Mediabistro logo
job logo

Metadata Librarian

University of Alabama Libraries, Davis, CA, United States


Metadata Librarian
Library of the University of California, Davis

Overview
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, 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. This role will function as a principal cataloger, performing original cataloging, serving as the library's liaison to the Name Authority Cooperative Program (NACO) and the Cooperative Online Serials Program (CONSER), managing cataloging projects, and collaborating 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.

Location
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

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

Participate in transitioning the library to a Linked Data metadata creation environment, including testing cataloging environments and interfaces, manage related projects, and train cataloging staff in post-MARC metadata production

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

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, technologies, tools, and developments related to resource description and access as well as identity management

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)

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 and linked data concepts, including the BIBFRAME ontology

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: Assistant Librarian, Salary Point 5 ($80,695.75 annually), to Associate Librarian, Salary Point 15 ($116,671 annually). 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 is one of the largest employers in California and offers outstanding health and retirement benefits. Librarians are academic appointees and receive 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/JPF07621. Candidates applying by May 31 2026 will receive first consideration. The position will remain open until filled.

Applicants should 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.

UC Davis is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. UC Davis is a smoke- and tobacco-free campus effective January 1 2014.

#J-18808-Ljbffr