Discovery and Metadata Librarian Auburn University

ELUNA Content Working Group; Auburn, Northern (AL, KY); Hybrid; USD 58,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

Auburn University Libraries seeks an innovative, user-focused Discovery and Metadata Librarian to manage Web-scale discovery and metadata for books and ebooks. You will supervise three staff, coordinate cataloging workflows, and help implement a library services platform to replace Voyager as it reaches end of life.

The role requires MLS, knowledge of MARC/RDA/AACR2, and strong collaboration across units. It emphasizes metadata strategy, policy development, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• ALA-accredited MLS or equivalent at time of employment.
• Knowledge of web-scale discovery tools and metadata/cataloging.
• Experience with metadata, MARC, and RDA/AACR2 guidelines.
• Supervisory experience in libraries and ability to lead a unit.
• Familiarity with LSP/ILS/MARC editing tools and OpenURL/ERMs.
• Ability to analyze and improve metadata workflows.

Responsibilities

• Manage Web scale discovery services (EDS, Primo VE, etc.).
• Supervise three staff in the Discovery Services Unit.
• Organize and assess cataloging workflows for books/e-books.
• Oversee cataloging for approval plans (GOBI/Brodart).
• Troubleshoot discovery tools and access to electronic resources.
• Perform MARC-based descriptive cataloging; possibly Dublin Core.
• Contribute to metadata strategy and best practices.

Skills

Web scale discovery tools

Metadata and/or cataloging

Supervisory experience

RDA and AACR2

MARC

LSP/ILS/MARC editing tools

Problem solving

Communication skills

Promotion/tenure readiness

OpenURL resolvers/ERMs tools

Dublin Core

PCC/CONSER/NACO/SACO

Foreign language reading knowledge

Scholarly/professional activity

Education

Master of Library and Information Science

Tools

OpenURL resolvers

Proxy systems

Knowledge bases

ERMs systems

Library Service Platforms (LSP)

Integrated Library Systems (ILS)

MARC editing tools

GOBI

OASIS

MOSAIC

VuFind

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Access

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 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 position works closely with the Department Head, Metadata Librarians, and the Collections Unit in the CDR Department, as well as the other units in The Libraries on cataloging and managing collections. 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, visit https://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