Metadata Strategist

Description

The New York University Libraries invites applications and nominations for the position of Metadata Strategist. In response to strategic priorities such as next-generation system migration, linked data (e.g. BIBFRAME), digital scholarship as well as RDA 3R, the Metadata Strategist is responsible for assessing, developing, and documenting internal policies for metadata creation, application, and maintenance; and participates in large-scale research, data remediation and development projects related to metadata discovery, interoperability, and identity management, including the development of a linked data environment and of descriptive metadata standards throughout NYU Libraries.  

The Metadata Strategist will report to the Head of Knowledge Access, and provide leadership for the department’s Metadata Strategy Unit. Knowledge Access is one of four departments in the Knowledge Access and Resource Management Services portfolio. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in various metadata schemas and expertise in the development and implementation of innovative metadata strategies to enhance the discovery of all types of resources.

Responsibilities

• Leads the Metadata Strategy Unit for metadata creation, transformation, remediation, and maintenance (both MARC and non-MARC) at all levels, in all formats and for diverse collections.

• Collaborates with the other two team leaders to implement the strategic plans of the Knowledge Access department. 

• Keeps abreast of a working knowledge of existing and emerging metadata standards, tools, and best practices, as well as developments in interoperability, with a focus on standards the Libraries currently employ, such as Dublin Core, BIBFRAME, MARCXML, and RDF.

• Plays a pivotal role in projects that include data migration, reformatting or repurposing, and choosing appropriate metadata mappings and tools.

• Creates, maintains, develops, implements, and extends the libraries’ metadata profiles.

• Provides training in metadata creation and data modeling.

• Leads pilot projects and experiments on innovative ideas or new tools.

• Provides scripting or coding to successfully deploy metadata.

• Supervises and performs enhanced and original cataloging in RDA, LC-PCC Policy Statements and PCC guidelines. 

• Oversees and contributes to the national authority file through NACO and SACO.

About New York University Libraries

The Division of Libraries values diversity among its faculty, is committed to building a culturally diverse intellectual community, and strongly encourages applications from members of underrepresented communities. We are proud of our organizational culture and we are committed​ ​to​ ​building​ ​and​ ​sustaining​​ a​ ​diverse,​ ​inclusive,​ ​and equitable​ ​organization​ that supports a sense of belonging for the staff and communities we serve. For more information regarding the Libraries’ commitment to IDBE, see the Libraries’ Mission & Values Statement at http://library.nyu.edu/about/general/values, our Diversity and Inclusion Values Statement, at https://library.nyu.edu/about/general/values/diversity-inclusion, and our Commitment to Anti-Racism at https://library.nyu.edu/about/general/values/anti-racism

Salary/Benefits: Faculty status, attractive benefits package including five weeks annual vacation. Salary and rank commensurate with experience and background.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum one graduate degree (master’s level or higher), conferred by start date, for consideration. A second graduate degree will be required to be eligible for tenure. One of the two graduate degrees must be an ALA-accredited MLS or equivalent.

• Five or more years’ experience with creating and managing metadata in the academic libraries or research institutions. 

• Knowledge of relevant metadata standards used in libraries and in scholarly publishing, e.g. RDA, EAD, Dublin Core, BIBFRAME, etc. 

• Experience with extensive data remediation for both MARC and non-MARC data; involved with system migration projects; familiar with tools such as OpenRefine as well as MARCedit. 

• Proficiency with RDA, MARC and OCLC for both print and digital resources.

• Proficiency with NACO records; and with authority control processes. 

• Working knowledge of LC controlled vocabularies and other thesauri such as AAT or RBMS; user-centered approach for controlled vocabularies and identity management.  

• Knowledge of emerging trends and practices related to linked data, semantic web applications, and RDF

• Supervisory experience in a diverse environment

Preferred

• Knowledge of metadata analysis, transformation tools, and scripting languages for data manipulation (Python, XSLT, etc.)

• Familiarity with semantic technologies-- RDF, Ontologies, SPARQL, Triple Stores

• Demonstrates ability to use scripting languages such as Perl, PHP, Python, Ruby, or XSLT to transform metadata

• Experience with consortia and other collaborative resource sharing initiatives

Application Instructions

To ensure consideration, submit your CV and letter of application, including the name, address, and telephone number of three professional references. NYU Division of Libraries requires all candidates for this position to supply a statement demonstrating their commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and belonging as part of their application. Access the Diversity Statement prompt here https://nyu.box.com/v/diversity-statement Applications received by March 31st will receive preference.