New Cataloger Camp Spring 2026

A Learning Cohort for Beginning and “Accidental” Library Catalogers

The Colorado State Library announces the Spring 2026 cohort of New Cataloger Camp, a learning group designed to address the needs of beginning and “accidental” library catalogers in Colorado. Cohort members can expect to: gain familiarity with foundational terms, concepts, and standards; practice implementing the standards within a local context; and build a toolkit of useful resources. The focus will be on practical application and problem-solving for catalogers already working in the field.

New Cataloger Camp is part of the Cataloging Fundamentals Program, which currently includes online video tutorials and the Chatalogers discussion group. The program is made possible through grant funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) administered by the Colorado State Library.

Here’s what’s included in the cohort, which runs from February through June 2026:

• Monthly learning group meetings. This is the foundational component of the cohort, where we will discuss cataloging concepts and topics like descriptive standards, MARC, subject headings, and workflows. Learning group meetings will be held the first Wednesday of the month from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.
• Monthly peer discussions. In addition to the learning group meetings, cohort members can choose to attend a second monthly meeting to share their experiences and seek feedback regarding their real-world cataloging questions and challenges. Peer discussion meetings will be held the third Wednesday of the month from 9:00 to 10:00 am.
• Shared toolkit. Throughout the course, participants will contribute to a shared toolkit: a collection of useful resources, tools, and training materials that they can draw from to create their own curated toolkit.

There is no cost to participate, and all course content is freely available online. There are no graded homework assignments and no educational credit offered.

If you are interested in participating in the Spring 2026 cohort, please register by end-of-day January 12, 2026. Registered applicants will receive confirmation and further information on January 13, 2026.

At this time we are tentatively planning to run the cohort again in Fall 2026. Please contact Amy Hitchner, [email protected], if you are interested in receiving an email when registration opens for that cohort.