Description, Intelligence, and Impact Librarian

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Virginia is seeking a Description, Intelligence, and Impact Librarian to enhance the library’s electronic resource practices. This role involves analyzing descriptive data, implementing assessment strategies, and improving user access to resources.

Applicants should have a Master’s degree in Library Science and up to four years of related experience. This exempt position in Charlottesville, VA, offers the potential for remote or hybrid work after initial training.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library Science or equivalent experience.
• 0–4 years of related experience.
• Experience with assessment methodologies and analytics tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop, analyze, and assess descriptive and metadata practices.
• Monitor and recommend descriptive standards and practices.
• Design and implement assessment methods for descriptive practices.

Skills

Assessment methodologies

Data analysis

Metadata practices

Troubleshooting

Education

Master’s degree in Library Science

Tools

Counter Metrics

MARCEdit

Integrated library systems

Job description

The University of Virginia Library seeks a knowledgeable, collaborative, and forward‑thinking Description, Intelligence, and Impact Librarian to advance the library’s electronic resource descriptive practices, metadata load strategy, and resource impact analysis across electronic collections, including both new and continuing resources.

The position reports to the Continuing & Electronic Resources Manager in Resource Acquisition & Description. The incumbent must apply independent judgment and expertise to electronic resources, MARC records, troubleshooting, and assessment within a complex academic library environment. This role plays a key part in shaping how the department supports discovery, access, equity, and responsible use of library collections for evolving scholarly, teaching, and research needs.

Responsibilities

• Develop, analyze, and assess descriptive and metadata practices across formats and collections.
• Evaluate and interpret descriptive data at scale to identify trends, gaps, inconsistencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Monitor national and international developments in descriptive standards, frameworks, and best practices, recommending local adoption or adaptation.
• Design and implement methods to assess the impact of descriptive practices on discovery, access, use, and user experience.
• Define metrics and qualitative measures demonstrating the value and effectiveness of collections.
• Analyze patterns in user access issues and troubleshooting data to inform improvements in metadata quality, systems configuration, and resource performance.
• Communicate findings through reports, dashboards, documentation, and presentations to inform decision‑making and strategic planning.
• Contribute evidence‑based recommendations for improving workflows, systems, and policies.
• Investigate and resolve complex electronic resource access issues, including problems related to metadata, linking, holdings, licensing settings, or system integrations.
• Collaborate with colleagues in electronic resources, systems, vendors, and discovery services to diagnose and address issues affecting user access and discovery.
• Analyze recurring electronic resource access‑related problems to identify underlying causes and recommend sustainable, systemic solutions.
• Document troubleshooting processes, resolutions, and best practices to support shared understanding and continuous improvement.
• Partner with colleagues in collection development, discovery systems, and public services.
• Serve as a resource and consultant on metadata analysis, descriptive data quality, assessment methodologies, and complex access issues.
• Participate in project teams supporting digital initiatives, system implementations, and cross‑functional library priorities.
• Contribute to the Library’s mission through service activities, documentation, and knowledge sharing.
• Engage in professional development and scholarship, including participation in regional, national, or international professional communities.
• Stay informed about emerging technologies and approaches related to metadata, analytics, assessment, and electronic resource management.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA‑Accredited program or a relevant graduate degree. Equivalent experience may be considered as per Department of Labor Equivalency Guidelines (Bachelor’s + 4 years relevant experience).
• Experience: 0–4 years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with assessment methodologies, analytics tools (such as Counter Metrics), data visualization techniques, and analyzing data at scale to inform decisions and demonstrate impact.
• Interest in exploring and implementing new AI tools relevant to e‑resource analysis and evaluation.
• Demonstrated experience resolving or contributing to the resolution of complex electronic resource access issues.
• Experience with WorldShare Record Manager (or equivalent), MARCEdit, ILS record management with vendor‑supplied metadata. Experience managing and auditing library records for data integrity.
• Experience using integrated library systems, electronic resource management systems, and data analysis software.
• Experience working collaboratively across departments while managing responsibilities independently in a complex organization.

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The role may require occasional travel to attend meetings and programs.

Anticipated Hiring Range

$65,000 – $70,000, commensurate with education and experience.

Position Type & Work Location

• This is an exempt‑level, benefited position.
• This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and is eligible for a remote or hybrid schedule, with additional on‑site presence as required after initial in‑person training and in accordance with UVA’s remote work guidelines.

Additional Requirements

• Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
• The position will not consider candidates requiring immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non‑discrimination and equal opportunity employment.