Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: MARC • ILS • Reference Services

Library of Congress

Term from Information Services industry explained for recruiters

The Library of Congress is America's national library and the largest library in the world. When this appears in resumes, it usually refers to experience with their cataloging standards, classification systems, or metadata practices that are widely used in libraries, archives, and information centers. Think of it as the "gold standard" that many organizations follow for organizing and describing books, documents, and digital materials. When candidates mention Library of Congress in their resumes, they're typically indicating they understand these professional standards, similar to how an accountant might reference knowledge of GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles).

Examples in Resumes

Cataloged rare books using Library of Congress Classification System

Implemented Library of Congress Subject Headings for digital collection

Managed metadata using LOC standards

Applied Library of Congress authority control practices to database records

Typical job title: "Cataloging Librarians"

Also try searching for:

Metadata Librarian Cataloging Specialist Technical Services Librarian Digital Resources Librarian Information Organization Specialist Catalog Manager Bibliographic Services Librarian

Where to Find Cataloging Librarians

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you manage a large-scale conversion from one cataloging system to Library of Congress standards?

Expected Answer: Look for answers that show experience in project management, understanding of both systems, and consideration of staff training needs. They should mention data quality control and maintaining service during the transition.

Q: How do you stay current with changes in Library of Congress cataloging standards?

Expected Answer: Strong answers will mention professional development, following LOC updates, participating in professional organizations, and training others on new standards.

Mid Level Questions

Q: Explain how you would assign Library of Congress subject headings to a new collection?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of subject analysis, authority control, and consistency in applying standards. Should mention checking existing headings and following established patterns.

Q: How do you handle materials that don't clearly fit into existing Library of Congress classifications?

Expected Answer: Should discuss research process, consulting colleagues, checking similar materials, and making consistent decisions while documenting the reasoning.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the basic structure of the Library of Congress Classification system?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain the basic letters and numbers system, main categories, and how call numbers are constructed.

Q: What's the difference between Library of Congress Subject Headings and Classification?

Expected Answer: Should explain that subject headings describe what the item is about, while classification determines where it's physically or digitally located.