Metadata Librarian, Digital & Special Collections, Georgetown University, Washington, DC

The Georgetown University Library is an agile organization that respects the heritage of the past while anticipating the requirements of the 21st century. By providing preeminent services, collections and spaces, the Library shapes the creation of knowledge, conserves culture for posterity, and transforms learning and research.

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The Metadata Librarian works collaboratively with other Metadata Librarian(s) and Metadata Specialists to support the discovery of and access to Library acquired materials in a variety of languages and formats, special collections, and digital content through metadata creation, analysis, enrichment, and maintenance according to local and national cataloging and metadata standards. Reporting to the Head of Metadata Services, the Metadata Librarian has duties that include but are not limited to:

Original Cataloging

• Performs original and complex copy cataloging for monographic, in both English and non-English languages in a variety of subject areas.
• Uses the nationally accepted standards of the Anglo-American Cataloging Rules (AACR2 revised ed.) and the LC Rule Interpretations (LCRIs) for descriptive cataloging, the Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) for subject access and Library of Congress call numbers for classification of materials.
• Upgrades less than full member OCLC member copy of bibliographic records by adding LC call numbers and subject headings.
• Creates name authority records according to NACO standards.
• Contributes authoritative name headings to the NACO database.
• Resolves cataloging problems and conflicts identified by paraprofessionals within the Department.
• Participates in training and support activities for paraprofessionals.
• Works closely with the Unit Head to develop efficient workflow for cataloging monographic materials.

Rare Book and Digital Object Cataloging

• Performs original and complex copy cataloging for rare book monographic materials in a variety of subject areas and languages.
• In addition to the nationally accepted standards stated above, catalogs according to descriptive cataloging rules found in the Descriptive Cataloging of Rare Materials (Books), 2nd edition.
• Describes digital resources using the appropriate metadata schema (preservation, access, description, etc.) to support Georgetown University Library’s digital collections. Metadata is provided within the digital library systems and/or within OCLC for inclusion in the local system

Library Contributions and Professional Development

• Serves on library and university-wide committees and task forces; participates in local consortia and regional and national associations.
• Contributes to the profession through writing for publication, presentation, and/or active involvement in professional associations at the national or regional level.
• Continually acquires new knowledge and updates skills to enhance professional performance in all areas of responsibility.
• Keeps abreast of developments, trends and issues in the library field.
• Monitors trends and maintains currency in emerging issues within areas of expertise.
• Participates in meetings and in planning.
• Suggests revisions in policies and enhancements to services.
• Participates in achieving library-wide priorities; prepares statistics and writes reports.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Library or Information Science from ALA-accredited institution
• 2 or more years of professional metadata creation experience in an academic or research library
• 2 or more years of professional experience creating metadata for rare and special collections
• Demonstrated knowledge of MARC and non-MARC metadata formats, standards and schema, such as Dublin Core, METS, EAD, TEI, MODS and AAT
• Working knowledge of descriptive bibliography and issues specific to rare materials
• Working knowledge of current metadata standards such as FRBR, Resource Description and Access (RDA), Program for Cooperative Cataloging/Library of Congress Policy Statements, Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), Library of Congress Classification (LCC), and other emerging standards
• Experience with a national bibliographic utility, such as OCLC, and a local online system, such as Alma

Preferred qualifications

• Knowledge of issues and current trends in metadata, discovery tools, digital library development, digital preservation, and cataloging standards and practices
• Knowledge of preservation metadata schemas and practices
• Proficiency in Latin and reading knowledge of 1 or 2 modern foreign languages
• Working knowledge of special collections and rare book metadata standards including Descriptive Cataloging of Rare Materials and Books (DCRM(B)), Descriptive Cataloging of Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance, and Early Modern Manuscripts (AMREMM), and RBMS (Rare Books and Manuscripts Section) genre terms
• Experience using DSpace or other digital asset management systems
• Demonstrated programming skill and ability (e.g., Python, PHP, and Java), especially related to metadata manipulation
• Experience with MarcEdit or other MARC editing tools
• Aptitude for complex, analytical work with attention to detail, demonstrated problem-solving skills, and flexibility
• Ability to work in a continually changing environment, to exercise initiative, and to work independently as well as part of a team