University of California - Davis is hiring: Metadata Librarian in Davis

Position Overview

The Library of the University of California, Davis seeks a forward-looking and entrepreneurial professional to join our team as the Metadata Librarian and advance the library's efforts to transform and improve discovery of library resources, collection management, and the organization and curation of data.

Application Window

Open date: July 21, 2025
Final date: Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Position Description

Reporting to the Head of Content Support Services, this role will strategically lead the library into a world of Linked Data in production, reconceiving metadata creation and attendant workflows (such as NACO authority work, metadata enrichment, and data cleanup projects). The UC Davis Library has implemented cataloging in BIBFRAME for several types of materials and is committed to being an early adopter of Linked Data in all aspects of its metadata production and management.

The Metadata Librarian will provide intellectual and professional leadership around metadata best practices for both traditional library collections as well as emerging and potential areas of curation, including both data acquired to support digital scholarship and data created by campus researchers. In addition to performing original cataloging and serving as the library's liaison to NACO and the Cooperative Online Serials Program (CONSER), this role will manage cataloging projects and collaborate closely with the Head of the Metadata Creation and Discovery Unit (MCDU) to provide training and consultation for MCDU team members.

As a member of the Content Support Services Department, the incumbent collaborates with others in the Scholarly Resources division to plan and coordinate policies, procedures, workflows, and projects.

This is not an H-1B opportunity. The University will not offer sponsorship for this position. The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate that they are legally authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Create metadata for a diverse range of materials and oversee quality control for previously cataloged content
• Resolve complex metadata and database quality problems referred by colleagues
• Provide training and consultation for colleagues, especially the Metadata Creation and Discovery Unit
• Working in conjunction with the Head of Content Support Services, set priorities for metadata creation and processing of new materials
• Serve as the library's NACO and CONSER liaison
• Design, oversee, and participate in bibliographic database cleanup and enrichment projects
• Oversee aspects of bibliographic database management related to large-scale relocation projects, including updating metadata records to contemporary standards to enable off-site storage of materials
• Provide leadership in transitioning the library to a Linked Data metadata creation environment, including active participation in testing cataloging environments and interfaces (e.g., those developed by Blue Core project, OCLC, or - Ex Libris), managing related projects, and training cataloging staff in post-MARC metadata production
• May oversee or participate in other Linked Data initiatives, such as powering a faculty profile database with upstream data sources
• Maintain knowledge of current resource description standards and tools
• Contribute to the work of the Library through participation in committees, task forces, and other collaborative projects
• Participate in national and international professional organizations and activities
• As an academic appointee, engage actively in pertinent ongoing research, scholarship, or creative activity and/or teaching, including peer review, dissemination, and corresponding university and disciplinary engagement
• Carry out other duties and responsibilities, as assigned

Salary and Benefits

Associate Librarian, Salary Point 1, $80,349 to Associate Librarian, Salary Point 15, $116,671 (Appointment rank and salary based on qualifications and experience.)

The incumbent will be a member of the LX Collective Bargaining Unit represented by the University Council - American Federation of Teachers (UC-AFT).

Benefits: The University of California offers outstanding health and retirement benefits. Librarians earn 24 days of vacation and 12 days of sick leave per year. There are 13 university holidays.

Application Information

Candidates applying by August 24, 2025, will receive first consideration. The position will remain open until filled. See https://www.library.ucdavis.edu/careers/ for this posting and information about working at the UC Davis Library.

Please include a letter of interest addressing qualifications and experience related to the position, a Curriculum Vitae, and names and contact information for at least four references.

This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks.

Basic Qualifications

• Graduate degree in library science from an ALA-accredited institution or equivalent
• Minimum five years' professional metadata creation experience with library materials (e.g., using RDA, AACR2R, LCSH, LCC, MARC 21 formats)
• Experience creating and/or editing NACO records; and with authority control processes
• Eagerness to explore and incorporate new technologies to enhance services and improve task efficiency
• Knowledge of emerging standards, tools, and developments related to resource description and access (e.g., BIBFRAME, RDA/RDF) and identity management (e.g., VIAF, ORCID)
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, culturally diverse environment
• Ability to plan, implement, and coordinate multiple projects
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and solve problems, and to make sound decisions in a fast‑paced, production‑oriented environment
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong commitment to continued professional development
• Comfort with ambiguity
• Strong service orientation and interest in anticipating and supporting information users' values and needs

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience working with official RDA guidelines
• Proficiency with metadata analysis and transformation tools (e.g., OpenRefine, MarcEdit) and scripting languages for data manipulation (e.g., Python, XSLT)
• Experience using OCLC cataloging services and tools
• Experience with the Alma library resource management system
• Working knowledge of at least one language other than English
• Experience creating controlled vocabularies
• Experience cataloging within a consortium environment
• Experience with non-MARC metadata standards
• Experience using and integrating RESTful APIs in library systems or metadata workflows
• Familiarity with semantic technologies, such as RDF, ontologies, SPARQL, etc.
• Appetite to mentor library school interns
• Evidence of commitment to fostering an inclusive environment
• Ability to meet UC criteria for appointment and advancement in the Librarian Series, including professional service and/or contributions to the field
• Demonstrated record of accomplishment in research, scholarship, or creative activity and/or teaching consonant with an academic appointment

Document Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Authorization to Release Information Form – This form is required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments. Please see the Employment Disclosure Requirements webpage for more information. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form.

Reference Requirements

• 4-6 required (contact information only)

Apply Link

https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07226

Contact

libraryhr@ucdavis.edu

Equal Opportunity Employer

UC Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.