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Bargaining Unit: None - Not included in the union (Yale Union Group)

University Job Title: Catalog-Metadata Librarian

Time Type: Full time

Duration Type: Regular

Compensation Grade: library

Work Location: Central Campus, 344 Winchester Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511

Work Model: Hybrid

Position Focus

Yale Library seeks a highly collaborative, knowledgeable, and user-centered Catalog/Metadata Librarian to join the Bibliographic Description Unit within Special Collections Technical Services, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library. Reporting to the Associate Director of the Bibliographic Description Unit, the Catalog/Metadata Librarian creates, enhances, and maintains original and complex bibliographic and authority records for a wide range of special collections materials in various formats. They may plan, direct, and review the work of cataloging assistants and/or student assistants and provide project management for cataloging and metadata projects. The incumbent will collaborate closely with colleagues across functional units and throughout special collections and the Library in support of the sustainable stewardship and discovery of special collections materials.

We seek applicants that have an interest in and/or experience engaging with evolving descriptive metadata models and standards, in the politics of metadata, and the materiality of the textual object. Applicants should also be interested in broader questions relating to the creation, survival, transmission, ownership, description, and use of special collections to their understanding within scholarship, the classroom, and within different communities.

The successful candidate will engage in regional and national communities of practice and participate in the implementation of national standards and best practices in Special Collections Technical Services. They will participate in Yale Library and departmental committees and task forces, especially as they relate to their job responsibilities and professional interests, ensuring that Special Collections Technical Services efforts align with Yale priorities and strategic goals.

They will establish a record of service, participating in regional, national, and international professional activities–both to contribute to the profession and to grow individually as a professional librarian. The position will be assigned a rank of Librarian 1 to Librarian 3 based on a combination of professional experience and accomplishments.

Essential Duties

• Provides original cataloging/creates metadata for materials in all formats and subject areas. Applies descriptive standards (RDA, AACR2, DCRM, DACS, or VRC, etc.), structural standards (MARC, MODS, METS or EAD, etc.), and controlled vocabularies (LCNAF, or LCSH, etc). Creates authority records applying standards and best practices, and assigns call numbers using Library of Congress Classification system.
• Provides intellectual and physical management of ORBIS and other library databases, including authority control, record loading, and quality assurance processes.
• Analyzes bibliographic and metadata problems, recommends policies, develops processes and best practices, and creates documentation.
• Engages with cataloging and technical service staff, other librarians, curators, and collection managers to meet their needs and those of users.
• Researches, plans, and oversees special projects. May manage vendor services and relationships.
• Trains and revises the work of students, assistants, and other librarians.
• Participates in national metadata/cataloging initiatives (e.g., BIBCO, NACO, SACO).
• Participates in library management, assessment, training, and development programs.
• Keeps abreast of developments in metadata standards, technologies, trends, and techniques.
• Establishes a record of service to the Library, the University, and the profession.
• May assist with disaster recovery efforts and perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education And Experience

• Master's degree from an ALA-accredited library school or a related field in some cases.
• Knowledge of current cataloging/metadata standards and subject analysis/classification systems.
• Supervisory experience if managing staff.
• Experience designing and completing projects on time.
• Excellent communication, analytical skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Ability to adapt to change and work collaboratively within a complex environment.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Excellent reading and writing knowledge of Arabic.
• Responsibility, thoroughness, and ability to coordinate activities successfully within deadlines.
• Ability to collaborate and develop effective working relationships.
• Leadership qualities such as open communication and openness to change.
• Willingness to acquire new skills and knowledge, with experience in cataloging non-monographic formats preferred.

Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills

• Fluency in Persian, Coptic, Syriac, Turkish, or Armenian.
• Training in Islamic or Middle Eastern studies.
• Experience with Arabic paleography and special collections cataloging.
• Engagement with cataloging communities and special collections.

Additional information about background checks, health requirements, and Yale’s policies is included in the full description.