Digital Project/ Research Metadata Specialist

Description

Digital Project/ Research Metadata Specialist at Milner Library

This position will assist in a variety of tasks for the Step Right Up: Digitizing Over 100 Years of Circus Route Books project, funded by the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) Hidden Collections Grant. The Digital Project/ Research Metadata Specialist will be responsible for metadata/cataloging and research activities related to the Circus Route Books digital collection. The job entails working with a variety of software and platforms requiring great attention to detail and sound judgment. Duties include, but are not limited to, research, creating and editing Wikidata and bibliographic records, Library of Congress name authority stub records, and contribute to the creation of a digital exhibit. This is a short term (September 2020 – April 2021), part-time position. The role collaborates with the Cataloging and Metdata Librarian, Special Collections, and the Digital Collections Department.

Job Description/Duties:

• Apply critical thinking skills in the research and disambiguation of circus and circus performer names
• Document, research and incorporate findings into descriptive metadata
• Accurately enter information in Library of Congress name authority stub records, search and edit MARC bibliographic records in OCLC Connexion
• Perform database/repositories searching
• Verify names, subject terms, and other pertinent information against the Library of Congress authority file
• Create Wikidata entries, verify and search metadata in Wikidata
• Accurately enter descriptive information in Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, CONTENTdm, Omeka/Neatline and/or Scalar digital space
• Assist with the ingest and revisions of metadata into CONTENTdm
• Create an online exhibit - research, contribute writings, and compile required metadata for exhibit
• Write detailed and concise captions/labels, essays for material in a digital space
• Quality control check and appropriately arrange/edit images and text for use in a digital space
• Additional duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in library and information science, history, digital humanities, or a related field
• Library cataloging experience and/or ability to understand and consistently implement metadata formats and standards, MARC, Dublin Core, RDA; core understanding of bibliographic records and controlled vocabularies, Library of Congress Name Authorities and Subject Headings
• Experience using OCLC Connexion, CONTENTdm, Scalar, Omeka, and/or other digital asset management system
• Proficient in searching bibliographic and research databases/repositories
• Demonstrated research and analytical skills
• Knowledge with creating Wikidata entries
• Experience writing for exhibits and blog posts
• Ability to analyze data and synthesize best practices
• Demonstrated attention to detail and strong aptitude for accuracy
• Ability to manage diverse assignments and meet deadlines; demonstrated time management and organizational skills
• Work independently, communicate, and collaborate successfully in a team environment
• Extensive experience using word processing and spreadsheet programs such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.

Desired Qualifications:

• Graduate from an accredited Master of Library and Information Science program or related field
• Interest in descriptive metadata, discoverability, and linked data
• Interest in circus, special collections and cultural heritage digital collections
• Experience in digital humanities
• Experience working in academic libraries or relevant field