Metadata Librarian

Reporting to the Head of Metadata Services, the Metadata Librarian supports the teaching, learning, and research efforts of Ohio University by both managing electronic resources cataloging and contributing to departmental physical cataloging priorities. Overseeing metadata and cataloging workflows for electronic resources includes managing the preparation and loading of MARC records individually or in bulk at the consortial, vendor, or local level. The person in this position will catalog select physical materials (opportunities include music scores, theses and dissertations, fine arts, special collections or non-English materials) dependent upon their extant knowledge or their interest in gaining experience and developing in any of these areas. Understanding the importance of metadata, the Metadata Librarian promotes descriptive, technical, and administrative metadata practices that support the Libraries’ commitment to incorporating social justice into our work, including collaborating on or leading catalog remediation and enrichment projects, focusing on the Libraries’ diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racist efforts. The position regularly collaborates with others inside and outside the department, participating in the development, application, and assessment of metadata policies and workflows to support library operations and ensure optimal discovery of the Libraries’ collections.

Specifically, the Metadata Librarian:

Manages the cataloging of electronic resources (monographs, integrating resources, databases, streaming video/audio, DVD CD etc.) through bulk and individual workflows

Loads and maintains consortium (e.g., OhioLINK), vendor (e.g., Serials Solutions), and individual (e.g., OCLC) MARC records, creating original records as necessary

Prepares or enhances cataloging data/records (normalization, remediation, transformation etc. via programming tools (e.g., Python) and data manipulation tools (e.g., MarcEdit)) as necessary for batch or individual files

Creates and edits load profiles in the local library system

Performs original and complex copy cataloging of physical music scores, theses and dissertations, fine arts, special collections or non-English materials, dependent upon existing knowledge or on interest in gaining experience and developing in either of these areas (always using local and national standards including MARC/OCLC tagging, RDA, LCC and LCSH)

Assesses metadata integrity and collaborates on or leads cataloging remediation and enrichment projects, focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice initiatives thereby helping the Libraries confront institutional bias and advance inclusive excellence

Creates and maintains documentation for areas of responsibility

Collaborates frequently with colleagues inside and outside the department to optimize metadata processes and the discovery of library resources

Participates in Libraries interdepartmental Teams as assigned

Investigates post-MARC, linked data, and semantic web developments, tools, and standards, considering metadata capture, creation, and enhancement opportunities, returning ideas and questions to the department

Engages in regular professional development through research, publications, presentations, or participation in regional and national associations; engages in service to the Libraries and the University by serving on committees and other roles as expected

Ohio University Libraries are interested in finding the best candidate for Metadata Librarian. We encourage potential applicants to consider how their education, work experience, and skills might meet and align in non-obvious ways with the minimum and preferred qualifications of this position.

Pay is commensurate with experience and credentials.

Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA accredited school or from a master’s level program in library and information studies accredited or recognized by the appropriate national body of another country; or significant, similar work experience with metadata

Experience cataloging library materials using MARC/OCLC tagging, RDA, and LCSH/LCC

Commitment to user-focused library services

Effective interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to articulate a commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice within the workplace

Experience batch manipulating and batch loading MARC records into a library management system
Proficiency with the tools and technologies used for processing and managing metadata, especially in bulk (such as MarcEdit, OpenRefine, Python, regular expressions, FTP clients)
Experience cataloging electronic resource

Experience cataloging music scores, theses and dissertations, fine arts, special collections, or non-English materials

Experience with OCLC Connexion and/or OCLC WorldShare

Experience with library management system migration

Familiarity with or initiative to learn the emerging applications of linked data and semantic web concepts (such as BIBFRAME, RDF, schema.org)

Ohio University is proud of its rich history, diverse campuses, international communities, and beautiful Appalachian settings. As part of our ongoing efforts to provide and support a transformative learning experience, we affirm our commitment to fostering a welcoming, respectful, diverse, and inclusive workforce and community. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, ethnicity, national origin, national ancestry, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, military service or veteran status, mental or physical disability, or genetic information. Ohio University is an equal access/equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.