Metadata Analyst

Description

The University of Minnesota Libraries-Twin Cities seeks a collaborative individual for the position of Metadata Analyst within the Library Enterprise Systems department.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Director of Library Enterprise Systems (LES), the Metadata Analyst leads and has primary responsibility for large-scale and complex analyses involving data in the Libraries’ enterprise integrated library system (Alma) relating to normalization of metadata, extract and ingest of data among systems, and leveraging metadata to increase discoverability and use of collections. The position uses a broad set of metadata analysis tools, processes, workflows, and methodologies to perform metadata record analysis, specification writing, transformation, quality assurance, loading services, and data management. The Metadata Analyst is responsible for high quality and timely metadata automation services and leads the development of reporting and business process solutions. The analyst also monitors emerging technologies and recommends their adoption if they meet project specifications or long-term organizational goals. This position works closely with departmental and service area staff, and consults with system campus library staff (Twin Cities, Crookston, Duluth, Morris, and Rochester campus libraries, and the Law Library) when appropriate to evaluate needs and processes, and develop and refine workflows, analyses, and reports that benefit the University of Minnesota library enterprise systems.

Department Overview

Located in the Collections and Content Strategy Service Area, the Library Enterprise Systems Department provides enterprise-level information technology systems and services in support of core library operations and, in collaboration with other Libraries units and functions, end-user discovery and access services. The department holds principal responsibility for the enterprise library systems (Ex Libris Alma, Primo/Primo VE, Leganto) that undergird numerous library data management, information retrieval, and transactional services for all University system campus libraries including over 7.7 million volumes.  It also provides the Libraries organization with data analysis and reporting services related to enterprise systems that, for both strategic and operational purposes, support planning and execution, decision-making, and assessment and evaluation.

Position Responsibilities

Metadata Analysis and Interoperability (80%)

• Leads investigation and implementation of high quality and timely metadata automation services, and the development of reporting and business process solutions.

• Develops workflows, scripts, and replicable analysis processes to automate metadata management and complex metadata reporting and analysis.

• Provides technical leadership for metadata projects, operations, and integrations, using tools such as import profiles, normalization rules, and publishing profiles.

• Collaborates with cataloging and metadata staff in libraries across the University system to facilitate metadata enrichment projects and optimize Alma system functionality for cataloging and metadata creation.

• Develops sustainable workflows for ongoing business requirements, and estimates and documents continuing support and maintenance needs.

• Leads extraction and transformation of bibliographic and holdings metadata for projects and ongoing workflows, including shared catalogs and repositories, local digitization projects, and external tools, services, and partners.

• Evaluates incoming bibliographic record metadata from a variety of sources (including MARC and non-MARC data), and edits or creates bibliographic, holdings, and item records using automated processes, APIs, or programming.

• Analyze, extract, export, normalize, transform, and publish data for database maintenance and external reporting projects

Enterprise Systems (20%)

• Coordinates interdepartmental working group for ebook record loading, facilitating regular discussion, debate, and decision meetings, managing high-level workflow management tools, and ensuring local and professional best practices are followed.

• Participates in the Acquisitions and Finance Interest Group (AFIG), acting as primary expert on the impact of acquisitions and ordering policy and procedure on functionality in Alma. Recommends for or against implementation of new system functionality for acquisitions, coordinates testing, and completes technical implementation work. Writes or advises on technical aspects of policy and procedure documentation. Helps to determine training needs for staff regarding acquisitions in Alma.

• Leverages deep expertise, technical, and institutional knowledge to resolve enterprise system issues in the areas of acquisitions and resource management, working with subject experts at all system campus libraries, and in collaboration with Libraries IT, Library Enterprise Systems, and third parties and vendors.

• Implements and maintains automated metadata publishing for resource sharing according to business needs and third party specifications.

• Monitors emerging technologies and recommends their adoption if they meet project specifications or long-term organizational goals.

• Elicits and documents requirements, assesses feasibility, and defines scope for proposed and current projects to contribute to the development and continuous review of business cases.

• Contributes to development of existing and new applications, products, and services by analyzing and identifying areas for modification and improvement.

Service to the Libraries, University, and/or the Community

• Establishes a record of visible active contribution to the Libraries, the institution, and/or the broader community that extends beyond assigned responsibilities.

• Contributes to the University of Minnesota’s commitment to serve the citizens of Minnesota by promoting services and resources that will benefit the broader community.

Professional Development and Contribution

• Contributes through visible professional activity, particularly as it contributes to the achievement of library and University objectives. Evidence of such contributions would typically include work in relevant professional or scholarly organizations, publications, external training, public speaking and consulting, and/or evidence of scholarly reflection and output.

This is a full-time, 12-month, annual renewable professional academic position. The minimum salary for this position is $75,000. The Libraries offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits and substantial moving allowance.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS plus at least four (4)  years of experience, or master’s degree plus at least two (2) years of experience

• Experience with large-scale metadata creation, analysis, and management, including manipulation/transformation and application/system interoperability

• Working knowledge of MARC and RDA cataloging protocols

• Demonstrated skills with scripting languages and/or tools for data manipulation (e.g.,

• OpenRefine, Python, XSLT)

• Experience in successful trouble-shooting and problem solving in the context of enterprise systems and data, and with multiple stakeholders

• Commitment to diversity, equity, respect and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Functional experience with library systems related to acquisitions, resource management, and/or fulfillment/circulation

• Experience with Ex Libris’ Alma library management system

• Knowledge of library technology protocols such as OpenURL, OAI-PMH, and Z39.50

• Familiarity with metadata schemas, XML, and XSLT and Semantic Web technologies

• Evidence of active participation, involvement, and leadership in local, state, regional, national, or international professional or scholarly associations

• Evidence of successful participation in collaborative projects/work teams.

• Project Management Experience

• ALA accredited MLS/MLIS degree