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Job Summary

The Metadata Librarian is charged with the strategic oversight and enhancement of metadata and cataloging operations within the library. This pivotal role entails direct supervision of the Cataloging Librarian and close collaboration with various departments to ensure the meticulous organization, discovery, and accessibility of library resources.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions

Strategic Leadership (15%):

• Spearhead the strategic direction for metadata management and cataloging services.
• Collaborate with library leadership to develop and implement policies, procedures, and workflows.
• Remain abreast of national and international trends, standards, and best practices in metadata and cataloging.

Metadata Management (40%):

• Analyze, create, enrich, and transform metadata in MARC and non-MARC formats.
• Exercise meticulous oversight of the creation, revision, and adaptation of high-quality descriptive, administrative, and technical metadata for physical, digitized, and born-digital resources.
• Utilize cutting-edge technologies, tools, and automation techniques to optimize metadata quality and efficiency.
• Foster collaboration with other departments to ensure metadata consistency and interoperability across library systems.

Cataloging Operations (25%):

• Supervise the Cataloging Librarian and provide guidance on cataloging policies and procedures.
• Coordinate cataloging activities for physical and digital resources in various formats and subjects.
• Develop and maintain metadata policies and procedures to meet evolving standards and user needs.
• Enhance MARC records and collaborate with consortium partners to ensure cataloging consistency.

Training and Professional Development (10%):

• Lead workshops, training sessions, and instruction on metadata standards and best practices.
• Maintain expertise in metadata standards, digital technologies, and emerging trends.
• Actively engage in professional development activities, conferences, and collaborative programs.

Collaboration and Outreach (10%):

• Collaborate with metadata and cataloging librarians, archivists, IT staff, and faculty to implement metadata standards and services.
• Support the creation of metadata for digital collections and institutional repositories.
• Engage with Five College committees and other collaborative initiatives to advance metadata services.
• All employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses)

• Master's degree or equivalent knowledge and experience
• Strong understanding of metadata standards, including BIBFRAME, RDA, Dublin Core, EAD, MODS, METS, RDF, and linked data principles.
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience supervising staff and coordinating complex projects.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity in library services and interactions.

Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with integrated library systems (ILS) such as FOLIO, Alma, or similar platforms. Familiarity with authority control processes and database maintenance. Proficiency in cataloging rare materials, non-Roman scripts, or specialized formats. Active participation in professional organizations, committees, or working groups related to metadata and cataloging. Ability to adapt to evolving technologies and standards in the library and information science field. 3+ years of experience in metadata management, cataloging, or related fields in an academic library setting.

Skills

Demonstrated ability to meticulously organize and manage complex metadata and cataloging projects, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and adherence to established standards and procedures. Proficiency in analyzing metadata challenges, identifying root causes, and devising strategic solutions to enhance metadata quality, interoperability, and accessibility. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts clearly and concisely to diverse audiences. Proficient in collaborating with stakeholders to gather requirements, address concerns, and facilitate consensus. Proven track record of collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams, including metadata and cataloging librarians, archivists, IT staff, and faculty, to achieve shared objectives and deliver high-quality metadata services. In-depth familiarity with current metadata standards, including BIBFRAME, RDA, Dublin Core, EAD, MODS, METS, RDF, and emerging data standards. Capable of applying these standards effectively to optimize metadata workflows and outcomes.

Review of applications will begin

Compensation Grade:

Position Type:

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women's colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at .

As set forth in our , Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.