Metadata Librarian for Digital Collections

Digital Library Federation; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Metadata Librarian for Digital Collections at University of Alabama at Birmingham oversees design, implementation, and maintenance of metadata standards, workflows, and documentation to support the discovery and long-term management of digital collections. Reports to the Head of Digital Services within the Technology and Technical Services Division of UAB Libraries.

The role emphasizes collaboration with faculty, researchers, and library staff, expertise in Dublin Core, and leadership of

Qualifications

• MLS/MLIS from an ALA-accredited program.
• Experience creating descriptive metadata for diverse digital materials.
• Knowledge of metadata standards, vocabularies, and controlled terms.
• Project management experience with clear communication.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams.
• Adaptability to evolving digital environments.

Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains metadata standards and workflows for digital collections.
• Creates, edits, and enhances descriptive metadata following DC/DCMI guidelines.
• Manages bulk record imports and large-scale data cleanup projects.
• Assesses existing metadata quality and recommends remediation for interoperability.
• Leads metadata improvement initiatives and coordinates with stakeholders.
• Uses scripts/tools for metadata transformation (batch editing, crosswalking, migration).
• Mentors departmental student assistants and interns.
• Participates in library and campus committees and professional groups.

Skills

Metadata creation

Project management

Collaboration

Effective communication

Education

MLS/MLIS degree

Tools

Ex Libris Alma/Specto

MarcEdit

OpenRefine

Python

Job description

Job Description

The Metadata Librarian for Digital Collections is a core member of the Digital Services Team with primary focus on the design, implementation, and maintenance of metadata standards, workflows, and documentation that support the discovery, access, and long-term management of digital collections. This position reports to the Head of Digital Services within the Technology and Technical Services Division of UAB Libraries.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develops, implements, and maintains metadata standards and workflows to support the discovery, access, and long-term management of digital collections; develops documentation and guidelines for metadata creation, transformation, and maintenance
• Creates, edits, and enhances descriptive metadata for a wide range of digital material types; applies and promotes best practices aligned with Dublin Core Metadata Initiative (DCMI) standards and related frameworks
• Manages bulk record import processes and large-scale data cleanup projects
• Conducts in-depth assessment of existing digital collections metadata for quality, consistency, and completeness; recommends and executes remediation strategies to improve discoverability and interoperability
• Leads metadata enhancement initiatives for digital collections, including normalization and enrichment processes; coordinates adopted enhancements with various internal and external collection stakeholders
• Utilizes tools and scripts for metadata transformation when applicable (e.g., batch editing, crosswalking, data migration)
• Contributes to the overall management of departmental student assistants and interns
• Actively participates in relevant library and campus teams, committees, and working groups; participates in local, national, and/or international user groups with focus on metadata development and/or digital services and initiatives
• Participates in professional service and scholarship activities in accordance with faculty guidelines for appointment and promotion
• Performs other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• ALA-accredited Master's degree in Library and Information Science (MLS/MLIS)
• Experience creating and enhancing descriptive metadata for a wide range of digital material types
• Working knowledge of a variety of subject headings, record formats, controlled vocabularies, and standards as they relate to metadata services
• Experience with project management, including planning, communication, and delivery
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders, including faculty, researchers, and library staff
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing digital environments and workflows

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 or more years of experience creating descriptive metadata for digital objects
• 2 or more years of experience working with a large-scale Library Services Platform, preferably the Ex Libris Alma/Specto platform, or similar
• 1 or more years of experience working in a library technical services area
• Experience working with Dublin Core Metadata Initiative (DCMI) standards and related frameworks
• Experience using common tools for batch editing, data cleaning, and data transformation (e.g., MarcEdit, OpenRefine, Python)

Open Date

10/19/2026

Open Until Filled

Yes

Nondiscrimination Statement

UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, religion, and veteran's status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB's Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.

Pre-employment Background Check

A pre-employment background check investigation is performed on candidates selected for employment.

About University of Alabama at Birmingham

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