Music Metadata Librarian

Yale University; New Haven (CT); Hybrid; USD 68,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

The Music Metadata Librarian at Yale University Library will provide original cataloging and metadata for music resources across formats, following RDA, AACR2, and local practices, working with the Music Librarian for Metadata and Acquisitions to develop descriptive workflows.

This role involves authority control, collaboration, and contributing to metadata initiatives, along with training staff and supporting language-diverse collections in a dynamic Yale Library environment.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited library school.
• Knowledge of current cataloging/metadata standards and authority control.
• Experience with project management and collaboration in a library setting.
• Ability to adapt to changing standards and processes.

Responsibilities

• Provides original cataloging/metadata for materials in all formats.
• Applies descriptive standards (RDA, AACR2, DCRM, DACS, etc.).
• Creates authority records and assigns call numbers using LCC.
• Manages ORBIS and other library databases, including QA and data ingest.
• Trains and supervises staff and students as needed.
• Participates in national metadata/cataloging initiatives (BIBCO, NACO, SACO).
• Collaborates with librarians, curators, and collection managers to meet user needs.

Skills

Music notation

Music history

Music research methods

RDA/LC standards

Authority control

Multilingual metadata

Team collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in Library Science (ALA-accredited)

Tools

OCLC Connexion

WorldShare Record Manager

Microsoft Office

Job description

Working at Yale means contributing to a better tomorrow. Whether you are a current resident of our New Haven-based community, eligible for opportunities through the New Haven Hiring Initiative, or a newcomer, interested in exploring all that Yale has to offer, your talents and contributions are welcome. Discover your opportunities at Yale!

Overview

Reporting to the Music Librarian for Metadata and Acquisitions, the Music Metadata Librarian supports the descriptive metadata needs for a broad spectrum of materials in Yale Library in a variety of languages. This includes original and complex copy cataloging for scores, sound recordings, audiovisual media, and books; authority work; entity management work; and management of special cataloging projects. Working with the Music Librarian for Metadata and Acquisitions, the Music Metadata Librarian contributes to department goalsetting, and will also participate in the development and documentation of descriptive practices and workflows for resources Yale Library. This work may occasionally involve training and revising the work of librarians, bibliographic assistants, and students. They seek opportunities to contribute to the Yale University Library through participation in committees, task forces, working groups, and projects. The Music Metadata Librarian is active professionally in external organizations such as the Music Library Association, Music OCLC Users Group, or other relevant groups.

Descriptive cataloging for music resources is performed on bibliographic utilities in accordance with national standards and is managed in Yale’s library services platform. Subject analysis and classification follow Library of Congress standards and local practice. Authority records follow NACO standards and are contributed to the national authority file.

This position will be assigned a rank of Librarian 3.

Required Skills And Abilities

• Qualified individuals new to the library profession are welcome to apply. Ability to read music notation, as well as a broad knowledge of music history, theory, and musical genres. Familiarity with music research methods.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Comfort working with materials in languages other than English, particularly French, German, Italian, and/or Spanish.
• Knowledge of RDA, LC-PCC PS, MLA-BP, MARC, LCSH, and LCC standards and good understanding of authority control. Familiarity with current trends and best practices in cataloging and metadata services, and developments in metadata (Linked Data, BIBFRAME, entity management, etc.).
• Excellent computer skills. Experience with cataloging software such as OCLC Connexion or WorldShare Record Manager. Proficient in Microsoft Office suite.
• Demonstrated ability to succeed in a collaborative, team-based environment. Ability to set priorities and adhere to deadlines in a fast-paced work environment. Commitment to a high level of service to faculty, staff and students.

Preferred Education, Experience And Skills

• Experience with tools and coding for batch-related metadata transformation. Experience with project management.
• Experience with authority control processes for music materials, i.e. participation in the NACO Music Project.
• Knowledge of entity management practices.

Principal Responsibilities

• Provides original cataloging/creates metadata for materials in all formats and subject areas. Applies descriptive standards (RDA, AACR2, DCRM, DACS, or VRC, etc.), structural standards (MARC, MODS, METS or EAD, etc.), and controlled vocabularies (LCNAF, or LCSH, etc,). Creates authority records applying standards and best practices, and assigns call numbers using Library of Congress Classification system. 2. Provides intellectual and physical management of ORBIS and other library databases. This may include authority control, record loading, ingesting objects, quality assurance processes, and working with stakeholders throughout the library community. 3. Analyzes bibliographic and metadata problems, recommends policies, develops processes and best practices, and creates documentation. 4. Engages with cataloging and technical service staff, other librarians, curators, and collection managers in an effort to meet their needs, and the needs of our users. 5. Researches, plans and oversees special projects. 6. May manage vendor services and relationships. 7. Trains and revises the work of students, assistants and other librarians. 8. Participates in national metadata/cataloging initiatives, i.e. the Program for Cooperative Cataloging programs (BIBCO, NACO, SACO). 9. Participates in the library's management, assessment, training and development programs. 10. Keeps abreast of national and international developments including new metadata standards, technologies, trends, and techniques. 11. Establishes a record of service to the Library, the University and the profession. 12. May be required to assist with disaster recovery efforts. 13. May perform other duties as assigned. Required Education and Experience 1. Master's degree from an American Library Association accredited library school. In selective cases a graduate degree in a related subject field may be substituted. 2. Demonstrated knowledge of current national cataloging/metadata content and structural standards. Knowledge of subject analysis and classification systems. 3. If supervision of professional and/or support staff is a principal responsibility, supervisory experience is required. 4. Experience designing projects and bringing them to conclusion in a timely fashion. 5. Demonstrated excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications; analytical ability; accuracy and attention to detail. 6. Ability to initiate and adapt to change. 7. Experience working collegially and cooperatively within and across organizations. 8. Experience working collaboratively and independently with varied groups within a complex organization and rapidly changing, team environment.

Job Posting Date

07/27/2026

Job Category

Professional

Bargaining Unit

NON

Compensation Grade

Library

Compensation Grade Profile

(LIB)

Salary Range

$68,000.00 - $145,250.00

Time Type

Full time

Duration Type

Staff

Work Model

Hybrid

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

Health Requirements

Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.

Posting Disclaimer

Salary offers are determined by a candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education in relation to the position requirements, along with the role’s grade profile and current internal and external market conditions.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring department.

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

Note

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus.