Metadata Systems Librarian for Non-Latin Script Resources

Virginia AG; Charlottesville (VA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

The University of Virginia Library seeks a Metadata Systems Librarian for Non-Latin Script Resources to develop and advance computational approaches for bibliographic metadata across Arabic, Indic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and other non-Latin scripts. The role bridges metadata librarianship and technical development within the MDS division.

You will collaborate with IT to design transliteration workflows, apply MARC/RDA standards, and contribute to linked data practices, including RDF and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in library science from an ALA-accredited program or equivalent.
• Experience: 4–9 years post-degree/professional experience for Librarian II; 9+ years for Librarian III.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Library IT to design algorithmic workflows for transliteration, translation, and normalization of non-Latin bibliographic titles.
• Develop and maintain metadata workflows for transliteration and romanization across scripts.
• Use scripting tools (e.g., Python) to process, transform, and analyze metadata.
• Support systems aligning vernacular script data with Romanized or translated fields.
• Test and evaluate algorithmic outputs for accuracy and standard alignment.

Skills

Non-Latin scripts

Transliteration standards

Multilingual metadata

Python scripting

Linked data

Education

ALA-accredited MLS

Experience equivalency (Bachelor + 4 years)

Tools

MARC21

OCLC Connexion

RDA

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 non‑Latin 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.

About the University of Virginia Library: The University of Virginia Library is here to ensure that the University community has the information it needs for teaching, research, and enrichment. Regularly ranked in the top quartile of ARL libraries, UVA Library has six locations, more than 220 staff members, and more than 100 student employees. Additionally, as a major research institution, the library regularly collaborates with professional organizations such as the Virtual Library of Virginia (VIVA), Virginia Library Association, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), and others.

The University of Virginia Library is committed to a culture of mutual respect, civility, cooperation, mindfulness, accountability, and acceptance of individual differences. Departments and individuals are expected to work together in both professional collaborations and in creating a workplace where all can thrive.

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 non‑Latin 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 non‑MARC 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 & Cross ‑ Functional Engagement - 20%

• Work closely with Cataloging Librarians, Metadata Librarians, and IT professionals to identify priorities for multilingual Metadata creation.
• Provide expertise on non‑Latin scripts, transliteration standards (e.g., ALA‑LC 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.

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary position involving extensive use of desktop computers. Occasional travel to attend meetings or programs may be required.

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

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

Additional Requirements

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

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.