Metadata Librarian
4 weeks ago
Job Summary
The Metadata Librarian oversees the Cataloging and Metadata Services unit, focusing on general collections. The Metadata Librarian reports to the Director of Collections, Discovery, and Systems and oversees the following functions: metadata operations and staff, creates and maintains metadata for physical and electronic resources, implements metadata standards and best practices, collaborates on cross-functional projects, provides metadata expertise and trends, and ensures metadata services align with library strategic goals.
Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.
Essential Functions
Strategic Leadership and Management (30%)
- Hire, train, and lead the cataloging and metadata services unit
- Work with team members and the Director of Collections, Discovery, and Systems to establish annual goals, metadata policies, procedures, and workflows
- Lead unit meetings and attend department and library-wide leadership meetings to ensure communication and feedback.
- Provide regular reports and collaborate on decisions about workflow changes, projects, and assignments.
- Ensure unit activities align with the library's strategic goals and mission.
Metadata and Systems (40%)
- Create, revise, enrich, and adapt high-quality descriptive, administrative, and technical metadata in MARC and non-MARC formats for physical, electronic (e-serials, e-journals, e-books, databases, datasets), digitized, and born-digital resources at the item- and collection-levels.
- Utilize technologies and tools, such as bulk editing, automation techniques, and programmatic methods, to create, remediate, enrich, and transform original and vendor provided metadata, often in collaboration with other departments.
- Evaluate and implement technologies and tools to improve metadata quality and efficiency
- Contribute to internal and consortial discussions on discovery, access, retrieval, and management of objects in the library management, discovery, digital repository systems, and institutional repository systems.
- Oversee authority control and linked data initiatives.
- Create reports using various scripting languages and commercial tools such as Tableau.
Collaboration and Project Management (20%)
- Collaborate on cross-functional metadata projects with units within Collections, Discovery, and Systems and other departments both internal and external (e.g. special collections, museums, botanic gardens, and consortial partners).
- Work collaboratively with metadata and catalog librarians, archivists, programmers, IT staff, and faculty to implement and promote metadata standards and services.
- Collaborate with other Smith College Libraries departments and teams on metadata creation for digital collections and institutional repository.
- Liaise with consortium partners and committees to advance metadata services and ensure consistency across institutions.
Training and Professional Development (10%)
- Offer workshops and instruction to library staff, faculty, and students on metadata standards and participate on Five College committees.
- Maintain expertise with metadata standards and digital technologies and monitor trends in metadata services.
- Advise the department staff of key technological developments in the field and participate in national, regional, and local collaborative programs.
- All employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.
Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses)
- Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 3+ years of experience in metadata management or related fields, preferably in an academic library with general collections focus.
- Strong knowledge of metadata standards (MARC, BIBFRAME, RDA, Dublin Core, MODS, linked data).
- Experience with ILS/LMS and discovery platforms.
- Project management and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity in library services and interactions.
- Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with metadata transformation tools and techniques
- Batch loading experience
- Authority control and database maintenance experience.
- Knowledge of trends in the areas of metadata management and digital libraries
- Experience working with collections in an academic environment
- Knowledge of current metadata standards, such as BIBFRAME, RDA, Dublin Core, EAD, MODS, METS, RDF, and other emerging data standards.
- Experience working with FOLIO
- Knowledge of Postgres commands and experience working with programs such as DBeaver for report writing
- Experience working with Tableau or other table visualization software
Skills
Shows the ability to manage complex metadata and cataloging projects with attention to detail, accuracy, and adherence to standards and procedures. Can analyze metadata problems, identify root causes and develop strategic solutions to improve metadata quality, interoperability and accessibility. Strong written and verbal communication skills to explain technical information to various audiences. Can work with stakeholders to gather requirements, address concerns, and build consensus. Proven ability to work with cross-functional teams including metadata and cataloging librarians, archivists, IT staff and faculty to achieve shared goals and deliver high quality metadata services. Familiarity with current metadata standards including BIBFRAME, RDA, Dublin Core, EAD, MODS, METS, RDF and emerging data standards. Can apply these standards to metadata workflows and outcomes.
Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application. You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button.Review of applications will beginOctober 7, 2024Position Type:RegularAbout Smith CollegeLocated in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu.As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.