Metadata Librarian

Code4lib; DeKalb (IL); Hybrid; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Robust benefits package

Hybrid work schedule after training

Job summary

A public research university is seeking a Metadata Librarian / Assistant Professor in DeKalb, Illinois. This tenure-track position involves leading metadata initiatives, supervising staff, and enhancing cataloging practices for digital and physical collections. Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Library Science and demonstrate the ability to perform original cataloging in multiple languages. This role offers a starting salary of $70,000, with potential benefits and a hybrid work schedule.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library Science from an accredited program.
• Ability to perform original cataloging in multiple languages.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Supervises two staff members.
• Coordinates metadata creation for digital collections.
• Evaluates and enhances existing metadata workflows.

Skills

Original cataloging

Metadata standards

Team supervision

Diversity and inclusion

Education

Master’s degree in Library Science

Tools

Ex Libris’ Alma

MarcEdit

Open Refine

Job description

Metadata Librarian / Assistant Professor

The University Libraries at Northern Illinois University (NIU) seeks applications from collaborative, innovative, and forward‑thinking individuals for the position of Metadata Librarian / Assistant Professor.

Reporting to the Head of Technical Services within the Division of Collections Management, the Metadata Librarian provides leadership and support for creating and maintaining accurate MARC and non‑MARC metadata in the library catalog, the digital collections, the institutional repository, and other discovery platforms. They will take the lead on creating original metadata for analog and digital resources in all languages and formats, coordinate metadata outsourcing and batch loading, set department metadata policies and best practices, and develop metadata creation and remediation workflows. As the manager of the Metadata Unit, the Metadata Librarian supervises two full‑time staff members.

This is a 12‑month, tenure‑track faculty appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor with the possibility of a hybrid work schedule after the required in‑person training period.

Faculty salaries are guided by a CBA, starting at $70,000. NIU offers a robust benefits package.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Supervises two staff members whose primary responsibilities include copy cataloging, data entry, and catalog maintenance. Assigns tasks and sets goals.

Performs original cataloging, as needed, for materials in multiple languages and formats.

Evaluates vendor supplied bibliographic records and coordinates batch loading those records into the library services platform and discovery layer.

Participates in non‑MARC metadata creation and remediation for digital collections and the institutional repository, including Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs).

Develops and documents projects and workflows as well as community‑of‑practice‑aligned metadata standards. Reviews and evaluates existing metadata workflows to increase efficiencies.

Ensures that the libraries’ cataloging and metadata practices remain current with innovations in automation tools (e.g., vendor record services, Artificial Intelligence). Uses emerging technologies to identify, enrich, and remediate metadata/data to enhance the discovery and delivery of library content.

Pursues opportunities to improve existing metadata to create a more accurate, equitable, and welcoming experience for library patrons.

Participates in professional activities and development, and scholarly research and publication.

Represents the library in consortial partnerships and professional committees to advance metadata services and ensure consistency across institutions.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS, MSLS, MLIS, etc.) from an ALAN‑accredited or equivalent program
• Demonstrated ability to perform original cataloging for materials in multiple formats and languages using a variety of metadata standards and controlled vocabularies
• Evidence of ability to meet university standards for research, publication, and professional service
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect in the workplace

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior supervisory, project management, or leadership experience
• Interest in Southeast Asia or American popular literature, including science fiction, juvenile series books, or dime novels
• Experience using Ex Libris’ Alma library management system and Primo discovery service
• Experience with batch loading records
• Experience designing and implementing metadata application profiles for non‑MARC systems
• Experience automating repetitive data manipulation and normalization routines through tools and techniques such as MarcEdit or Open Refine
• Experience with reparative description that seeks to make metadata more accurate, inclusive, and community‑centered

About the Collections

Much of the metadata created at NIU supports our Special Collections & Archives and the Donn V. Hart Southeast Asia Collection. NIU’s holdings are particularly strong in American popular culture, featuring the Science Fiction Writers of America Archive and one of the world’s largest collections of dime novels. The Southeast Asia Collection is among the most significant of its kind in the United States, with materials in Thai, Vietnamese, Malay, Indonesian, Khmer, and Burmese. These collections are discoverable through the institutional repository Huskie Commons and three mature digital libraries—the NIU Digital Library, Nickels and Dimes, and the Southeast Asia Digital Library.

About NIU

Founded in 1895 as a normal school, Northern Illinois University is a Carnegie Foundation designated R2 (“High Research Activity”) institution serving approximately 16,000 students, 56% of whom are first‑generation college students and 80% of whom receive merit scholarships. Northern Illinois University’s 765‑acre main campus in DeKalb is an eclectic mix of architecture and beautiful natural spaces located within 60 miles of Chicago. Find out more about NIU and the NIU Libraries at niu.edu and library.niu.edu.

How to Apply

Visit https://employment.niu.edu/postings/87516 to apply.

Contact

Matthew Short
Head of Technical Services
Northern Illinois University Libraries
[e-mail]