Metadata Associate (Library Assistant III), MIT Libraries, Boston, MA

Posted October 17, 2022

Specific duties include:

Metadata Production (80%)

• Triage, prioritize, and prepare incoming materials for metadata treatment and cataloging.
  Produce metadata for library collections:
  Search for and evaluate available metadata from providers (OCLC and others)
  Adjust metadata to conform to local standards when necessary.
  Derive acceptable copy from existing metadata when appropriate.
  Verify access points and subject headings.
  Validate existing Library of Congress Classification numbers, ensuring correct
  form and subject matter match, and assign new numbers as needed..
  Shelflist and assign or adjust Cutter numbers.
• Verify user access points for electronic resources and prepare physical items for shelf
  deposit.
  Maintain the accuracy and integrity of the catalog. Resolve problems with existing
  bibliographic, holdings, and/or authority records.
  Respond to reported problems with discovery and access of library collections, as part of
  the “catprob” team.
• Respond to rush processing requests.
  Support metadata production and management in our digital repository (DSpace@MIT)
  Adopt new technologies, ideas, and tools for metadata management as they arise.

Departmental Participation (20%)

• Participate in department meetings and discussions and may contribute to various
• projects and initiatives across the MIT Libraries.
• Attend training for new systems, procedures or applications to keep current with the
• needs of the MIT Libraries. Utilize other available training options to continually develop
• skills.
• Participate in group processes to standardize, document, and maximize efficiencies in
• team workflows, establish team goals, collectively problem-solve, and coordinate
• activities and projects.
• Contribute to the creation, review, and revision of documentation of procedures and
• policies for team operations.
• Liaise with the Department of Distinctive Collections (DDC) to maintain standards of
• preservation of materials and resolve any resulting issues.

Qualifications:

Required:

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in library technical services and/or an academic/research library setting.
• Familiarity with; cataloging rules and practices (RDA, etc, Library of Congress Classification and Subject Headings, Integrated Library System (ILS) and/or Library Services Platform (LSP) basics.
• Enthusiasm for and commitment to embracing the empathy, courage, self-reflection, and
• respect essential in a multicultural, diverse, and inclusive workplace, and the ability to
• embrace those values in collections and public service work.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Interest and affinity for learning, understanding, and effectively using new software and
• technology.
• Aptitude for accurate, detailed, and quantitative work.
• Strong organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills, including ability to identify
• problems and carry out solutions independently or in collaboration with others.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and work with minimal supervision.
• Positive service attitude and excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with
• proven ability to work as an integral part of a service team and to interact effectively with
• a variety of people.
• Demonstrated initiative and flexibility for successfully adapting and working creatively in
• a dynamic environment.
• Tolerance to dust exposure

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Experience using OCLC Connexion, encoding standards, and Ex Libris’ Alma Library
• Services Platform
• Ability to work with productivity/scripting tools that can help with metadata production, such as: MacroExpress, OCLC macro language, OpenRefine, Python, Alma “drules”, etc.
• Reading facility in a language other than English
• Experience with acquisitions workflows and/or software

HOURS: 35 hours per week. Monday-Friday 9 am – 5 pm; hours may change based on
business needs and MIT’s academic calendar.
HOURLY RATE AND BENEFITS: This job is a Pay Grade 5 with the following hourly
range (min-mid max): 21.72/hr, 29.46/hr, 37.15/hr.

How to Apply:

Apply online at: https://hr.mit.edu/careers applications must include
cover letter and resume. Priority will be given to applications received before October 21st,
2022; position open until filled.