"Discovery Services Librarian"

Overview

Auburn University Libraries seeks an innovative, enthusiastic, and user-focused individual to serve as the Discovery Services Librarian. Reporting to the Head of the Collections, Discovery, and Resource Sharing (CDR) Department, this position is responsible for coordinating metadata operations, managing Web Scale discovery, and providing leadership for support staff in the Discovery Services Unit, including the organization and assessment of workflows related to the copy and adaptive cataloging of books, e-books, and streaming media. As needed, the Discovery Services Librarian will also create and maintain resource description for information resources in multiple formats. The individual for this position may perform original and enhanced MARC-based descriptive cataloging of library materials requiring the application of both RDA and AACR2 rules. Other responsibilities include assisting with the development and use of metadata for other information resources as assigned. As a supervisor and professional librarian in the Discovery Services Unit within the CDR Department, this position will be expected to contribute to ongoing improvements in overall metadata strategy and best practices that support the mission of Auburn University and its Libraries. This position will work with the rest of the department and Libraries to choose and implement the LSP to replace our Voyager ILS which reaches end of life in 2026. This position works closely with the Department Head, Metadata Librarians, and the Collections Unit in the CDR Department, as well as the other units in the Libraries on cataloging and managing collections. This twelve-month tenure-track position requires professional and scholarly activity as well as service on library and university committees. For more information about the Auburn University Libraries, visit https://www.lib.auburn.edu/.

Auburn University Libraries is a member of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), Association of Southeastern Research Libraries (ASERL), Hathi Trust, Coalition for Networked Information (CNI), and other organizations of academic institutions. The Libraries has completed its strategic plan in alignment with Auburn University's Strategic Plan 2035.

Responsibilities

• Managing Web scale discovery services such as EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS)
• Supervising four staff members in the Discovery Services Unit of the CDR Department
• Organizing and assessing workflows related to the routine cataloging of books and e-books
• Managing cataloging processes for the Libraries' approval plans through vendors such as GOBI and Brodart
• Assisting with troubleshooting problems with Web Scale Discovery and other discovery tools
• Assisting with troubleshooting access issues for electronic resources that involve descriptive metadata in collaboration with the E-Resources Team and Discovery Unit
• Original and enhanced MARC-based descriptive cataloging of information resources in all formats
• May also catalog materials using Dublin Core or other metadata schemas as needed
• Working individually and as part of a team in the assessment, development, and implementation of metadata strategies for special projects as assigned
• Conducting annual and ongoing performance reviews for the staff in the Discovery Services Unit
• Developing and maintaining policies, procedures, and other types of documentation as directed by the Head of Collections, Discovery, and Resource Sharing
• Maintaining current awareness of emerging trends and developments in metadata and cataloging
• Performing other duties and assisting with special projects as assigned

Qualifications

Minimum:

• Master of Library and Information Science degree or equivalent from an ALA-accredited program at the time of employment
• Knowledge and experience in metadata and/or cataloging in academic libraries or public libraries
• Demonstrated supervisory experience in a library setting or a similar workplace
• Demonstrated knowledge of RDA and AACR2
• Demonstrated knowledge of MARC
• Demonstrated knowledge of tools commonly used to catalog information resources and manipulate data in contemporary academic libraries such as library service platforms (LSP), integrated library systems (ILS), and MARC editing tools
• Ability to assess, analyze, and solve complex problems related to describing information resources and to make content discoverable to users
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with a flexible and adaptable attitude as well as a focus on customer service
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
• Potential to meet university promotion and tenure requirements for library faculty

Desired:

• Experience with Microsoft Excel and Access
• Demonstrated knowledge of cataloging standards such as the Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC), CONSER, NACO, and SACO
• Demonstrated knowledge of cataloging created using OCLC tools and vendor supplied cataloging
• Demonstrated knowledge of metadata content and structural standards such as Dublin Core
• Familiarity with Web scale discovery services such as EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS) or other major discovery services tied to whichever LSP we chose
• Familiarity with GOBI, OASIS, or similar software used to order books and e-books
• Familiarity with electronic resources tools such as OpenURL resolvers, proxy systems, knowledge bases, and ERM
• Familiarity with discovery tools such as VuFind.
• General knowledge of linked data, AI, and other advances in the development and use of metadata
• Reading knowledge of at least one foreign language
• Record of scholarly and professional activity

Salary / Benefits

Minimum salary of $60,000 for an Assistant Professor. Salary will be commensurate with experience/qualifications. This is a twelve-month tenure-track position. Benefits include 20 days of vacation leave/12 days of sick leave per year; participation in State Teachers' Retirement System (mandatory); additional voluntary retirement plans available; health/dental/life/disability insurance.

Special Instructions

Application review process begins March 20, 2026, and will continue until a qualified candidate is selected and recommended for appointment. A complete application must include a letter of interest, resume or curriculum vitae, and the names of three current professional references (please include mailing addresses, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers). The candidate selected for this position must be able to meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time when the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the proposed term of employment. For questions, contact the search committee chair, Tim Dodge at dodgeti@auburn.edu.