Senior Metadata Specialist

Description

Overview
 
Located within the New York Public Library’s Digital Research Division, the Metadata Services Unit (MSU) improves access and discovery of library resources and strengthens data interoperability across the library through metadata production services, software development support, and metadata strategy. Our team supports and engages staff in efficient metadata creation for digitization, offering staff training, development and documentation of local standards and practices, project consultation, quality control, and works to raise awareness and connect stakeholders across NYPL concerning metadata. The MSU also supports the improvement and maintenance of our Metadata Management System (MMS) and online Digital Collections through data modeling, data mapping and enrichment, record assessment and cleanup, and staff user services. 

The MSU seeks candidates enthusiastic about metadata and the future of libraries for the role of Metadata Specialist III. Reporting to the Manager, Metadata Services, the Metadata Specialist III balances high productivity and high quality output to help oversee and streamline workflows, organize metadata across multiple descriptive systems and Library divisions, and improve discovery and access to NYPL’s digital content through the conceptualization and rollout of remediation and enrichment projects. Exceptional interpersonal and written skills are key to supporting projects and strategy across NYPL research library divisions and within a cooperative team environment. 

This position will play a key role in the development of the next stage of the Library’s Metadata Services offerings and will assist with setting standards and data modeling for the future of Digital Collections at NYPL. The candidate will apply problem solving skills at the highest level to optimize workflows and projects and to support strategic initiatives.

This role is a perfect opportunity for a proactive, reliably thoughtful individual invested in team cohesion and metadata futures.

Key Responsibilities
Reporting to the Manager, Metadata Services, the Metadata Specialist III will:

• Create, update, and enhance metadata for the Library’s digital collections
• Liaise with metadata creators across NYPL divisions to support metadata project planning, training, guidance on standards, and the efficient creation/maintenance of high-quality metadata
• Contribute to local metadata policies, procedures, and standards as well as technical requirements for NYPL’s Metadata Management System, digital repository, and other tools
• Design and apply processes for monitoring, evaluating, and improving metadata quality including batch processing, internal and cross-departmental reporting, and data visualization
• Help oversee and refine departmental workflows
• Assist in prioritizing, organizing, and implementing metadata remediation and enhancement projects.
• Work on special projects including planning, coordination, and implementation as determined by the Manager, Metadata Services
• Assist Manager, Metadata Services with providing day-to-day support for MSU staff for metadata best practices and project implementation.
• Keep up with current standards, trends, and technologies in the field
• Additional responsibilities and duties as assigned

Required Education, Experience & Skills

Required Education & Experience

• ALA-accredited Master's Degree in Library/Information Science or equivalent 
• 3+ years relevant professional experience

Required Skills

• Experience working with a variety of metadata schemas and standards (MODS, RDA, MARC, EAD, DACS, etc.), controlled vocabularies (LC, Getty, etc.), and data formats (XML, JSON, etc.)
• Proficiency with scripting and querying languages (Python, SQL, R, etc.) to extract, analyze, or manipulate data with strong interest in strengthening skills through professional development
• Experience with metadata remediation and enhancement projects and relevant tools (OpenRefine, etc.)
• Experience with distributed version control (Git/GitHub)
• Experience coordinating projects and training staff
• Experience working in research libraries, museums, archives, or other collecting institutions
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, including the ability to offer guidance and constructive feedback for individual and team growth
• Ability to work well both collaboratively and independently on complex projects involving diverse stakeholders and competing deadlines, using informed judgment and clear communication strategies to successfully complete tasks
• Proven organizational, analytical, and independent problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage a large volume of work while maintaining a consistently high degree of accuracy
• Aptitude for being organized, productive, and effective while involved with a variety of simultaneous projects
• Comfort with rapidly synthesizing new information and workflows
• Understanding of evolving technology landscape and willingness to experiment and find ways to incorporate new technologies to enhance services and complete tasks more efficiently

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience or knowledge of project management strategies and tools
• Familiarity with Linked Data concepts and technologies
• Familiarity with interoperable digital asset frameworks (IIIF)
• Familiarity with data access via APIs
• Experience with data visualization, reporting, and analysis

More...

Please Note: Effective August 2, 2021, absent a qualifying exception for medical or religious reasons, newly hired employees of the New York Public Library must present proof of receipt of a COVID-19 vaccination and may not begin employment at the Library until 14 days after their receipt of their second dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or 14 days after their first dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.  Newly hired employees who need additional time to receive their vaccination prior to their start date may request an adjournment of their start date with their hiring manager.  The Library will consider such requests on a case by case basis, depending upon the Library’s operational needs, among other factors.  The Library will further consider exemptions for prospective employees who cannot become vaccinated due to a qualifying medical condition or a sincerely held religious belief or practice.  Candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment and who seek a medical or religious exemption to the Library’s vaccination policy should contact hrservicecenter@nypl.org for instructions on how to submit the required information for the evaluation of their exemption request.

Core Values
All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:

• Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
• Be Resourceful in solving problems 
• Be Curious in all aspects of your work

Physical Duties

• Limited physical effort is required
• May require travel within NYC

Physical Required?
No

Union/Non Union
Local 1930

Schedule
35 hours a week; 9am-5pm Monday-Friday

About The New York Public Library

The New York Public Library is a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With 92 locations—including research and branch libraries—throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars, and has seen record numbers of attendance and circulation in recent years. The New York Public Library serves more than 18 million patrons who come through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at www.nypl.org.