Metadata Librarian

Code4lib; Independence (KS); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Code4lib is seeking a Metadata Librarian in Independence, Kansas. This role involves developing metadata standards and managing integration with digital collections. Ideal candidates will have a Master's in Library Science or relevant experience, along with knowledge of identity management systems and significant metadata experience. Responsibilities also include original cataloging and contributing to national policies. The position offers opportunities for professional development and collaboration within the academic community.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in identity management systems, metadata formats, and cataloging standards.
• Strong analytical skills for complex and detailed work.
• Demonstrated aptitude for leveraging technology to improve data processes.

Responsibilities

• Assist in original metadata creation for digital and physical objects.
• Provide full original cataloging for diverse resources.
• Contribute to cooperative cataloging programs and metadata policy development.

Skills

Working knowledge of identity management systems

In-depth knowledge of metadata format and content standards

Working knowledge of metadata tools and systems

Working knowledge of Python

Familiarity with linked data concepts

Effective verbal and written communication skills

Education

MLS or equivalent combination of education and work experience

Tools

OpenRefine

MARCEdit

Connexion

FOLIO

Job description

Description

The Collections Acquisition & Metadata Services Division (CAMS) is eager to recruit a new Metadata Librarian.

Reporting to the Head of Digital Resources Metadata, the Metadata Librarian will develop and apply standards and procedures for creating and managing metadata that supports the organization, preservation, and access of digital collections acquired by the Libraries. Working closely with the Digital Library and Scholarly Technologies Group and other cross‑functional teams, the role ensures integration with local and national systems and provides original cataloging across diverse languages, formats, and media.

Key responsibilities include:

• Assist in original metadata creation, application, and maintenance for digital and physical objects system‑wide. This includes consultations, creating and maintaining documentation, data analysis, training, quality control, and data transformation.
• Provide full original cataloging for resources in a variety of languages, formats, and media, including identity management.
• Contribute to the programs of the Program for Cooperative Cataloging.
• Remediate metadata from legacy digital projects or for metadata provided by outside sources, such as collector and repository‑generated metadata accompanying both acquired digital collections and those being digitized in‑house.
• Assist in the evaluation and implementation of new tools and standards to continuously improve metadata workflows and contribute to the automation of workflow steps.
• Contribute to departmental, division, and national cataloging/metadata policy and procedure development by identifying issues, preparing documentation, and training.
• Pursue professional development opportunities and involvement with local, regional, and national organizations. Participate in CUL and University‑wide committees and special interest groups.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• MLS or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Working knowledge of identity management systems such as Wikidata, ORCID, VIAF/ISNI, and experience in name authority work and disambiguation strategies.
• In‑depth knowledge of metadata format and content standards with working knowledge of cataloging standards and procedures (RDA, BIBFRAME, MODS, MARC 21, LCSH, FAST).
• Working knowledge of metadata tools and systems, including OpenRefine, MARCEdit, Connexion, and integrated library systems such as FOLIO.
• Working knowledge of Python and data exchange formats such as JSON, XML/XSLT, and RDF/SPARQL.
• Familiarity with linked data concepts.
• Demonstrated aptitude for using technology creatively to continually improve processes that support data provision, data quality, data transformation, and long‑term data management.
• Demonstrated work in non‑MARC metadata creation and curation, experience providing technical services support for academic repositories and quality control for diverse projects.

Preferred:

• Aptitude for complex, analytical and detailed work.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to work across divisions and with faculty and scholars.