Metadata Specialist

Association of Research Libraries; Alberta; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading institution is seeking a Metadata Specialist to enhance library metadata practices and support resource discovery initiatives. The role requires collaboration with library teams while ensuring ethical and inclusive metadata processing. Ideal candidates possess a relevant degree and significant experience in academic libraries, particularly with current metadata standards.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years experience in an academic library.
• Advanced knowledge of MARC and non-MARC metadata standards.
• Experience in training or mentoring colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Recommends and implements changes to metadata practices.
• Supports development of inclusive metadata practices.
• Collaborates with library faculty to support cross-unit projects.

Skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Decision-making skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent

Master of Library and Information Science or equivalent

Library Information Technology diploma or equivalent

Tools

Alma library systems

Primo discovery layer

Job description

Mount Royal University Job Location: Alberta Apply By: 06/17/2025 Date Created: 06/05/2025

About the Role
Reporting to the Manager, Collections & Content, the Metadata Specialist contributes to the development of metadata guidelines, projects and initiatives in support of the Library’s Strategic Directions. They will proactively identify opportunities for adjustments to library initiatives and processes for metadata, cataloguing, and resource discovery and propose solutions or directions in consultation with the Manager and the Collections Services team. This position leverages a high level of understanding of the collections and scholarly communications lifecycle in an academic environment in order to complete tasks and identify opportunities to contribute to projects and initiatives in the unit and across the Library. The successful candidate will take a collaborative and innovative approach to metadata work, ensuring that library collections are supporting the teaching and research needs of the campus community.

This position is full-time (35 hours per week, working Monday to Friday), based primarily on campus The role is eligible for MRU’s hybrid work program, allowing for up to one remote workday per week, depending on operational needs.

Responsibilities

• Metadata Strategy, Optimization, and Workflows: Recommends and implements changes to metadata and cataloguing practices and systems configurations to ensure greater integration, discoverability and usability of library resources.
• Advancement of Ethical Metadata Practices: Supports development and implementation of inclusive metadata practices to support Indigenous reconciliation, and advances diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and accessibility through metadata remediation and description strategies.
• Fostering Metadata Capacity: Provides guidance, coaching, and mentorship to colleagues on metadata standards and best practices. Acts as a resource and internal consultant on metadata-related issues, contributing to the development of shared expertise within the Collections Services team and across the Library.
• Cross-Project Collaboration: Collaborates with library faculty and staff to support cross-unit projects, including discovery tools, digital collections, and the Institutional Repository.
• Cataloguing Library Materials: Catalogues and classifies materials in various formats (including open access and electronic resources) according to current standards and guidelines, and engages in regional and national conversations around emerging best practices and technologies.
• Support Collections Access and Maintenance: Collaborates with colleagues to log and resolve e-resource access issues; contributes to the ongoing review and maintenance of electronic and physical collections.

Qualifications

• A bachelor Degree or equivalent is required, in addition to EITHER a Master of Library and Information Science (or equivalent) OR a Library Information Technology (or equivalent) diploma.
• 3-5 years experience in an academic Library with experience working with collections and metadata.
• Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to take initiative and work independently and collaboratively.
• Advanced knowledge of current and emerging MARC and non-MARC metadata standards and schema (e.g., RDA, Dublin Core, OAI, MODS, BIBFRAME/RDF, linked data).
• Knowledge of equity, diversity, and inclusion practices to enhance descriptive cataloguing.
• Experience in training or mentoring colleagues in new skills/processes.
• Experience working with cataloguing and electronic resource management functions in both a library systems platform and an institutional repository.
• Previous work experience with Alma library systems platform and Primo discovery layer are assets.

Salary: $ 60,571- $76,640 per annum.

A cover letter and resume should be submitted in one .pdf document. Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Last Name], [Requisition Number], [Document Title].pdf (ex. Smith, 999999, CV.pdf).

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