Metadata Systems Librarian for Non-Latin Script Resources

Black Caucus of the American Library Association; Charlottesville (VA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The UVA Library is seeking a Metadata Systems Librarian for Non-Latin Script Resources in the Metadata and Discovery Services department. The role focuses on developing computational and semi-automated approaches to create and enhance bibliographic metadata for non-Latin scripts, aligning with SRCS priorities and the library’s strategic goals.

Collaborate with Library IT to design workflows for transliteration, translation, and normalization across Arabic, Indic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in library science from an ALA-accredited program or relevant graduate degree.
• Experience with MARC21, RDA, and authority control.
• Experience with non-Latin script metadata and transliteration/romanization workflows.

Responsibilities

• Design and support algorithms and semi-automated tools for generating metadata for non-Latin script resources.
• Develop and maintain workflows for transliteration, translation, normalization, and romanization of bibliographic titles across scripts.
• Process, transform, and analyze metadata using scripting tools (e.g., Python).
• Align vernacular script data with Romanized or translated metadata fields.
• Test and evaluate algorithmic outputs for accuracy and standards alignment.
• Integrate machine-assisted metadata into bibliographic systems (MARC21, nonMARC).
• Crosswalk and normalize metadata across systems; document standards and workflows.
• Collaborate with librarians and IT to identify multilingual metadata priorities.

Skills

Python scripting

Metadata systems

MARC21

RDA

Authority control

Multilingual metadata

Transliteration standards

Linked data

Education

Master’s degree in library science (ALA-accredited)

Bachelor’s degree + 4 years experience

Tools

OCLC Connexion

Job description

Job Description

The UVA Library is seeking a Metadata Systems Librarian for Non-Latin Script Resources in the Metadata and Discovery Services (MDS) department. This position develops, implements, and advances computational and semi-automated approaches for creating and enhancing bibliographic metadata for nonLatin script resources, in alignment with the strategic priorities of the Scholarly Resource & Content Strategy (SRCS) division and the University of Virginia Library.

This role collaborates closely with Library Information Technology professionals to design and support algorithmic workflows for transliteration, translation, and normalization of bibliographic titles in Arabic, Indic, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean (CJK), and other non-Latin scripts. The Metadata Systems Librarian bridges Metadata librarianship and technical development, contributing to scalable and sustainable solutions for multilingual Metadata creation and discovery.

The incumbent serves as a developer-adjacent metadata systems specialist, working across cataloging, metadata, and software development domains. This position develops and maintains expertise in cataloging principles, including MARC21, RDA, authority control, and parallel script representation, ensuring that computational approaches align with established bibliographic standards. In addition, this role demonstrates readiness for linked data and semantic metadata practices (e.g., RDF, BIBFRAME), supporting the library’s transition toward interoperable, web-based data environments.

Job Requirements

Metadata Systems Development & Algorithmic Workflows – 40%

• Collaborate with Library IT and development teams to design and support algorithms and semi-automated tools for generating and enhancing metadata for nonLatin script resources.
• Develop, implement, and maintain metadata workflows for transliteration, translation, normalization, and romanization standards for bibliographic titles across multiple non-Latin scripts to support metadata quality, authority control, linked data integration, and multilingual resource discovery.
• Utilize scripting tools and software (e.g., Python) to process, transform, and analyze metadata
• Support development of systems that align vernacular script data with Romanized or translated metadata fields.
• Assist in testing and evaluating algorithmic outputs for accuracy, consistency, and alignment with cataloging standards.

Metadata Management & Standards Integration – 30%

• Collaborate with cataloging and metadata staff to integrate machine-assisted metadata into bibliographic systems, including MARC21 records and nonMARC schemas.
• Apply cataloging principles, including MARC21 structure, RDA, and authority control, to computational workflows.
• Assist in developing validation and quality control workflows for metadata creation
• Support crosswalking, mapping, and normalization of metadata across systems.
• Contribute to documentation of standards, workflows, and local practices.

Collaboration & CrossFunctional Engagement – 20%

• Work closely with Cataloging Librarians, Metadata Librarians, and IT professionals to identify priorities for multilingual Metadata creation.
• Provide expertise on nonLatin scripts, transliteration standards (e.g., ALALC Romanization), and multilingual discovery.
• Participate in planning improvements to metadata workflows and discovery systems.
• Communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and support collaborative problem-solving.

Professional Activities – 10%

• Engage in professional development related to metadata systems, multilingual processing, and digital libraries.
• Contribute to experimental and pilot initiatives involving AI-assisted metadata generation
• Participate in national and international practice communities.
• Contribute documentation, presentations, or publications in relevant areas.

Minimum Qualifications

The library will hire in one of the following job profiles based on qualifications and experience and the working title of Metadata Systems Librarian for Non-Latin Script Resources:

Librarian II

• Master’s degree in library science from an ALA-accredited program or relevant graduate degree. Experience equivalency substitution (per Department of Labor Equivalency Guidelines): Bachelor’s degree plus 4 years of relevant experience.
• Experience: 4–9 years of post‑degree/professional experience equivalency.

Librarian III

• Master’s degree in library science from an ALA-accredited program or relevant graduate degree. Experience equivalency substitution (per Department of Labor Equivalency Guidelines): Bachelor’s degree plus 4 years of relevant experience.
• Experience: 9+ years of professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with library metadata and descriptive cataloging standards, systems, and tools (e.g., MARC and non‑MARC schemas, RDA, OCLC Connexion), including original and complex cataloging of non‑Latin script resources using LCSH and PCC standards.
• Working knowledge of one or more non‑Latin script languages (e.g., Arabic, Persian, or Indic) and experience with multilingual metadata, authority control, and transliteration/romanization standards.
• Experience creating, enhancing, normalizing, and remediating metadata for non‑Latin script resources acquired through diverse acquisition channels.
• Curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace emerging technologies, applying them to enhance metadata quality, operational efficiency, and user discovery.
• Knowledge of linked data and sematic web technologies (e.g., BIBFRAME, RDF, SPAROL, schema.org) and experience with automation and scripting tools (e.g., Python) to transform and analysis metadata.

The UVA Library welcomes candidates with a broad range of experiences, with particular interest in those possessing non‑Latin language proficiency and encourages applications from individuals who may not meet all preferred qualifications.

Anticipated Starting Salary

• Librarian II: $75,000 – $85,000
• Librarian III: $85,000 – $95,000

Position Type & Work Location

• This is an exempt-level, benefited position.
• This position is based in Charlottesville, VA and is designated as a hybrid. The successful candidate will be eligible for remote work up to two days per week after a probationary period.

To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Application review will begin after Monday, September 14, 2026. Preference will be given to applications received by this date.

Additional Requirements

• Background checkswill be conducted on all new hires prior to employment
• This position will not consider candidates whorequireimmigration sponsorship now or in the future.