Metadata and Emerging Technologies Librarian

Description

Metadata and Emerging Technologies Librarian
Catalog and Metadata Services
Yale University Library
Rank: Librarian II-IV

Schedule:   Full-time (37.5 hours per week); Standard Work Week (M-F, 8:30-5:00)

Yale University offers exciting opportunities for achievement and growth in New Haven, Connecticut.  Conveniently located between Boston and New York, New Haven is the creative capital of Connecticut with cultural resources that include two major art museums, a critically-acclaimed repertory theater, state-of-the-art concert hall, and world-renowned schools of Architecture, Art, Drama, and Music.

The University and the Library
The Yale University Library, as one of the world's leading research libraries, collects, organizes, preserves, and provides access to and services for a rich and unique record of human thought and creativity. It fosters intellectual growth and is a highly valued partner in the teaching and research missions of Yale University and scholarly communities worldwide. A distinctive strength is its rich spectrum of resources, including more than 12.5 million volumes and information in all media, ranging from ancient papyri to early printed books to electronic databases. The Library is engaged in numerous digital initiatives designed to provide access to a full array of scholarly information. Housed in the Sterling Memorial Library and twenty school and departmental libraries, it employs a dynamic, diverse, and innovative staff of over 500 who have the opportunity to work with the highest caliber of faculty and students, participate on committees, and are involved in other areas of staff development.  For additional information on the Yale University Library, please visit the Library's web site at http://www.library.yale.edu/.

GENERAL PURPOSE

The Metadata and Emerging Technologies Librarian provides expertise and training to support the analysis, selection, and implementation of metadata schemas needed for the development of digital content projects and services at Yale. Reporting to the Leader of the Metadata and Catalog Management Team, the incumbent works collaboratively with metadata and catalog librarians, archivists, programmers, system librarians and library IT staff, Usability and Assessment Librarian, and colleagues throughout the library system to implement and promote metadata standards and services that address the needs of Yale user communities and support the functions to manage and provide access to the university’s digital collections of text, images, and multimedia resources.

The Metadata and Emerging Technologies Librarian will keep abreast of the current trends and best practices for metadata services and follow the development of linked data, semantic web and technologies in the field. The incumbent also serves on library-wide and university-wide committees, participates in collaborative programs and activities within the library and across the campus, and is expected to remain active in his/her areas of specialty with the profession.

Responsibilities

1. Metadata Production and Consultation

Participate in digital development activities within the library and across the campus; develop metadata policy and best practices for collection specific projects; design and implement metadata workflows and procedures; and provide training and documentation as necessary.

Provide metadata consulting and project analysis services for faculty members and students in support of their teaching, research, and learning needs; prepare metadata profiles for implementation and/or conversion; and serve as a lead person for metadata related issues and problem solving.

2. Database Queries and SQL Skill Development

Analyze the needs of the department staff for database and statistics reports; develop and run routine and special queries; provide appropriate training for the department leaders and staff members regarding productivity and statistical reports; and work with the library IT department to develop new SQL applications and interfaces to meet the growing/changing needs of the department.

3. Development of Next-generation Discovery Tools and User Interfaces

Work closely with staff in the library IT, usability and assessment, and public services departments to develop and/or improve the library’s user interface and discovery tools; coordinate library-wide efforts for the ongoing improvement of the library’s discovery system and functionality; identify and explore open source technologies that will best serve the library’s mission and the users’ needs; and contribute to the planning and implementation of future discovery and retrieval services.

4. Cataloging and Metadata Tool Development and Applications

Follow the development of both commercial and open source automation programs; explore software tools and applications of different technologies for cataloging and metadata production and maintenance; identify, implement, and test applications that will help automate or improve the efficiency and productivity of the department operations; and provide necessary training to staff using these tools and applications.

5. Advisory Service for Metadata Supporting Technologies

Follow the development of new and emerging technologies in the field and analyze the potential of new technologies; identify and recommend new technologies and their application to the department and library that will significantly improve or transform the library’s current services for information resource discovery and retrieval; and participate in departmental and library-wide technological planning and implementation activities.

6. Project Management and Leadership Development

Participate in departmental and library-wide strategic planning and visioning; represent the department on a variety of collaborative projects and programs inside and outside the library; seek opportunities for cooperation with other departments or institutions; plan and manage specific library or university projects; and foster leadership skills in junior librarians for future collaborations and partnerships.

7. Professional Development and Training

Maintain expertise with metadata standards and digital technologies; monitor trends in metadata services and information technology; advise the department staff of key technological developments in the field; participate in national, regional, and local collaborative programs; attend professional conferences and workshops; and take continuing education courses as necessary.


Qualifications

MLS from an ALA-accredited library science program or a comparable degree in information science or computer technology. Appointment to the rank of Librarian II requires two years of relevant professional experience; appointment to Librarian III requires five or more years of professional library experience; and appointment at Librarian IV requires eight years of library experience, and demonstrated professional accomplishments appropriate to the rank.

Knowledge of current metadata standards, including RDA, Dublin Core, EAD, MARCXML, MODS, METS, TEI, and other emerging data standards. Knowledge of XML, XSLT and XPath. Knowledge of linked data and semantic web development and technologies. Knowledge of controlled vocabulary, and terminology development and implementation. Proficient computer skills and experience with heterogeneous operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux, or Unix. Knowledge of computer hardware and software application related to library services.

Knowledge of database structure and SQL query languages. Knowledge of open source software development and applications regarding data indexing, sorting, and retrieval, such as Solr based applications and tools.

Demonstrated experience planning and managing projects and developing efficient workflows and procedures. Strong communication and analytical skills. Ability to manage a variety of tasks and multiple priorities. Logical and enthusiastic approach to work; careful attention to detail; initiative and follow-though in equal measure. Ability to work independently and collaborate well with colleagues across departments and among institutions. Ability to excel in a rapidly changing academic and technological environment


Preferred:
·         Experience with next-gen information discovery system and application of linked data and semantic web technologies. Experience in project management and cross-unit collaboration.
·         Experience with programming in one or some of these languages: Java, PHP, Perl, Javascript, Python, Ruby on Rails, ASP, or .Net. Also, sound SQL and database query skills.
·         Reading knowledge of one or more foreign languages. Knowledge of current trends and best practices in metadata and digital library production and services.
·         Proven supervisory experience, including hiring, training, evaluating, and supervising staff, and monitoring productivity and quality of work

Salary and Benefits
We invite you to discover the excitement, diversity, rewards and excellence of a career at Yale University. One of the country's great workplaces, Yale University offers exciting opportunities for meaningful accomplishment and true growth. Our benefits package is among the best anywhere, with a wide variety of insurance choices, liberal paid time off, fantastic family and educational benefits, a variety of retirement benefits, extensive recreational facilities, and much more.

Applications consisting of a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information of three professional references should be sent by creating an account and applying online at http://www.yale.edu/jobs for immediate consideration - the STARS req ID for this position is 15763BR.  Please be sure to reference # 15763BR in your cover letter.

Background Check Requirements
All external candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. Internal candidates may be subject to a motor vehicle or credit check for this position based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent on successful completion of the required background check.

Please visit http://www.yale.edu/hronline/careers/screening/faqs.html for additional information on the background check requirements and process.

Yale University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.  Yale values diversity in its faculty, staff, and students and strongly encourages applications from women and members of underrepresented minority groups.