Re-Advertisement Principal Librarian: Metadata and Data Curation

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

Job summary

Rhodes University is seeking a Principal Librarian: Metadata and Data Curation to lead metadata governance across the Library Services division. The role emphasizes data integrity, curation, accessibility and discoverability of diverse data assets, including research outputs and primary/secondary resources.

The successful candidate will manage a metadata team, oversee knowledge structure creation, and collaborate with cross‑functional units to support organisation‑wide data management and

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years’ experience in metadata creation in an academic/research library.
• NACO trained (authority record creation).
• At least 3 years’ supervision experience.
• Familiar with XML, MODS, Dublin Core and MARC Edit.
• Project management experience.
• Exposure to archives and/or research data curation and taxonomy development is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Oversee creation, management and maintenance of metadata within Rhodes University Library Services.
• Ensure data integrity, data curation, accessibility and discoverability of data assets.
• Lead a team of metadata specialists and collaborate with cross‑functional teams.

Skills

Metadata management

Supervision

Project management

NACO training

XML

MODS

Dublin Core

MARC Edit

Taxonomy development

Tools

XML

MODS

Dublin Core

MARC Edit

Job description

Principal Librarian: Metadata and Data Curation (Grade 15)

Library Services

The Library Services Division invites suitably qualified candidates to join their team.

Main Objectives

Identifies and creates appropriate knowledge structures, and oversees the creation, management, and maintenance of metadata within the Rhodes University Library Services.

This role plays a crucial part in ensuring data integrity, data curation, accessibility, and discoverability for various data assets, including research outputs, primary and secondary resources. The Metadata Curation Manager leads a team of metadata specialists and collaborates with cross-functional teams to support the organisation's data management and analysis efforts.

Requirements

• A minimum of 8 years’ experience in metadata creation in an academic and/or research library
• NACO trained (authority record creation)
• At least 3 years’ previous supervision experience.
• Familiar with XML, MODS, Dublin Core, and Marc Edit
• Project Management experience
• Previous exposure to archives and/or research data curation and taxonomy development will be an advantage

Remuneration per annum (Grade 15)

Basic Pensionable Salary per annum: R731 917

Cost to Company per annum (Approximately): R952 211

This advertisement may be closed before the indicated closing date if a high number of applications are received. To ensure your application is considered, please submit it as soon as possible.

Closing Date: 6 October 2026

If you are not contacted within 30 days from the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Recognising that diversity is important in achieving excellence. Rhodes University strongly encourages South African members of underrepresented designated groups as well as persons with disabilities to apply. Spouses and partners of existing staff members are also encouraged to apply.

Please note all appointments are made in line with the requirements of the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, as amended, the Immigration Act 13 of 2022 and Rhodes University's Recruitment and Selection policies.

Our core values and principles are the foundation of our commitment to creating a positive, supportive, and enabling environment. These values guide our decisions, actions, and how we engage with each other as we work to achieve our vision and mission.

These values are: Diversity; Integrity; Respect; Excellence; Collegiality and Compassion

Underpinning these values is the moral duty of accountability and courage: we acknowledge that we are answerable to each other, our Council and ultimately, the South African society for the decisions we make and the actions we take. We are committed to openness and transparency in our governance, our decision‑making and in the execution of our responsibilities and in demonstrating courage in confronting those who violate the values for which we stand.