it’s important to prioritize your tasks. Employers ask this question to make sure you know how to manage your time and stay organized. In your answer, explain what factors you consider when deciding which projects to do first. Try to show that you are a self-motivated individual who is good at managing their own time.

Example: “I would start by looking at the urgency of each project. If I have several urgent projects, I will try to complete them all as quickly as possible. After that, I would look at the complexity of each project. The more complex a project is, the longer it takes me to finish it. So, if there are two similar projects, I would choose the one with the least amount of information.”

We want to increase the number of patrons who use our online catalog. What would you do to promote the online version of our catalog?

Cataloging is a highly specialized skill, and the interviewer wants to know that you understand how important it is for patrons to be able to find what they’re looking for in their catalog. Your answer should show your understanding of the importance of cataloging and how it can benefit an organization.

Example: “I would promote the online catalog by making sure all relevant information was included on our website. I’d also make sure we had clear instructions about how to use the catalog and who to contact if there were any questions or concerns. Finally, I would include links to the catalog from other websites so that people could easily find us.”

Describe your process for ensuring the accuracy of your work.

Cataloging is a highly detail-oriented job, so employers ask this question to make sure you have the attention to detail required for the role. Use your answer to highlight your organizational and time management skills. Explain how you use these skills to ensure that you meet deadlines while maintaining accuracy in your work.

Example: “I always start by reading through the entire book or publication I’m cataloging. This helps me get an idea of what’s included in the content and gives me a better understanding of the information being presented. Next, I create my index cards based on the topics listed in the book. Then, I enter all of the information into the database program. Finally, I review each entry one last time before submitting it.”

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you feel you are the best candidate for their open cataloging position. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills you have that would be beneficial in this role. Focus on highlighting your most relevant experience and soft skills.

Example: “I am the best candidate for this position because I have extensive knowledge of library organization systems. In my previous job as a librarian, I used Library of Congress Classification System to organize books by subject. This system is also what your company uses, so I know I can easily adapt to this new environment. I also have excellent communication skills, which will help me work with other employees and managers.”

Which cataloging systems are you most familiar with?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience level and how much you know about cataloging systems. If you have previous experience, describe what you did in that role. If you don’t have any prior experience, explain which cataloging systems you’ve used before and why you’re interested in this position.

Example: “I’m most familiar with Library of Congress Classification System and Dewey Decimal Classification System. I worked as a library assistant at my local library for two years where I helped patrons find books using these classification systems. I also completed an online course on Library of Congress Classification System to learn more about it.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of a successful library?

This question is a great way to see how the candidate feels about libraries in general. It also gives you insight into their values and what they think makes a library successful. When answering this question, it’s important to show your passion for libraries and why they’re so important.

Example: “I believe that the most important aspect of a successful library is its ability to connect people with information. Libraries are such an incredible resource because they allow anyone to learn anything they want at any time. I love being able to help someone find exactly what they need when they come to me looking for something specific.”

How often do you update library records?

Cataloging is a dynamic process that requires constant updating. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the ability to keep up with frequent changes in library records. In your answer, explain how often you update records and what methods you use to stay on top of updates.

Example: “I try to update library records at least once per week. I do this by regularly checking for new information about books, such as reviews or awards they’ve won. If there are any changes to the author’s name or book title, I also update those details. I find these methods help me stay on top of record updates so I can ensure patrons always have access to the most accurate information.”

There is a discrepancy between the physical and digital versions of the library’s catalog. How would you resolve this?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to work with others. Your answer should include a step-by-step process for resolving the discrepancy, as well as how you would communicate with other catalogers or librarians about the issue.

Example: “I would first check the physical library’s database to see if there are any updates that need to be made. If not, I would then check the digital library’s database to see if there are any updates that need to be made. If both databases have up-to-date information, I would contact my supervisor to discuss the discrepancies. Together, we would decide whether it was necessary to remove one of the records from the system.”