Lead Librarian, Metadata & Data Curation (Academic)

Rhodes University; Makhanda; On-site; ZAR 732,000 - 952,000; Full time

Job summary

Rhodes University invites applications for Principal Librarian: Metadata and Data Curation to lead metadata strategy, data curation, and the discoverability of research outputs. Based in Makhanda, the role oversees metadata creation, governance, and team leadership, collaborating with cross‑functional units to ensure data integrity and accessibility across library assets.

The successful candidate will drive standards (XML, MODS, Dublin Core) and supervise a team of metadata specialists while

Qualifications

• Must have an Honours degree in Library and Information Science (NQF level 8) or equivalent with postgraduate diploma in Library/Archival/Heritage fields, plus substantial experience.
• Minimum 8 years’ metadata creation experience in an academic/research library.
• Familiar with XML, MODS, Dublin Core, and Marc Edit; project management experience.

Responsibilities

• Identify and create appropriate knowledge structures and oversee metadata creation, management and maintenance.
• Lead a team of metadata specialists and collaborate with cross-functional units to support data management and analysis efforts.

Skills

Leadership

Data management

Cross-functional collaboration

Research library experience

Education

Honours degree in Library and Information Science (NQF 8) or 3-year Degree + 1-year Post-Graduate Diploma (NQF 8) in Library Science/Archival/Heritage

Tools

XML

MODS

Dublin Core

Marc Edit

Job description

Rhodes University invites applications for Principal Librarian: Metadata and Data Curation to lead metadata strategy, data curation, and the discoverability of research outputs. Based in Makhanda, the role oversees metadata creation, governance, and team leadership, collaborating with cross‑functional units to ensure data integrity and accessibility across library assets.

The successful candidate will drive standards (XML, MODS, Dublin Core) and supervise a team of metadata specialists while