Metadata and Cataloguing Librarian

Wilfrid Laurier University is a leading Canadian university known for academic excellence and a culture that inspires lives of leadership and purpose. Laurier is devoted to excellence in learning, research, scholarship, and creativity, as well as supporting and enhancing high-quality undergraduate, graduate and professional education.

The Library’s mission, values and strategic action plan outlines our commitment to provide collaborative, inclusive, and creative spaces and services for our users. Through exceptional resources, expertise, and technology, the Library supports transformative learning, research, and teaching across campuses, and through engagement with the wider community.

Serving over 20,000 students across multiple campuses, the Laurier Library employs a staff of 59, including 21 librarians. It offers access to over 70,000 full-text online journals, indexes, and e-books, as well as more than 1.2 million print volumes. As part of the Omni Group of Libraries, Laurier students, faculty and staff may search, use and borrow materials from 19 member libraries across Ontario, including from local partners, the University of Guelph, and the University of Waterloo libraries.

Responsibilities

• Creates and manages bibliographic, authority, and digital collection metadata for library resources
• Processes, contributes and updates catalog records, holdings information, and other metadata in library platforms including Alma/Omni
• Working with the Head, Information Resources, Library leadership and consortium partners, leads and coordinates metadata management by developing, implementing, and evaluating metadata strategies, policies, projects, and procedures
• Ensures excellent discoverability of library resources informed by best practices and trends using a broad and evolving range of tools and services
• Evaluates new and emerging strategies and technologies to enhance the efficiency and quality of metadata and discovery processes
• Continuously develops and maintains in-depth expertise with the Library’s current services platforms associated with metadata, information resource management, and discovery functionality; provides support and recommendations for optimal use of the platforms and relevant applications and integrations with the University enterprise systems in collaboration with the Digital Initiatives team
• Develops efficient and sustainable metadata workflows using appropriate tools and systems, and techniques and trains Information Resources Staff in collaboration with the Manager
• Oversees the analysis and creation of collection-related data and collaborates with library leadership using metadata and systems expertise in designing, modifying, and creating analytics reports
• Provides metadata consultation and support for library and campus projects
• Documents and communicates decisions related to metadata policy, procedures, and workflow
• Works with library colleagues to assist with application of linked open data principles and standards
• Working closely with E-Resources and Metadata Librarian, assists with managing, access issues, and troubleshooting e-resources and databases
• Maintain awareness of developing industry trends and best practices in collections, metadata, and scholarly communication.
• Works closely with the Head, Information Resources on Department operations and priorities
• Provides input in department-wide planning, and collaborates with the Head, librarians, manager, and staff in department goals and planning new projects, work initiatives needed to accomplish strategic priorities, and training of library staff as needed.
• Collaborates with other Laurier librarians and with Laurier’s consortial partners.
• Serves on Library, University, and external committees as appropriate, and participates in scholarly and professional activity.

Qualifications

Required

• ALA accredited MLIS or equivalent
• Expertise in MARC record format and cataloguing standards including classification schemes, authority control, and bulk editing, including knowledge of MARC21, AACR2, RDA, and related metadata standards (e.g. Dublin Core, Bibframe), and resource management standards (KBART and Counter).
• Knowledge of library services platforms
• Experience with data analysis, including proficiency with spreadsheets
• Knowledge of electronic resources management and related technology
• Awareness of the academic publishing market and environment, emerging issues, and future trends
• Ability to learn new technical skills quickly and independently
• Ability to work well independently and in collaboration with others
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and project management skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to effectively balance multiple responsibilities and priorities
• Commitment to equity and inclusion
• Understanding of accessibility best practices and AODA standards

Preferred

• Experience in an academic library
• Experience with Alma and Alma Analytics
• Second Master's degree
• Evidence of professional or scholarly activity
• Familiarity with authentication methods/systems such as EZproxy and Shibboleth
• Familiarity with APIs
• Awareness of CRKN, OCUL, and Scholars Portal
• Awareness of issues and developments in Canadian cataloguing and experience cataloguing Canadian materials

Appointment and Compensation

The Metadata and Cataloguing Librarian position is a full-time, continuing track appointment which will be available from January 1, 2027. The appointment will be made at a level commensurate with qualifications and experience. The anticipated salary range is $74,935 - $110,000.

Salary, benefits, and terms of employment are governed by the Collective Agreement between Wilfrid Laurier University and Wilfrid Laurier University Faculty Association for Full-time Faculty and Professional Librarians, available at: The Agreements - WLUFA. Salary will be commensurate with experience and skills.

Application Procedure

Applicants should send (1) a curriculum vitae; (2) a cover letter; (3) details (name, position title, organization) and contact information (telephone and email address) for three referees.

Applications can be addressed to:

Scott Gillies
University Librarian

Please send the application package via email to ULAdmin@wlu.ca

Diversity and creating a culture of inclusion is a key pillar of Wilfrid Laurier University’s Strategic Plan and is one of Laurier’s core values. Laurier is committed to increasing the diversity of faculty and staff and welcomes applications from qualified members of the equity-deserving groups. Indigenous candidates who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programming at Laurier are welcome to contact the Office of Indigenous Initiatives at indigenous@wlu.ca. Candidates from other equity-deserving groups who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programming at Laurier are welcome to contact Equity and Accessibility at equity@wlu.ca.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, as per Canadian immigration laws, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. To comply with the Government of Canada’s reporting requirements, the University is obligated to gather information about applicants’ status as either Permanent Residents of Canada or Canadian citizens. Applicants need not identify their country of origin or current citizenship(s); however, all applicants must include one of the following statements in their cover letter:

Yes, I am a current citizen or permanent resident of Canada;
No, I am not a current citizen or permanent resident of Canada.

Members of designated groups must self-identify to be considered for employment equity. Candidates may self-identify, in confidence, to: Scott Gillies, sgillies@wlu.ca. Further information on the equity policy can be found at https://www.wlu.ca/about/governance/assets/resources/8.4-employment-equity.html.

To obtain a copy of this job description in an accessible format, please contact: ULAdmin@wlu.ca

The Library wishes to thank all applicants for their interest. All nominations and applications shall be reviewed and considered under a set of criteria established by the Search Committee, and a short list of candidates shall be interviewed. Only those applicants selected for the short list will be contacted.