Metadata Strategies Librarian

Code4lib

Berkeley (CA)

On-site

USD 102,121 - 119,820

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Professional development leave

Retirement benefits

Job summary

A prestigious academic library in Berkeley seeks a Metadata Strategies Librarian to enhance resource discoverability through innovative metadata strategies and technology applications. This is a full-time, potential career appointment requiring an advanced degree and significant experience in cataloging and metadata creation. Ideal candidates will possess strong collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills, along with familiarity with standards like RDA and LCSH. The position promises professional growth and a focus on evolving library practices.

Qualifications

Five years of professional cataloging or metadata creation experience using RDA, LCSH, LCC, and MARC 21.
Excellent communication, critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

Develop and contribute to policies that enhance discoverability of Library resources.
Evaluate and implement new applications such as artificial intelligence to improve metadata quality.

Skills

Cataloging and metadata creation

Collaboration

Critical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Advanced degree

Tools

Ex Libris’ Alma

MarcEdit

OCLC Connexion Client

Job description

The University of California, Berkeley Library seeks an innovative and collaborative Metadata Strategies Librarian to improve and transform the discovery of library resources by evaluating and implementing new and emerging workflows, standards, and technologies.

Position Overview

Position title: Associate Librarian – Librarian, Career Status or Potential Career Status

Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum and maximum pay determined by rank and salary point at appointment. The current salary scale for this position is available here. A reasonable estimate for this position is $102,121–$119,820.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: As early as May 2026. Start date is flexible.

Position duration: This is a full-time potential career appointment.

Application Window

Next review date: Monday, Mar 23, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Head of Metadata Services, the Metadata Strategies Librarian will help lead efforts to implement new metadata initiatives and maximize the use of technology and emerging standards to foster workflow efficiency and innovation. This position will develop and contribute to policies, standards, and services that enhance the discoverability of the Library’s resources. The librarian will also support the Library’s participation in the Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC).

Collaborates on the development and implementation of new metadata policies and workflows, such as linked data, to enhance access and discovery to the Library’s collections.
Evaluates and implements emerging applications, such as artificial intelligence, and metadata standards with the goal of continually improving metadata quality and fostering workflow efficiency and innovation.
Participates in the creation, development, implementation, and revision of department and library policies and procedures.
Develops, implements, and oversees metadata remediation and enrichment projects to support current and future discoverability.
Provides training to department and library staff.
Develops and maintains collaborative relationships across the Library and beyond.
Serves as liaison to the Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC).

The UC Berkeley Library is committed to supporting and encouraging respect and empathy, and nurturing a culture where all employees thrive. The Library seeks candidates who recognize and appreciate one another’s contributions, expertise, and accomplishments, and will strive to provide equitable access to a diverse set of collections and services. For more information, please see the UC Berkeley Library Statement of Values.

UC professional librarians are academic appointees and are represented by an exclusive bargaining agent, the University Council – American Federation of Teachers (UC‑AFT). This position is in the bargaining unit. Librarians are entitled to appropriate professional development leave, vacation leave, sick leave, and all other benefits granted to non‑faculty academic personnel. The University has an excellent retirement system and sponsors a variety of group health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans in addition to other benefits.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Advanced degree.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

Five years of professional cataloging or metadata creation experience using Resource Description and Access (RDA), Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), Library of Congress Classification (LCC), and MARC 21 formats.

Preferred qualifications

Master’s degree from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited program or equivalent degree.
Expert knowledge of latest cataloging standards and best practices (e.g., Resource Description and Access (RDA), Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), Library of Congress Classification (LCC), MARC 21 formats for bibliographic and authority data, BIBCO Standard Record (BSR), CONSER Standard Record (CSR), etc.).
Experience cataloging information resources in various formats (e.g., print and electronic books and serials, DVD and Blu‑ray discs, music and non‑music audio recordings, music scores, etc.).
Experience using an integrated library system (ILS), preferably Ex Libris’ Alma.
Experience using OCLC Connexion Client or WorldShare Record Manager.
Experience evaluating, analyzing, and remediating metadata in batch using MarcEdit or other tools.
Knowledge of and experience with non‑MARC metadata.
Experience contributing to the Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC), including to BIBCO, CONSER, NACO, or SACO.
Knowledge of emerging cataloging and metadata standards and technologies such as artificial intelligence and linked data.
Experience in an academic library setting.
Demonstrated success managing projects, leading and implementing change.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with various groups, both internally and externally.
Ability to independently learn new skills and techniques to improve efficiency and work outcomes.
Experience writing clear and effective procedures and documentation.
Experience preparing and providing instruction or training to diverse learners.
Excellent communication, critical thinking, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
Demonstrated commitment to the Library’s Values.