Collection Development and Metadata Librarian

Inside Higher Ed; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A university in North Carolina is seeking a Collection Development and Metadata Librarian to lead the management of library collections and oversee cataloging processes. The ideal candidate will hold a master's degree from an ALA-accredited program and possess 3 to 5 years of experience in an academic library. This role involves collaboration with faculty and stakeholders to enhance access to digital and print resources. The position offers full-time employment with a mid-senior level seniority.

Qualifications

• 3 to 5 years of professional experience in an academic library.
• Experience with RDA and MARC cataloging rules.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and manage library resources.
• Engage with vendors and stakeholders for purchasing resources.
• Perform cataloging on print and electronic materials.
• Collect and maintain statistical data on library activities.
• Provide professional oversight of processing staff.

Skills

Cataloging print and electronic resources

Managing subscriptions and resolving access issues

Using an integrated library management system

Supervising staff and/or student workers

Familiarity with batch editing processes

Advanced expertise with metadata schema

Education

Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited library program

Tools

OCLC library management software

EZproxy systems

MarcEdit

Job description

Overview

Collection Development and Metadata Librarian provides leadership in building, managing, and evaluating the Library’s collections to support the mission of Johnson C. Smith University. Working with little or no supervision, this position analyzes and administers the Library’s collection budget, coordinates collection development policies, and leads strategic planning and project initiatives that align collections with teaching and research needs of students and faculty. The position advances the James B. Duke Memorial Library as an innovative and collaborative hub that integrates both in-person and digital resources to engage patrons and the broader community. The Collection Development and Metadata Librarian oversees metadata services, including cataloging materials, managing and troubleshooting OCLC library management software, developing workflows, and implementing creative approaches to metadata management. This position also contributes to policy and procedure decisions and works closely with library leadership and staff to ensure effective, forward-looking collection strategies. This position reports directly to the Director of Library Services.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, manage, and assess the library’s print and digital resources in collaboration with faculty, students, and librarians
• Manage the library’s operational management system (OCLC) for processing, cataloging, and circulation. Work with OCLC team to stay current with latest trends and changes for effective usage and troubleshooting
• Perform original and copy cataloging on print, electronic and other formatted materials, including special collections, using mainly LCSH and Dewey classification
• Engage with vendors, consortia, donors, campus community, and stakeholders to purchase and curate library resources aligned with the university mission
• Propose budgets and explore grant opportunities for funding collection development and innovation
• Assist in instructional/information literacy efforts to students and faculty, especially focused on the use of library resources in digital and print formats
• Explore, innovate, and seek funding for Open Educational Resource initiatives
• Collect, organize, and maintain statistical data on all activities concerning library resources in print and digital formats
• Serve as liaison to assigned academic departments to enhance usage and marketing/promotion of library resources to the campus community
• Provide professional oversight and supervision of staff engaged in the processing of selected materials
• Create and maintain collection integrity with collection policies, weeding protocols, and inventory assessments
• Select, manage, and weed the library collections
• Support library reference services with scheduled desk hours (in-person and remote)
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

A master’s degree from an ALA-accredited library program is required, supplemented by 3 to 5 years of professional experience in an academic library. Experience with cataloging print and electronic resources (such as cataloging, managing subscriptions, and resolving access issues) is required. This position also requires experience with an integrated library management system and experience with RDA and MARC cataloging rules. Experience supervising staff and/or student workers is desired. Additional preferred experience includes familiarity with batch editing processes using OCLC or external utility such as MarcEdit; experience with batch loading and maintenance of vendor catalog records; experience with EZproxy systems; and advanced expertise with metadata schema such as Dublin Core.

Supplemental Information

To apply, please include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three supervisory references including the most recent supervisor.

Finalists for this position are subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check.

Additional Details

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Other
• Industries: Online Audio and Video Media