Metadata Operations Specialist

The Digital Asset Management Consortium, Inc.; New York, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia University Libraries seeks a Metadata Operations Specialist to support operations in cataloging and metadata records management for digital resources and grant projects.

The role involves creating records, applying subject headings, ensuring metadata quality, and contributing to authority files. Entry-level position with potential for professional growth within the university libraries.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required.
• Experience with metadata record creation and management in an academic setting.
• Knowledge of MARC 21, LCSH, FAST, MODS, and RDA cataloging standards.
• Familiarity with authority control using LOC Name Authority File, ISNI, Wikidata.

Responsibilities

• Create cataloging and metadata records for digital resources.
• Quality review and remediation of metadata in MARC and non-MARC formats.
• Contribute names to authority files and to identity management databases.
• Assist with database maintenance for descriptions and batch updates.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Emerging tech aptitude

Metadata tools & systems

Metadata standards knowledge

Cataloging standards proficiency

Analytical, detail-oriented

Verbal and written communication

Organizational & project mgmt

Cross-division collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Library school coursework

Tools

OpenRefine

Job description

Position Summary

This is an entry level position. Columbia University Libraries seeks a Metadata Operations Specialist to provide operations assistance in cataloging and metadata records management as part of Columbia University Libraries’ operationalized metadata processing as well as for grant-funded projects.

Responsibilities

• Creation of cataloging and metadata records for digital resources in a variety of formats using established library cataloging standards including: assignment of subject headings using Library of Congress subject headings or FAST, etc. in both MARC and non-MARC formats.
• Performs quality review and remediation for metadata for digital resources in a variety of formats in both MARC and non-MARC standards; normalization of names in metadata records against the Library of Congress Name Authority File and other identity management systems, e.g. ISNI and Wikidata.
• Contribute new names as needed to the Library of Congress Name Authority file as well as to emerging identity management databases (e.g. ISNI and Wikidata) and submit proposals to the Library of Congress for new and revised subject headings.
• Assists with database maintenance for individual descriptions and in batch for both MARC and non-MARC data.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent related experience required.
• Minimum of 0-2 years of related experience or relevant coursework.
• Relevant work experience in an academic environment.
• Demonstrated aptitude for working with emerging technologies.
• Working knowledge of metadata tools and systems.
• In depth knowledge of metadata format and content standards.
• Working knowledge of cataloging standards and procedures (RDA, MODS, MARC 21, LCSH, FAST).
• Demonstrated aptitude for complex, analytical and detailed work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Course work in an accredited library school program.
• Working knowledge of OpenRefine.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to work across divisions.
• Experience in archival processing.

Employer: Columbia University

Location: New York, USA

Type: Full-Time