Metadata Operations Specialist at Columbia University Libaries

Metro; New York (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia University Libraries seeks a Metadata Operations Specialist to support cataloging and metadata records management as part of our operationalized metadata processing and grant-funded projects.

The role involves creating cataloging and metadata records, performing quality reviews, contributing to authority files, and assisting with database maintenance in MARC and non-MARC environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent related experience required.
• Minimum 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 formats and content standards.
• Working knowledge of cataloging standards and procedures (RDA, MODS, MARC 21, LCSH, FAST).
• Demonstrated aptitude for complex, analytical and detailed work.

Responsibilities

• Create cataloging and metadata records for digital resources in MARC and non-MARC formats using established standards such as LCSH and FAST.
• Perform quality review and remediation of metadata across MARC and non-MARC formats; normalize names against LC Name Authority File and systems like ISNI/Wikidata.
• Contribute new names to LC Name Authority File and identity management databases; submit proposals for new/revised subject headings.
• Assist with database maintenance for individual descriptions and in batch for MARC and non-MARC data.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Metadata tools

MARC 21

LCSH

FAST

ISNI

Wikidata

Quality review

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

OpenRefine

Name Authority File

Job description

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.