Metadata Librarian

Yale Library seeks a collaborative, resourceful, and user-centered Metadata Librarian with interest or experience in evolving descriptive metadata models and standards to join the Monographic Processing Services department.

Reporting to the Manager, Monographic Cataloging, the Metadata Librarian will be responsible for original and complex copy cataloging, quality assurance, workflow automation, and database reporting. The work will include creating and managing descriptions for materials in a variety of formats and languages. The incumbent will work closely with colleagues across functional units within Discovery and Content Stewardship, and throughout the wider Library system, contributing to the sustainable stewardship and discovery of the Yale Library’s materials

The successful candidate will engage in regional and national communities of practice and participate in the implementation of national standards and best practices at Yale Library. They will participate in Yale Library and departmental committees and task forces, especially as they relate to their job responsibilities and professional interests, ensuring that the department’s efforts align with Yale priorities and strategic goals.

This position will be assigned a rank of Librarian 1 to Librarian 3 based on a combination of professional experience and accomplishments. Librarian ranking information can be found at: http://bit.ly/YULRanksPromotions.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Knowledge of RDA, LC-PCC PS, MARC, LCSH, LCC, and related community standards, and a good understanding of authority control. Familiarity with current trends and best practices in cataloging and metadata services, and developments in metadata such as Linked Data and BIBFRAME.
2. Ability to coordinate a variety of activities successfully within set deadlines, while demonstrating consistently high-quality work, and thoroughness in executing plans or projects.
3. Demonstrated ability to collaborate with others within the library and across the university to achieve common goals and form effective working relationships with staff at all ranks.
4. Experience with bibliographic services such as OCLC and network-based cataloging tools. Must be proficient in MS Office Suite and familiar with processing tools such as MarcEdit**.
5. Able to acquire new knowledge and skills that contribute to individual and organizational growth and may contribute to advancement of the profession.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

1. Demonstrated experience cataloging materials in various languages and formats, including working knowledge of languages other than English.
2. Knowledge of authority and identity management practices.
3. Hands-on experience with scripting or querying languages, such as SQL, SPARQL, Python.
4. Familiarity with current and emerging industry standards and tools, such as generative AI.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Provides original cataloging/creates metadata for materials in all formats and subject areas. Applies descriptive standards (RDA, AACR2, DCRM, DACS, or VRC, etc.), structural standards (MARC, MODS, METS or EAD, etc.), and controlled vocabularies (LCNAF, or LCSH, etc,). Creates authority records applying standards and best practices, and assigns call numbers using Library of Congress Classification system. 2. Provides intellectual and physical management of ORBIS and other library databases. This may include authority control, record loading, ingesting objects, quality assurance processes, and working with stakeholders throughout the library community. 3. Analyzes bibliographic and metadata problems, recommends policies, develops processes and best practices, and creates documentation. 4. Engages with cataloging and technical service staff, other librarians, curators, and collection managers in an effort to meet their needs, and the needs of our users. 5. Researches, plans and oversees special projects. 6. May manage vendor services and relationships. 7. Trains and revises the work of students, assistants and other librarians. 8. Participates in national metadata/cataloging initiatives, i.e. the Program for Cooperative Cataloging programs (BIBCO, NACO, SACO). 9. Participates in the library's management, assessment, training and development programs. 10. Keeps abreast of national and international developments including new metadata standards, technologies, trends, and techniques. 11. Establishes a record of service to the Library, the University and the profession. 12. May be required to assist with disaster recovery efforts. 13. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

1. Master's degree from an American Library Association accredited library school. In selective cases a graduate degree in a related subject field may be substituted. 2. Demonstrated knowledge of current national cataloging/metadata content and structural standards. Knowledge of subject analysis and classification systems. 3. If supervision of professional and/or support staff is a principal responsibility, supervisory experience is required. 4. Experience designing projects and bringing them to conclusion in a timely fashion. 5. Demonstrated excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications; analytical ability; accuracy and attention to detail. 6. Ability to initiate and adapt to change. 7. Experience working collegially and cooperially within and across organizations. 8. Experience working collaboratively and independently with varied groups within a complex organization and rapidly changing, team environment.