Discovery and Metadata Librarian

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

20 days of vacation leave

12 days of sick leave

health/dental/life/disability insurance

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. seeks a Discovery and Metadata Librarian at Auburn University Libraries, responsible for managing discovery services and coordinating metadata operations. This role requires a Master of Library Science and experience with web-scale discovery tools.

Key responsibilities include supervising staff, organizing cataloging workflows, and collaborating on library services platform implementation. The position offers a salary starting at $60,000 with comprehensive benefits, including vacation leave and retirement plan participation.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience in metadata and/or cataloging in academic, public, or special libraries.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience in a library setting or a similar workplace.
• Ability to assess, analyze, and solve complex problems related to describing information resources.

Responsibilities

• Managing web-scale discovery services and supervising staff.
• Organizing and assessing workflows for cataloging materials.
• Developing and maintaining documentation and policies as directed.

Education

Master of Library and Information Science degree or equivalent from an ALA-accredited program

Tools

web-scale discovery tools

MARC editing tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Access

OpenURL resolvers

Job description

Job Description

Auburn University Libraries seeks an innovative, enthusiastic, and user-focused individual to serve as the Discovery and Metadata Librarian. Reporting to the Head of the Collections, Discovery, and Resource Sharing (CDR) Department, this position is responsible for managing web‑scale discovery and coordinating metadata operations for monographic materials in the Discovery Services Unit, including the organization and assessment of workflows related to the cataloging of books and e‑books. The Discovery and Metadata Librarian may also perform original and enhanced MARC‑based descriptive cataloging of library materials, assisting with the development and use of metadata for other information resources as assigned. The role contributes to overall metadata strategy and best practices that support the mission of Auburn University and its Libraries. The position will also work closely with the Department Head, Metadata Librarians, and the Collections Unit in the CDR Department, and with other units in the Libraries to implement a library services platform (LSP) to replace the existing ILS, reaching end of life in 2026.

Responsibilities

• Managing web‑scale discovery services such as EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS) or similar tools
• Supervising three staff members in the Discovery Services Unit of the CDR Department
• Organizing and assessing workflows related to the routine cataloging of books and e‑books
• Managing cataloging processes for the Libraries’ approval plans through vendors such as GOBI and Brodart
• Assisting with troubleshooting problems with web‑scale discovery and other discovery tools
• Assisting with troubleshooting access issues for electronic resources that involve descriptive metadata in collaboration with the E‑Resources Team and Discovery Unit
• Original and enhanced MARC‑based descriptive cataloging of information resources in all formats
• May also catalog materials using Dublin Core or other metadata schemas as needed
• Working individually and as part of a team in the assessment, development, and implementation of metadata strategies for special projects as assigned
• Conducting annual and ongoing performance reviews for staff in the Discovery Services Unit
• Developing and maintaining policies, procedures, and other documentation as directed by the Head of Collections, Discovery, and Resource Sharing
• Maintaining current awareness of emerging trends and developments in metadata and cataloging
• Performing other duties and assisting with special projects as assigned

Qualifications

Minimum

• Master of Library and Information Science degree or equivalent from an ALA‑accredited program at the time of employment
• Knowledge of web‑scale discovery tools
• Knowledge and experience in metadata and/or cataloging in academic, public, or special libraries
• General understanding of electronic resources management tools such as OpenURL resolvers, proxy systems, knowledge bases, and ERM systems in library services platforms (LSPs)
• Demonstrated supervisory experience in a library setting or a similar workplace
• Demonstrated knowledge of RDA and AACR2
• Demonstrated knowledge of MARC
• Demonstrated knowledge of tools commonly used to catalog information resources and manipulate data in contemporary academic libraries such as library service platforms (LSP), integrated library systems (ILS), and MARC editing tools
• Ability to assess, analyze, and solve complex problems related to describing information resources and to make content discoverable to users
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with a flexible and adaptable attitude as well as a focus on customer service
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
• Potential to meet university promotion and tenure requirements for library faculty

Desired

• Experience with web‑scale discovery services such as Primo VE, EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS), OCLC WorldCat Discovery, or tools with similar functionality
• Experience in managing electronic resources such as databases, online journals, e‑books, and streaming media
• Demonstrated knowledge of cataloging standards such as the Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC), CONSER, NACO, and SACO
• Demonstrated knowledge of cataloging created using OCLC tools and vendor supplied cataloging
• Supervisory experience in academic, public, or special libraries
• Demonstrated knowledge of metadata content and structural standards such as Dublin Core
• Familiarity with GOBI, OASIS, MOSAIC, or similar software used to order books and e‑books
• Familiarity with discovery tools such as VuFind
• Experience with Microsoft Excel and Access
• General knowledge of linked data, AI, and other advances in the development and use of metadata
• Reading knowledge of at least one foreign language
• Record of scholarly and professional activity

Salary / Benefits

Minimum salary of $60,000 for an Assistant Professor. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. This is a twelve‑month tenure‑track position. Benefits include 20 days of vacation leave, 12 days of sick leave per year; participation in the State Teachers’ Retirement System (mandatory); additional voluntary retirement plans available; health/dental/life/disability insurance.

Contract Type

Continuing

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance website to learn more.