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Metadata Technologies Librarian

University of Notre Dame, IN
Job Level
Mid-level position
Post Date
06/17/2018
Job Category
Librarian
Sector
  • Systems / Operations
Job Status
Areas of Responsibility
  • Data / Database
Link to Job Posting

The Metadata Technologies Librarian provides leadership in the Hesburgh Libraries’ Resource Acquisitions and Discovery program (RAD) for the creation, analysis, enrichment and transformation of MARC and non-MARC metadata to support multiple applications across the Libraries’ resource description, discovery and systems landscape. This position plays a key role in supporting several strategic areas related to both traditional and digital resource description and discovery and the Hesburgh Libraries’ overarching mission of “connecting people to knowledge.”

The Metadata Technologies Librarian leads efforts to ensure the creation of metadata that addresses local user needs within the Notre Dame community while functioning within a global context increasingly characterized by linked data, identity management, and other developments. The incumbent advises on policies and workflows for metadata creation, enrichment, extraction, transformation, quality control, syndication, and ingest. The Metadata Technologies Librarian advises on, and contributes to, comprehensive skill development and training to prepare RAD staff to successfully assume new metadata roles and responsibilities. The incumbent actively investigates post-MARC, linked data, and semantic web developments, tools, and standards, considering metadata capture, creation, and extension opportunities.

The Metadata Technologies Librarian works collaboratively with groups across the Hesburgh Libraries to leverage the Libraries’ bibliographic and authorities metadata to address needs throughout the RAD program and related library services, including database integrity, maintenance and cleanup, support of digital and special collections projects, remediation of metadata in the Libraries’ repository, and current investigations into faculty research information and profile management. This individual is also anticipated to contribute to the evaluation of systems under consideration to replace the Libraries’ integrated library system (currently Aleph from Ex Libris), particularly with respect to assessment of features and functionality related to handling of multiple metadata schema in a linked data environment, BIBFRAME compliance, and support of efficient data integrity and digital asset workflows.

Responsibilities:

  • Explores/designs options for the creation/harvesting/repurposing of metadata to meet specific description/discovery objectives

  • Ensures that Hesburgh Libraries’ descriptive metadata is interoperable and reusable in a variety of metadata contexts

  • Fosters increased collaboration with areas requiring resource description and metadata support, including work on cross-departmental teams and projects.

  • Supports RAD members in adapting existing skill sets to new tasks and workflows by teaching new skills or providing training in new process development

  • Supports RAD by contributing to documentation and ongoing consultation and collaboration

  • Develops, documents, implements and oversees efficient and effective methodologies for remediation of large quantities of legacy metadata to support digital projects, system migration efforts, assessment initiatives, or database cleanup necessary to achieve compliance with current or revised/developing standards

  • Contributes to cataloging/metadata policy and procedure development by identifying issues, preparing documentation and training

  • Assists in the evaluation and implementation of new tools & standards with the goal of continuously improving metadata workflows

  • Participates in library and campus committees and groups as appropriate

  • Ensures professional awareness and ongoing self-development in the fields of metadata and metadata technologies through continuing education, conference attendance and presentation, participation in regional and national associations

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

  • Familiarity with linked data concepts

  • Knowledge of the principles of identity management and authority control, including familiarity with related programs/entities/standards such as NACO/LCNAF, ORCID, VIAF, ISNI, VIVO, etc.

  • Knowledge of the principles of controlled vocabularies and experience working with one or more subject term vocabularies such as LCSH, Getty Vocabularies, etc.

  • Knowledge of multiple content standards such as RDA, AACR2, DCRM, DACS, CCO, etc

  • Working knowledge of XML/XSLT/XQuery and RDF/SPARQL

  • Knowledge and understanding of digitization workflows and practices

  • Ability to work in a highly collaborative and inclusive environment, one that values and leverages the benefits of diverse perspectives

  • Positive attitude and strong demonstration of the University Values: Accountability, Excellence in Leadership, Excellence in Mission, Integrity, and Teamwork

Required Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited library school or equivalent accredited degree.

  • Experience working with metadata in a variety of encoding and exchange standards such as MARC, Dublin Core, MODS, EAD, VRA Core, etc.

  • Experience using a variety of metadata creation, editing, analysis and transformation tools and systems such as MarcEdit, OpenRefine, Karma, OCLC Connexion, etc.

  • Working knowledge of XML/XSLT/XQuery and RDF/SPARQL

  • Experience using APIs to harvest metadata from external sources

  • Demonstrated aptitude for using technology creatively to continually improve processes that support data provision, data quality, data transformation, and long-term data management

  • Aptitude for complex, analytical and detailed work

  • Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively and collegially across programs and with diverse populations within the Libraries and throughout the University

  • Commitment to one’s ongoing professional development and continuous learning, particularly in areas relevant to this position

  • Effective verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience extracting and transforming data in the OCLC Connexion and Ex Libris’ Aleph environments

  • Experience applying name authority work and disambiguation strategies

  • Organizational and project management skills

  • Experience training and creating documentation for staff with varying levels of technical expertise

  • Facility working with non-English language metadata in an academic library environment

  • Minimum of 3 years of relevant accomplishments in an academic/research library or similar institution

Salary and Benefits:

Appointment salary and rank are competitive, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The Metadata Technologies Librarian is a non-tenure track member of the Library Faculty. The University offers an excellent benefits and annual vacation package.

Environment:

The University of Notre Dame is a highly selective national Catholic teaching and research university in northern Indiana about ninety miles from Chicago. Approximately 8,200 undergraduates and 3,100 graduate students pursue a broad range of studies. For more information about the University of Notre Dame, please visit the University of Notre Dame homepage at http://nd.edu/. The Hesburgh Libraries (http://library.nd.edu) hold about 3.5 million volumes and provide access to more than 23,000 serials. The Libraries have 141 staff and 57 librarians. The Libraries are a member of the Academic Libraries of Indiana (ALI), ARL, NERL and other consortia. The University of Notre Dame is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer strongly committed to diversity. We value qualified candidates who can bring a variety of backgrounds to our community.

Further details & application instructions:

This position posting and application instructions can be found on the Interfolio website: https://apply.interfolio.com/51127

Review of applications will begin on July 15, 2018, and will continue until the position is filled.

This position posting and additional information about Hesburgh Libraries can be found on the Libraries’ website: http://www.library.nd.edu/about/employment/

For additional information about working at the University of Notre Dame and various benefits available to employees, please visit http://hr.nd.edu/why-nd. The University of Notre Dame supports the needs of dual career couples and has a Dual Career Assistance Program (http://hr.nd.edu/employment-opportunities/dualcareer/) in place to assist relocating spouses and significant others with their job search.

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff, and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to building a culturally diverse workplace. We strongly encourage applications from female and minority candidates and others that will enhance our community. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals and requires affirmative action by covered contractors to employ and advance veterans and qualified individuals with disabilities in compliance with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a).