Systems and Metadata Librarian/Specialist (Assistant or Associate)

The University of Arizona Libraries seek a resourceful and forward-thinking individual for the position of Systems and Metadata Librarian/Specialist.

The Systems and Metadata Librarian/Specialist will play an oversight and leadership role with our library services platform (Alma). They will also be responsible for managing and continually improving the Libraries’ knowledgebase of metadata within that environment and applying their expertise in diagnosing, troubleshooting, and solving LSP-related issues (e.g., remediation, interoperability, metadata standards, etc.) as well as in extending and optimizing the LSP’s functionality.

The successful incumbent will collaboratively establish and communicate priorities and procedures, manage workflows, and seek ways to achieve efficiencies and improved interoperability among our products and services. The successful applicant will actively work across departmental lines in an environment where collaboration, integrity, customer service, creative problem solving, and collegiality are all highly valued.

This is a continuing status track (equivalent to tenure track), academic professional position. Depending on experience, candidates may be hired at either the Assistant or Associate rank, and as continuing-eligible or with continuing status. “Specialist” is a parallel title typically used by the Libraries for continuing status track individuals with advanced degrees outside of library/information science. Incumbents are members of the General Faculty of the University of Arizona and are entitled to all accompanying rights and privileges granted by the University and the Arizona Board of Regents. Retention and promotion are earned through achievement of a record of excellence in position effectiveness, scholarship, and service.

Visit the University Libraries website to learn more about us.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; state and optional retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been listed by Forbes as one of America’s Best Employers in the United States and WorldatWork and the Arizona Department of Health Services have recognized us for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocation services, please click here

The University of Arizona is an equal opportunity employer providing equal opportunity for women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities.

• Acts as overall product lead for the Alma LSP. In collaboration with others across the Libraries, oversees and coordinates system integrations, serving as the lead in working with Ex Libris, develops and enhances workflows, releases updates and enhancements into production, and communicates with internal and external stakeholders as appropriate.

• Works closely with librarians and staff on the management of backend processes and systems, such as our Alma repository of metadata Knowledgebase (both local and in the Community Zone), authentication, metadata analysis, normalization projects, remediation, and solutions to manage authorities or identifiers.

• Assumes a leadership role in a library services platform and discovery oversight committee comprised of stakeholders from across the Libraries.

• Diagnoses and troubleshoots issues related to the LSP in collaboration with stakeholders.

• Works with vendors, consortia, and other metadata providers on acquiring and managing external metadata streams, such as collaborative networks and batch loading of metadata files. Creates and maintains documentation on related workflows and procedures.

• In collaboration with Library IT, addresses technical requirements and supports production needs for metadata creation, conversion, enhancement, normalization, and maintenance.

• Utilizes APIs to improve interoperability among systems, to enhance or automate backend workflows, and to optimize users’ discovery experiences.

• Provides leadership and expertise in identifying, implementing, and troubleshooting workflows with external library systems (e.g., OCLC, KBART-associated databases, etc.).

• Monitors and evaluates emerging technology, making recommendations for adoption, as appropriate.

• Assumes a leadership role in managing and troubleshooting the Libraries’ EZProxy service and associated Shibboleth integration, in collaboration with the Libraries’ IT department.

• The UA Libraries support the UA’s diversity and inclusiveness strategic initiatives designed to create an inclusive environment for all faculty, staff, and students. The candidate is expected to support diversity and inclusiveness efforts in the department and college.

• Other duties as assigned.

• Demonstrated initiative, flexibility, and ability to work creatively and effectively as an individual and within a group. Demonstrated ability to deal with change, ambiguity, and complex problems; and to discern and understand relationships between complex library systems.

• Ability to use technology creatively to address challenges or improve processes. Demonstrated ability to anticipate customer needs and provide satisfactory solutions.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, and experience and comfort making professional presentations.

• Ability to work collegially and collaboratively within and across organizations, as well as with vendors and publishers.

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

• Ability to identify opportunities and capitalize upon them. Ability to advocate, influence, and persuade others.

• Excellent analytical, time management, organizational, and creative problem-solving skills. Ability to conceive of, plan, document, and complete projects or complex assignments. Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

• Positive attitude and strong demonstration of Our Values: Collaboration, Continuous Learning, Diversity, Innovation, and Integrity.

• Ability to read and synthesize technical documentation and explore solutions independently or collaboratively.

• Knowledge of the infrastructure and data management functions of a library services platform.

• Familiarity with the principles of cataloging, controlled vocabularies, identity management, and linked data.

• Solid conceptual understanding of the protocols and tools used to create and organize data in library systems with metadata schema. Knowledge of emerging standards such as BIBFRAME and Linked Open Data.

• Knowledge of data remediation and normalization concepts and tools.

• Master’s degree in library/information science from an ALA-accredited institution or an advanced degree in a relevant field.

• Experience with and knowledge of the backend functionality of a library services platform.

• Demonstrated knowledge of traditional and emerging trends in metadata standards.

• Evidence of the ability to achieve continuing status (equivalent to tenure), including contributing to the information/library profession and to fulfilling the responsibilities of a library faculty member through service and scholarship.

• Experience with the Alma library services platform and the Primo discovery system.

• Experience using APIs to improve interoperability among systems.

• Experience with standard library metadata formats.

• Familiarity with scripting languages to automate tasks.

• Experience with Oxygen XML Editor, MarcEdit, and/or OpenRefine.

• Supervisory and/or mentoring experience.

• Experience with project management.

• Experience with product ownership.