Metadata Librarian

Description

The University of Alabama Libraries is seeking two dynamic, highly
motivated individuals for the position of Metadata Librarian. Reporting to the Coordinator of
Metadata in the Resource Acquisition & Discovery department and working collaboratively in a
metadata team with 5 librarians, and appropriate units in the Libraries, this position supports
the discovery of and access to the Libraries resources through metadata creation, analysis and
enrichment. This position will play a role in improving discovery for patrons. Specific duties
include, but are not limited to: creating original metadata and complex metadata revision for
the Libraries’ digital collections, creating original metadata and complex metadata for special
collections materials, performing original and copy cataloging of continuing resources and nonbook
materials such as sound recordings, and performing authority work, evaluating the
effectiveness of catalog data and metadata for resource discovery, participating as a consultant
to digital humanities projects with the Alabama Digital Humanities Center, and keeping abreast
of current issues and trends in cataloging and metadata. Candidate must also possess the ability
to deal with change, ambiguity, and complex problems in an academic setting. Responsibilities
of the position evolve as the library environment continues to change.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Masters in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program.
• Professional experience creating metadata records and performing authority control.
• Knowledge of relevant foundational metadata and technologies including but not
limited to: RDA, LCSH, MARC21, MODS, MADS, METS, Dublin Core, TGN, XML, etc.
• Experience using OCLC
• Knowledge of research metadata schemas such as DataCite, ORCID, etc.
• Knowledge of linked data models and emerging tools such as FRBR, FRAD, RDF, RDFa,
and BIBFRAME, etc.
• Knowledge of digital preservation models and schemas including but not limited to:
PREMIS, MIX, etc.
• Knowledge of discovery layer technology.
• Knowledge of data mining and visualization.
• Some experience with programming languages or scripting. Demonstrated ability to
work independently, as well as collaboratively with diverse constituencies.
• Comfortable with ambiguity.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, including associated skills such as
listening, negotiating, and adapting.
• Ability to solve problems independently or collaboratively, using sound judgment in
decision making.
• Familiar with professional standards, best practices, and emerging technologies in
libraries.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to adapt quickly to new standards and technologies.
• Ability to meet the requirements for tenure and promotion
• Commitment to conduct research and scholarship consistent with a tenure track
faculty appointment; commitment to engage in continuing professional development.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• 1-2 years’ experience in metadata creation in an academic library.
• Knowledge of curation lifecycle models.
• Experience using integrated library systems (Voyager preferred) and/or digital content
management system(s) (DSpace preferred).
• Experience in analyzing and manipulating XML and other data standards.
• Data manipulation with MarcEdit, EXCEL, OpenRefine, Python, XSLT.
• Knowledge of json.
• Experience in batch loading of MARC records.
• Knowledge of EBSCO Full Text Finder.

ENVIRONMENT: The University of Alabama, The Capstone University, is the State of
Alabama’s flagship public university and the senior comprehensive doctoral level institution in
Alabama. UA enrolls over 37,000 students, is ranked in the top 50 public universities in the
United States. UA has graduated 15 Rhodes Scholars, 15 Truman Scholars, has had 121
Fulbright Scholars, is one of the leading institutions for National Merit Scholars (150 in 2015),
and has 5 Pulitzer Prize winners among its ranks. Under the new leadership of President Stuart
Bell, UA has launched a strategic planning process that includes an aggressive research agenda
and expansion of graduate education. The University of Alabama Libraries is essential in
advancing the educational mission of the University. We provide innovative instruction,
services, and resources to facilitate teaching, research, and learning. The University of Alabama
Libraries is committed to be student-centered and research-focused in order to support
discovery, learning, and creativity at The Capstone.

The University Libraries maintains memberships in the Association of Research Libraries, the
Center for Research Libraries, the Coalition for Networked Information, centerNet, LYRASIS,
the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries, the HathiTrust, Scholars Trust, the
Rosemont Alliance, the Network of Alabama Academic Libraries, the Digital Preservation
Network, and the Alabama Digital Preservation Network. As a U.S. Government Documents
Regional Depository, the UA Libraries serves Alabama libraries and the public. The University
Libraries homepage may be accessed at http://www.lib.ua.edu .

UA is located in Tuscaloosa, a metropolitan area of 200,000, with a vibrant economy, a moderate
climate, and a reputation across the South as an innovative, progressive community with an
excellent quality of life. Tuscaloosa provides easy access to mountains, several large cities, and
the beautiful Gulf Coast.

Prior to employment the successful candidate must pass a pre-employment background
investigation.

SALARY/BENEFITS: 12 month tenure track OR non-tenure track, renewable faculty
appointment at the Assistant Professor rank, depending on qualifications. Salary is $50,000-
$60,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience. Strong benefits including
professional development support and tuition fee waiver.

TO APPLY: Applications are accepted online only at https://facultyjobs.ua.edu . Click Search
Positions. University Libraries in Organization drop down box. Please include your application,
Curriculum Vitae, and names, addresses, phone numbers, and e- mail addresses of three
references, including one current supervisor.

Positions open until filled. Applications received by July 6, 2018 are assured of receiving full
consideration.

The University of Alabama is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and is
strongly committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. Applicants from a broad spectrum
of people, including women, members of ethnic minorities and disabled persons, are especially
encouraged to apply.