Metadata Librarian

Position Title:
Metadata Librarian

Job Group:
Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:
Master’s degree

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with metadata standards and controlled vocabularies
Experience with linked data
Experience with tools used in the creation, extraction, quality control, and transformation of metadata such as: Google Sheets, OpenRefine, CSVs, MarcEdit, regular expressions, etc.
Ability to provide consultation/training or lead workshops on topics related to metadata
Interest in the impact, limitations, and possible usage of artificial intelligence (AI) applications and large language models (LLM) and how they might be integrated into metadata work
Demonstrated commitment to creating a welcoming environment and contributing to a collaborative working and learning environment  

Job Description:

Summary

Metadata Services is responsible for implementing, promoting, and managing metadata strategies to support the discovery, access, sharing, management, and preservation of our library collections ecosystem, which includes physical, digitized, and born-digital resources. Metadata Services is also committed to creating and using equitable and inclusive metadata.

Reporting to the Head of Metadata Services, the Metadata Librarian is part of the Metadata Unit in Metadata Services. This team is dedicated to metadata creation and quality control for the library’s digital collections. The Metadata Librarian collaborates with others in Metadata Services and with Library stakeholders in standardized and accessible metadata creation, enrichment, quality control, and application of appropriate controlled vocabularies for the library’s digital collections. The Metadata Librarian may use Excel spreadsheets, Google Sheets, OpenRefine, CSVs, or templates to create and correct descriptive metadata; use OpenRefine, expressions, or scripts to transform metadata; and participate in the development and implementation of metadata creation best practices.
 

• Supports the creation, extraction, editing, and quality control of metadata.

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to implement metadata schemas and in developing crosswalks and metadata application profiles to promote access to library materials.

• Assists in the clean-up and reconciliation of local controlled vocabularies with external authority sources to prepare for a linked data environment.

• Assists in the development and documentation of policies and procedures related to metadata

• Participates in cross-department coordination internally and externally to meet library goals.

• Works collaboratively with library teams needing guidance related to metadata issues.

• Keeps current with trends, best practices, and tools pertaining to library metadata, including linked data and artificial intelligence (AI) applications.

• Maintains a broad understanding of Iowa State University’s teaching, learning, and research programs and initiatives, and its academic goals, to ensure that services meet faculty and student needs.

• Begins to build a record of external impact through community service and/or scholarship. Community service can be at the state, regional, national, or international level within professional or scholarly organizations; scholarship should include outcomes that are shared with others and subject to the criticism of individuals qualified to judge them.

• Serves on committees, working groups, and task forces within the library and university.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship. 

Level Guidelines
• Individual contributor position with developing professional and/or technical skills working under immediate to general supervision
• Grasps professional-level knowledge and concepts of field while working in a progressive learning mode
• Works on problems and issues of somewhat limited scope
• Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data for which answers are available or can be obtained
• Responds to inquiries and issues, escalating to manager or higher level workers as appropriate
• May lead projects of limited scope and complexity
• May provide guidance to students

Appointment Type:
Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period

Time Type:
Full time

Pay Grade:
PS807

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State University is committed to fostering a workplace of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value. Our Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date:
February 19, 2024

Posting Close Date:
March 24, 2024

Job Requisition Number:
R14061