Job#10508 - Metadata Librarian

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Kelvin Smith Library of Case Western Reserve University seeks a creative, collaborative individual to serve as Metadata Librarian 2. As part of the Technical Services team, the librarian will focus on the creation, maintenance, and enrichment of metadata representing the library's electronic, digital, and virtual collections. The position will also assist the team leader of technical services in coordinating the cataloging and authority control of materials in all formats, including print and digital resources. The librarian will work closely with colleagues on the technical services team to evaluate and document policies, procedures, and workflows for cataloging, database maintenance, and non-MARC metadata creation within the library. The position will also collaborate with other teams at the library, particularly the Digital Scholarship, Special Collections and University Archives, and Preservation Services teams, as well as with university community and library partners, to help establish metadata policies and procedures and support metadata initiatives. This position will serve as a forward-thinking leader within and beyond the technical services team on matters of resource description and metadata management and will serve as the point person for coordinating metadata initiatives at the library.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Provide expertise in creation and management of metadata and authority control for materials in all formats and applies best practices; apply advanced techniques and technologies, and good judgment in the field; collaborate with internal and external stakeholders. Utilize a significant level of expertise within library science; contributions are recognized at the library and university; maintain knowledge about library emerging issues and trends and the role of the library; understand and articulate organizational positioning and strategic alignment. (25%)
2. Create metadata for digital objects in all library formats, as well as occasional traditional library cataloging. (18%)
3. Contribute to the development of metadata policies including descriptive, administrative, and technical metadata schemas for physical and digital collections appropriate for the library's current and future systems and collaborate on the development of long-term solutions for improved metadata management and interoperability. (15%)
4. Serve as a metadata consultant to larger library projects and initiatives, contribute to strategic library initiatives focused on resource discovery and metadata management, and collaborate with internal and external partners on collaborative cataloging and metadata initiatives. (15%)
5. Develop training materials and documentation for library staff in the application of metadata standards, authority control, and cataloging policy and procedures. (15%)
6. Contribute to the library, the institution, and the profession through committee service, professional publications, or presentation to professional organizations at the local, regional, or national level. (8%)
7. Contribute to and maintain a work culture of inclusion, diversity, equity, and belonging. Recommend improvements in process to increase administrative efficiency and works closely with other team members and the library staff to foster collaborative initiatives. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties as assigned. (2%)

CONTACTS

Department: Regular contact with the technical services team leader to ensure excellent service. Moderate to frequent contact with staff on all levels of the organization to support the provision of library services. Occasional contact with managers and staff of other units in the library as required by projects.

University: Occasional contact with faculty and students. Consult occasionally with other campus librarians to coordinate information management decisions for the provision of library services. Consult with staff throughout the university to develop and implement programs for the delivery of services to students and faculty.

External: Participate in local, regional, and national organizations to maintain a network of informational professionals. Infrequent to occasional collaboration with colleagues in OhioLINK and other academic libraries. Infrequent to occasional contact with vendors to support the work of team.

Students: Occasional communication with students to provide assistance and information resources to support their education and research needs.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities but may supervise non-exempt staff, student employees, and temporary full or part-time workers.

QUALIFICATIONS

The initial rank of the Metadata Librarian, Technical Services, will be based upon the qualifications of the individual with regard to that person’s professional knowledge, abilities and skills; contributions to the profession through service and scholarly endeavors and, professional qualities consistent with university and library values.

Experience: 1 to 3 years of experience.

Education: Master's degree in Library Science or relevant area.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Ability to work in and contribute to an environment of inclusion, diversity, equity, and belonging.
2. Ability to make decisions in area of expertise; can collaborate and partner effectively; moderately expert in metadata creation and able to apply best practices; can use advanced techniques and technology to innovate; ability to perform or administer slightly complex or specialized duties; communicate effectively.
3. Evidence of professional contribution publishing, creative contributions, presentations and/or professional service at the state, regional, or national level); keeps abreast of the role and application of trends for libraries in higher education.
4. Knowledge of metadata schemas and standards, such as Dublin Core, MODS, EAD, RDA, DACS, DCRM(B), etc., and controlled vocabularies, such as LCSH, LCNAF, and AAT.
5. Experience with creating, editing, and transforming MARC and non-MARC metadata.
6. Demonstrate self-motivation and the ability to work creatively, independently, and collaboratively.
7. Demonstrate excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, computer/technological skills, and project management skills.
8. Ability to manage a variety of tasks and multiple priorities in a changing environment.
9. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
10. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General office/library environment. This position may be eligible for the staff hybrid work program pending approval.