Metadata Specialist, Harvard Business School – Baker Library, (Boston, MA/Hybrid)

Posted August 26, 2026

Description: Harvard Business School’s Baker Library is seeking a temporary Metadata Specialist to
review and update a list of organizations based on specific criteria. This list is used to
draw connections among HBS academic works, alumni, and organizations. Because we
leverage external sources to enrich this metadata, accuracy is critical for this project.

The Metadata Specialist joins the Information Management team for a fixed-term,
project-scoped engagement with a clearly defined deliverable. The role suits someone
who works accurately and steadily through high-volume data, exercises sound judgment
on ambiguous cases, and communicates clearly about what they find.

Title: Metadata Specialist
Location: Baker Library, Harvard Business School
- Boston, MA (Hybrid – requiring at least one day of on-site work per week)
Position Type: Temporary
Start Date: September 14, 2026
End Date: 3 months from start date
Schedule: 40 hours per week, 9am – 6pm
Pay Rate: $20.75 per hour
CORI: Required

Responsibilities:
The temporary Metadata Specialist will be responsible for updating an assigned set of
organization names and metadata. This work requires the application of expertise and
awareness of best practices for the creation of original authority records that enable and
enhance user discovery of resources and content.

Update approximately 1,400 organization names and other metadata according to specific criteria within a custom database.
Establish variant name forms and cross-references so that a search on a former, alternate, or vernacular name still retrieves the correct organization.
Leverage external sources to enrich the metadata
Apply authority record principles consistently — uniqueness, appropriate qualifiers, and clear differentiation between similarly named entities — to support reliable discovery and accurate connections across HBS academic works, alumni, and organizations.
Consult with the Information Management team to clarify ambiguous cases, conflicting external sources, entities not covered by existing criteria, and any question that could set a precedent for the rest of the set.
Report progress against the throughput expectations below, noting any obstacles affecting the completion timeline.

Qualifications:

Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, including Excel, Outlook, Teams, and file management
Experience with library catalogs and effective web searching
Familiarity with the principles of authority record creation and management
Strong attention to detail and accuracy
Excellent professional communication skills
Ability to manage time effectively and work independently within project guidelines
Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability when workflows vary
Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive or proprietary information with discretion and sound judgment
BA/BS is required.

Other Information: This is a temporary, hybrid position requiring at least on day of on-site work per week at Harvard Business School’s Boston, MA-based campus. Specific hours and days on-site will be determined by business needs and are subject to change with appropriate advanced notice.

BiblioTemps® is an employment service of the Massachusetts Library System that provides experienced library workers for temporary placements in public, academic, and special libraries throughout Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Library System (MLS) is an equal opportunity employer. MLS is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, age, marital status, sex, physical or mental challenge, creed, religion, political affiliation, national or ethnic origin, or sexual orientation. Members of underrepresented groups, and those committed to working in a diverse cultural environment are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Submit resume via the BiblioTemps job board – https://www.bibliotemps.com/jobs
Contact with questions – [email protected]