Metadata Librarian

Applications are invited from qualified candidates for a full-time, tenure-track faculty librarian position with the University Library. We are seeking individuals with the appropriate skills and qualifications to work collaboratively across the library to advance strategic commitments to build research infrastructure, enhance student learning, foster academic community, and decolonize our services, collections, and spaces. We are seeking a dynamic, innovative, and flexible individual to work collaboratively throughout the library, and to contribute to library-wide projects and priorities.

Reporting to the Dean through the Collections and Discovery Division, the successful candidate will be the primary expert and lead for non-MARC metadata standards, responsible for:

• Leading non-MARC metadata creation and management throughout the library including selecting, adapting, and maintaining metadata to facilitate access to collections in all formats. Following trends and best practices in metadata standards, continually refining the library’s approach to metadata to ensure interoperability and appropriate local solutions.
• Collaborating with colleagues on projects and services involving metadata including the Cataloguing Librarian and members of the Digital Research Centre (DRC), and University Archives and Special Collections (UASC).
• Providing strategic and operational expertise to support digital projects, description of archival and special collections, digital preservation, digital scholarship, and other local specialized projects. Fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion through metadata practices.
• Engaging in research and scholarly activity leading to the development of a formal program of research and contributing to the scholarly conversation via peer-reviewed publications and other outlets.

Research and scholarly work is a requirement for tenure-track librarians as defined in the University Library Standards for Promotion and Tenure . Examples of librarians’ scholarly work can be found in HARVEST . Librarians are expected to participate in collegial activities and are encouraged to engage with academic or professional organizations.

About the University Library
As one of Canada’s leading research libraries, the University Library serves as the intellectual hub of USask, providing resources, services, and spaces that facilitate inquiry, discovery, and knowledge creation. Our Strategic Framework  focuses on building scholars and decolonizing the library. The University Library is committed to developing welcoming, responsive, and accessible services and resources to support our diverse clientele, with a strategic focus on Indigenous peoples.

The University Library has a robust digital library and is physically distributed across six locations on campus to support the learning, teaching, and research communities. We are structured into four functional divisions: Collections and Discovery, Learning and Curriculum Support, Research Support Services, University Archives and Special Collections. For more information, visit the University Library website .

About the University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan  is one of the top research-intensive, medical doctoral universities in Canada, and is home to world-leading research  in areas of global importance, such as water and food security and infectious diseases. Guided by our University Plan: The University the World Needs , we work together across disciplines and with our communities to find creative solutions to the most pressing global challenges. USask has a reputation for excellence in teaching, research, and scholarly activities and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs  to a student population of over 25,000.

About Saskatoon
The main campus is situated in Saskatoon  along the banks of the South Saskatchewan River, on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. Saskatoon is a vibrant, livable city known for its natural beauty, friendly community, and diverse cultural and leisure offerings. Although the largest urban centre in the province, with a population of over 300,000, Saskatoon residents enjoy short commute times and some of the lowest apartment rental  and housing prices  in the country.

Qualifications
An ALA-accredited Master of Library and Information Science degree, Master of Archival Studies degree, or equivalent is required for this appointment. Candidates with 3-5 years of relevant experience preferred.

We are seeking candidates who demonstrate:

• Experience developing, assessing, and implementing metadata processes and practices (workflows, applying technology solutions)
• Working knowledge of common non-MARC metadata standards and management tools (e.g., MODS, RDF, Dublin Core, RAD, etc.)
• Awareness of ethical data practices and practices that support accessibility and inclusion
• Strong commitment to user-centered library service and the ability to work flexibly and creatively in a changing and fast-paced environment with a culturally diverse population
• Consultative and collaborative communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, the ability to oversee complex, detail-oriented work, and an aptitude for applying creative solutions
• Commitment to continued professional development and demonstrated awareness of current and emerging trends in librarianship (e.g., artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLM), etc.)

The qualifications listed below are desired but not required. The Search Committee welcomes applications from candidates who do not have experience or knowledge in these areas.

• Experience with project management and strategy development
• Experience with inclusive description and anti-racist approaches to this work such as decolonizing metadata
• Experience with archives and special collections
• Experience with support for digital scholarship
• Experience with metadata requirements for a variety of resource types and formats (e.g., film, audio, digital records, etc.)
• Knowledge of the linked data environment and the semantic web, including emerging library initiatives (e.g., data modeling in RDF)
• Experience with metadata migration projects and sharing metadata across systems
• Experience with digital repository platforms (e.g., Islandora, DSpace, AtoM)

The University Library values a diverse employee complement in the broadest sense and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. To correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada, the University Library encourages applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQIA+.

It is anticipated that this position will be filled at the assistant or associate rank. Starting salary will be calculated from the base salary with consideration given for previous librarian experience. The current salary bands are:

• Assistant Librarian: $83,150 to $99,945
• Associate Librarian: $99,945 to $120,099

This position includes a comprehensive benefits package which includes a dental, health and extended vision care plan; pension plan, life insurance (compulsory and voluntary), academic long-term disability, sick leave, travel insurance, death benefits, an employee assistance program, a professional expense allowance, and a flexible health and wellness spending program.

Interested candidates must submit, via email and preferably as a single PDF, a cover letter highlighting qualifications and accomplishments, as well as a detailed curriculum vitae, addressed to: 

Charlene Sorensen, MLIS
Interim Dean, University Library
University of Saskatchewan
Email: [email protected]

Due to federal immigration requirements, we also ask candidates to indicate whether they are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or are otherwise already authorized to work at this position for the duration of the appointment, with an explanation if this last category is indicated.

Review of applications will begin April 15, 2024; however, applications will be accepted and evaluated until the position is filled. The position will commence as early as September 1, 2024.

Status: Tenure Track
Employment Group: USFA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Posted Date: 3/6/2024
Closing Date: Until Filled