Metadata Librarian, UMass Amherst (Amherst, MA)

Posted February 21, 2025

Description:

UMass Amherst is seeking a Metadata Librarian. The Metadata Librarian will coordinate the receipt and evaluation of continuing resources and government documents as well as other formats as necessary. Actively catalog materials in a variety of formats using rules and national standards and best practices. Participate in discussions relating to discovery, access, retrieval, and management of objects in ILS and discovery. Advise on the application of appropriate current and emerging cataloging/metadata schema to facilitate access to digital resources and physical collections. Train others on cataloging/metadata creation and management and work closely with staff throughout the Libraries to provide access to the Libraries’ collections. For more details on functions, salary, qualifications, please visit UMass Amherst’s job application page (https://careers.umass.edu/amherst/en-us/job/526328/metadata-librarian).

Essential Functions

• Performs original and complex copy cataloging for continuing resources including holdings management.
• Performs original and complex copy cataloging for government documents according to national Federal Depository guidelines and policies.
• Create and maintain metadata for description, discovery, access, administration, and preservation for continuing resources and government documents in line with national standards, best practices, and Federal Depository policies.
• Assist with metadata quality and authority control, cleanup, editing, enhancement, migration, mapping and transformations.
• Collaborate with other library staff in developing strategies for providing discovery and access to the full range of scholarly materials for which the Libraries are responsible.
• Advise and collaborate with faculty, students, and staff on current emerging digital technologies for teaching, learning, research, and creative processes when government documents are involved.
• Train others on metadata creation and management and work closely with staff throughout the Libraries to provide access to the Libraries’ collections.
• Contribute to the development, documentation and communication of departmental and Five College metadata workflows, policies, guidelines and procedures.
• Engage in outreach with local, regional, national, and international communities, as representatives of the university and the Libraries.
• Stay up-to-date with cataloging best practices and procedures, adhering to the MARC21 and RDA standards as appropriate and following CONSER and LC-PCC guidelines.
• Participate in library service and professional development activities as assigned or required to meet departmental goals and objectives.
• Demonstrate, foster, and cultivate a positive, proactive internal and external customer service culture amongst staff and student staff.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Master’s degree in library science or equivalent degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association or its equivalent in librarianship from another country, or appropriate equivalent experience by date of hire.

• Knowledge of metadata management, including authority control, Library of Congress  classification, relevant cataloging standards and best practices. Experience in applying metadata schemes and standards.
• Familiarity with GPO guidelines and their implementation in RDA and MARC 21.
• Knowledge of metadata editing and transformation tools and techniques.
• Familiarity with integrated library systems or library services platforms, discovery systems, digital repositories, or OCLC cataloging tools.
• Ability to work effectively as a team player in maintaining harmonious, cooperative working relationships with staff, faculty, and administrators.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, particularly the ability to explain complex concepts to a wide variety of people in individual and group settings.
• A demonstrated commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of at least one foreign language.
• Familiarity with authority control and reparative and inclusive cataloging.
• Experience with integrated library systems or library services platforms, discovery systems, digital repositories, or OCLC cataloging tools.

Work Schedule

• The regular working schedule for this position is Monday – Friday, day hours.
• The incumbent of the position is expected to work on a flexible schedule, which includes some evening, weekend, and holiday hours.
• This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Massachusetts Society of Professors (MSP) Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the MSP collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

• Librarian I, II or III
  1. Librarian I salary floor: $55,000
  2. Librarian II salary floor: $61,500
  3. Librarian III salary floor: $69,500
• Salary commensurate with experience.

How to Apply:

Submit your application: https://careers.umass.edu/amherst/en-us/job/526328/metadata-librarian

Along with the application, please submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

Applications close: Apr 30 2025