Metadata Transformation Librarian

Description

Reporting to the Head of Metadata & Discovery Strategy, the Metadata
Transformation Librarian takes an innovative, service-oriented approach to
the support of several key information management and discovery systems,
including the integrated library system (ILS), currently ExLibris’ Aleph;
the off-site storage management system, currently Generation Fifth
Application’s Library Archival System (GFA); and discovery systems used by
the staff of the library.

The Metadata Transformation Librarian will serve as part of a Technical
Services department that includes a wide array of activities in metadata
analysis, creation, consultation, enhancement, and maintenance. S/he will
provide development, research and analysis toward the onboarding of the
next-generation library management system (FOLIO), such as data mapping and
metadata transformation tasks. S/he will have programming and/or scripting
skills commensurate with Technical Services’ goals and ambitions. S/he uses
vendor-supplied tools and services to meet the needs of the libraries and,
when necessary, develops and maintains local extensions to the applications
using query and scripting languages, such as SQL and Perl.

This newly created position is a rare opportunity to launch a career in
academic librarianship at a major ARL member library invested in the future
of library discovery, technology, and services. The successful candidate
will demonstrate a capacity to learn new technologies and apply analytical
reasoning to creatively solve issues in metadata application and management.

This opportunity provides an environment for strong mentorship in
professional development for an early-career librarian. As DUL develops
toward a non-MARC based metadata infrastructure Technical Services is
committed to exploring opportunities and rethinking current practices to
prepare the Libraries’ data for this future.
*Responsibilities*

- Works with departments throughout the Technical Services Division to
determine policy for utilization and configuration of ILS software,
identifies unmet functional requirements, develops specifications,
evaluates available software or provides advice on in-house development in
support of Library activities and services reliant upon ILS-supported
systems
- Liaises with other library technical departments to ensure common
understanding of Metadata & Discovery Strategy goals and functions (i.e.:
Rubenstein Technical Services, Information Technology Services (ITS), etc.)
- Serves as a technical specialist and consultant, with an aptitude for
ILS tools, Application Programming Interfaces, and ILS configuration
tables; develops and documents programs and scripts that extend system
functionality and automate routine tasks; supports the development of
progressively improved proof-of-concept demonstrations of functionality to
be delivered; works with technical staff from other library departments to
integrate scripted solutions with Duke University Libraries' computing
infrastructure
- Plays a major role in evaluation, testing, and migration to the next
generation library system as a replacement for the current ILS (Aleph);
facilitates and ensures common understanding across Technical Services
stakeholders of the technology, platform requirements and overall technical
vision during design activities
- Creates and maintains custom reports and services from Aleph and other
library-related relational databases using SQL, Access, or other reporting
tools in order to facilitate metadata transformation and normalization
across Library discovery systems, such as Summon, Endeca, 360Services, and
custom interfaces
- Performs day-to-day support activities of the various components of
Duke University Libraries integrated library system (ILS) by documenting
local implementation decisions and providing routine application maintenance
- Maintains current awareness of trends and issues relative to library
information technology and supported applications
- Contributes to library-wide initiatives; participates in departmental
and library-wide activities; serves on library committees and task forces
- Displays continuing growth in professional and subject knowledge by
taking an active interest in the profession. This growth and interest may
be demonstrated through continuing development of professional knowledge
and abilities, membership and participation in professional organizations,
and/or service to the library, University, or community in a professional
capacity
- Performs other duties as assigned

*Supervisory Responsibilities*

- None

*Qualifications*

It is the expectation that all Duke University Libraries staff members will
demonstrate exceptional workplace behaviors in the execution of their
specific position responsibilities. These behaviors are customer focus,
collaboration, creative problem solving, continuous learning and a
commitment to diversity.
*Education*

*Required: *Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited program or equivalent
combination of education and experience.
*Experience*

*Required:*

- Familiarity with bibliographic record structure and classification
systems (e.g. MARC21, Dublin Core, LCC, Dewey)

- Familiarity with the concepts of FRBR, linked data, and emerging
library initiatives such as BIBFRAME
- Familiarity with an integrated library system (ILS)
- Familiarity with XML/XSL technologies
- Knowledge and aptitude in command-line operating systems (e.g., Unix,
Linux)
- Demonstrated ability to initiate, plan, and implement projects and
services
- Demonstrated problem solving, organizational and analytical skills,
and an aptitude for detail-oriented work
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and strong critical reading
skills
- Must possess the ability to deal with change, ambiguity, and complex
problems in a dynamic work environment; proven ability to work both
independently and collaboratively
- Aptitude for developing a sophisticated understanding of the
applications of new technology as applied in library settings

*Preferred:*

- Experience with an ILS, such as Ex Libris’ Aleph
- Familiarity with library metadata manipulation tools such as
OpenRefine, MarcEdit, etc.
- Experience manipulating large data sets
- Experience with SQL
- Experience with at least one high-level programming or scripting
language (e.g., PHP, Perl, Python, Ruby, or C/C++)

- Experience integrating third-party applications into library
information systems
- Experience with UNIX/Linux
- Previous academic library experience

*About the Department*

“To advance Discovery, we must work strategically. “

Metadata and Discovery Strategy is a new department, which serves as a
Technical Services think tank for Duke University Libraries’ strategic
priority to advance discovery. This department’s work focuses on ways for
Technical Services to re-conceptualize and transform metadata to assure its
continued usefulness in, and interoperability with, national and
international discovery systems. Additionally, to strive to maintain data
consistency and accuracy across a variety of library systems; explore new
technologies in the greater library community, and prepare Technical
Services for transition to new technologies; such as linked data.
*Working Conditions*

- Must be able to work in an environment in which exposure to materials
containing dust and mold is possible
- Normal office environment

*These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of
work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not
intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities,
duties, and skills required of a person in this position.*
*Salary and Benefits*

Salary and rank dependent on qualifications and experience. Comprehensive
benefits package includes 20 days vacation, 13 holidays, 12 days sick
leave; health, dental, disability and life insurance and support for
professional development and training.
*Environment*

Since its founding in 1924, Duke University has grown into one of the most
prestigious private universities in the world and its medical center ranks
annually among the top in the nation. The Duke University Libraries are the
shared center of the university's intellectual life, connecting people and
ideas. The Libraries consist of the William R. Perkins Library and its
branches: Rubenstein Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Lilly, Music, and
the library at the Duke Marine Laboratory in Beaufort. Duke’s library
holdings of 6.1 million volumes are among the largest of private
universities in the United States.

Duke's hometown is Durham, North Carolina, a city with vibrant research,
medical and arts communities, and numerous shops, restaurants and theaters.
Durham is located in the Research Triangle, a growing metropolitan area of
more than one million people that provides a wide range of cultural,
recreational and educational opportunities. The Triangle is conveniently
located just a few hours from the mountains and the coast, offers a
moderate climate, and has been ranked among the best places to live and to
do business.

Duke offers a comprehensive benefit packages which includes both
traditional benefits such as health insurance, leave time and retirement,
as well as wide ranging work/life and cultural benefits. Details can be
found at: http://www.hr.duke.edu/benefits/index.php
*Application*

Cover letter, detailed resume and the names, addresses (mailing and
e-mail), and telephone numbers of three references should be submitted to:
https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/8971 . Review of applications will
begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Applications which are missing any of the components listed above will not
be reviewed.

*Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer
committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an
individual’s age, color, disability, genetic information, gender, gender
identity, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran
status. The Duke University Libraries have a strong commitment to
Affirmative Action and is actively seeking to increase the racial and
ethnic diversity of our staff.*