Data Conversion Assistant

University-of-Oxford; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 19,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

An excellent contributory pension

38 days of annual leave

Childcare services

Family leave schemes

Discounted bus travel and SeasonTicket

Job summary

The Bodleian Digital Library Systems and Services at the University of Oxford is seeking a part-time data curation specialist. You will audit and transform legacy metadata, collate collections data, and ensure quality and accessibility of Special Collections.

Flexible hybrid work is offered, with remote and on-site options in Oxford. Strong scripting skills (Python, Bash) and knowledge of MARC 21, METS, TEI and MODS are desirable for this role.

Qualifications

• Experience with structured metadata and library catalog records.
• Strong IT skills and ability to work with digital data.
• Experience with scripting and automation using Python or Bash.
• Knowledge of METS, TEI, MODS and MARC 21 metadata formats.

Responsibilities

• Audit and transform data from legacy datasets to modern formats.
• Collate and analyse collection metadata.
• Perform quality assurance and document conversion decisions.
• Identify anomalies and unresolved issues and communicate findings.

Skills

Metadata experience

Attention to detail

Independent and collaborative work

Tools

Python

Bash

Command-line tools

Job description

Osney One Building, Osney Mead, Oxford OX2 0EW

THIS POST COULD BE CONSIDERED AS A SECONDMENT OPPORTUNITY

About the role

Bodleian Digital Library Systems and Services (BDLSS) provides digital services across the Bodleian Libraries, supporting students, academics, researchers and the wider public.

You will work on a variety of initiatives to audit and transform data held in legacy datasets into modern, sustainable formats, helping to improve the discoverability and accessibility of the Bodleian Libraries’ rich Special Collections. You will collate and analyse collections data, transform structured data in line with library best practice, carry out quality assurance checks, and document conversion decisions, anomalies and unresolved issues.

This is a part‑time, fixed‑term position, working 18.25 hours per week for 12 months. A mix of remote and onsite working can be considered, and the weekly working pattern is flexible and will be agreed with the successful candidate.

About You

You will have experience of working with structured metadata and/or catalogue records, together with strong IT skills and confidence in working with digital data. You will have experience of scripting and automation tools such as Python, Bash or command‑line tools, and knowledge of bibliographic and structural metadata standards and formats used in library environments, such as METS, TEI, MODS and MARC 21. You will bring excellent attention to detail, communication, organisational, analytical and problem‑solving skills, and be able to work effectively both independently and collaboratively.

What We Offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days of annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through diverse groups and champions, as well as a number of family‑friendly policies, such as the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example, shared parental leave.

We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment processes are inclusive and accessible. If you require the job description or any other materials in an alternative format, or if you would like to request any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please contact the recruitment team at [e-mail] .