Discovery and Metadata Librarian

Code4lib; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 64,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Auburn University Libraries seeks a Discovery and Metadata Librarian to lead Web-scale discovery and metadata operations for books and e-books. The role includes supervising staff, coordinating workflows, and supporting the library services platform transition from Voyager.

The position requires a Master of Library Science, knowledge of MARC/RDA/AACR2, and experience with discovery tools and metadata standards. It is tenure-track and involves service on university committees.

Qualifications

• Master of Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program at time of employment.
• Knowledge of Web scale discovery tools.
• Knowledge of metadata and/or cataloging in academic or specialty libraries.
• Understanding of ERMs, OpenURL resolvers, and LSPs.
• Supervisory experience in a library setting.

Responsibilities

• Manage Web scale discovery services such as EDS or similar tools.
• Supervise three staff members in the Discovery Services Unit.
• Organize and assess workflows for cataloging of books and e-books.
• Manage cataloging processes for vendor approvals (GOBI, Brodart).
• Troubleshoot discovery tools and access issues for electronic resources.
• Perform MARC-based descriptive cataloging and possibly Dublin Core metadata.
• Contribute to metadata strategy and best practices.
• Lead performance reviews and document procedures.
• Stay current with metadata trends and developments.
• Support library services platform implementation to replace Voyager.

Skills

Web scale discovery tools

Supervisory experience

Customer service focus

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Master of Library and Information Science

Tools

GOBI

Brodart

EDS

Primo VE

OCLC WorldCat Discovery

Job description

Auburn University Libraries seeks an innovative, enthusiastic, and user-focused individual to serve as theDiscovery 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 copy and adaptive cataloging of books and e-books. As needed, the Discovery and Metadata Librarian may perform original and enhanced MARC‑based descriptive cataloging of library materials requiring the application of both RDA and AACR2 rules. Other responsibilities include assisting with the development and use of metadata for other information resources as assigned. As a supervisor and professional librarian in the Discovery Services Unit within the CDR Department, this position will be expected to contribute to ongoing improvements in overall metadata strategy and best practices that support the mission of Auburn University and its Libraries. This position will work with the rest of the department and Libraries to implement a library services platform (LSP) to replace our Voyager integrated library system (ILS) which reaches end of life in 2026. This twelve‑month tenure‑track position requires professional and scholarly activity as well as service on library and university committees. For more information about the Auburn University Libraries, visithttps://www.lib.auburn.edu/.

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 three staff in the Discovery Services Unit
• Developing and maintaining policies, procedures, and other types of 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 electronic resources management (ERMs) systems and functionality 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 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