UAB Libraries-Open Rank Metadata Librarian for Digital Collections-Digital Services

University of Alabama at Birmingham; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Alabama at Birmingham seeks a Metadata Librarian for Digital Collections to design, implement, and maintain metadata standards and workflows that support discovery and long-term access.

Reporting to the Head of Digital Services, the Open Rank position collaborates across teams, applies Dublin Core practices, leads bulk data cleanup, and participates in professional activities to advance digital services.

Qualifications

• ALA-accredited MLS/MLIS required.
• Experience creating and enhancing descriptive metadata.
• Knowledge of metadata standards and controlled vocabularies.

Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains metadata standards and workflows.
• Creates and enhances descriptive metadata for diverse digital materials.
• Manages bulk record import and data cleanup projects.
• Assess metadata for quality, consistency, and completeness; plan remediation.
• Leads metadata enhancement initiatives and coordinates with stakeholders.
• Utilizes metadata transformation tools and scripts when applicable.
• Mentors departmental student assistants and interns.
• Participates in library and campus teams and relevant groups.

Skills

Project management

Communication skills

Collaborative work

Adaptability

Team leadership

Education

MLS/MLIS (ALA-accredited)

Tools

MarcEdit

OpenRefine

Python

Ex Libris Alma/Specto

Job description

UAB Libraries-Open Rank Metadata Librarian for Digital Collections-Digital Services

Title UAB Libraries-Open Rank Metadata Librarian for Digital Collections-Digital Services

Assignment Category

Assignment Category Full-Time

Rank

Rank Open Rank

Payroll Status

Payroll Status Faculty 12

Job Description

The Metadata Librarian for Digital Collections is a core member of the Digital Services Team with primary focus on the design, implementation, and maintenance of metadata standards, workflows, and documentation that support the discovery, access, and long-term management of digital collections. This position reports to the Head of Digital Services within the Technology and Technical Services Division of UAB Libraries.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develops, implements, and maintains metadata standards and workflows to support the discovery, access, and long-term management of digital collections; develops documentation and guidelines for metadata creation, transformation, and maintenance
• Creates, edits, and enhances descriptive metadata for a wide range of digital material types; applies and promotes best practices aligned with Dublin Core Metadata Initiative ( DCMI ) standards and related frameworks
• Manages bulk record import processes and large-scale data cleanup projects
• Conducts in-depth assessment of existing digital collections metadata for quality, consistency, and completeness; recommends and executes remediation strategies to improve discoverability and interoperability
• Leads metadata enhancement initiatives for digital collections, including normalization and enrichment processes; coordinates adopted enhancements with various internal and external collection stakeholders
• Utilizes tools and scripts for metadata transformation when applicable (e.g., batch editing, crosswalking, data migration)
• Contributes to the overall management of departmental student assistants and interns
• Actively participates in relevant library and campus teams, committees, and working groups; participates in local, national, and/or international user groups with focus on metadata development and/or digital services and initiatives
• Participates in professional service and scholarship activities in accordance with faculty guidelines for appointment and promotion
• Performs other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• ALA -accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Science ( MLS / MLIS )
• Experience creating and enhancing descriptive metadata for a wide range of digital material types
• Working knowledge of a variety of subject headings, record formats, controlled vocabularies, and standards as they relate to metadata services
• Experience with project management, including planning, communication, and delivery
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders, including faculty, researchers, and library staff
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing digital environments and workflows

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 or more years of experience creating descriptive metadata for digital objects
• 2 or more of experience working with a large-scale Library Services Platform, preferably the Ex Libris Alma/Specto platform, or similar
• 1 or more years of experience working in a library technical services area
• Experience working with Dublin Core Metadata Initiative ( DCMI ) standards and related frameworks
• Experience using common tools for batch editing, data cleaning, and data transformation (e.g., MarcEdit, OpenRefine, Python)

Posting Number

Posting Number F2944P

Open Date

Open Date 10/19/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, religion, and veteran’s status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB’s Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix .

Special Instructions to Applicants

A pre-employment background check investigation is performed on candidates selected for employment.

Drug/Nicotine Screen (if applicable)

About University of Alabama at Birmingham

1720 2nd Ave South

Birmingham, AL 35294

Main Switchboard: [phone]

Hearing Impaired/TDD: [phone]

UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, religion, and veteran’s status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB’s Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix .