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University of California, Davis

Metadata Librarian

University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, United States, 95828

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Metadata Librarian Library of the University of California, Davis

Overview of Position The Library of the University of California (UC), 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. Reporting to the Head of Content Support Services, this position will take a strategic role in leading the library into a world of Linked Data in production, reconceiving metadata creation and attendant workflows (such as Name Authority Cooperative Program (NACO) authority work, metadata enrichment, and data cleanup projects) to take advantage of emerging opportunities in metadata sharing. 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 work location for this position is principally on campus, with some flexibility to work remotely per applicable Library policy.

Position 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

Work with the Head of Content Support Services to 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

Required Qualifications for the Position

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 for the Position

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

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

Benefits: The University of California is one of the largest employers in California, and offers outstanding health and retirement benefits to employees and their families. Librarians are academic appointees and earn 24 days of vacation and 12 days of sick leave per year, plus 13 university holidays.

Application Information Applications must be submitted via the UC Davis RECRUIT website: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07226. Candidates applying by January 11, 2026, will receive first consideration. The position will remain open until filled.

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.

The University of California is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. UC Davis is a smoke‑and‑tobacco‑free campus effective January 1, 2014.

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