CATALOGING AND METADATA LIBRARIAN, University Libraries

The Boston University Libraries seek a Cataloging and Metadata Librarian to serve as a skilled practitioner on all matters of bibliographic description and metadata management. Reporting to the Metadata Services Manager, the Cataloging and Metadata Librarian provides original and complex cataloging for library materials in all formats. This position will serve a critical role in implementing bibliographic metadata practices and policies, collaborating closely with colleagues to evaluate and document policies, procedures and workflows for traditional cataloging, database maintenance, and non-MARC metadata creation within the Libraries. This position requires a deep knowledge of bibliographic data and cataloging best practices as well as a thorough understanding of how the catalog impacts resource discoverability. The Cataloging and Metadata Librarian will be responsible for the creation, maintenance, and enrichment of metadata in support of robust discovery of library collections.

The Cataloging and Metadata Librarian will:

·       Perform original and complex copy cataloging; create and enrich metadata for library materials in all formats, including monographs, serials, audiovisual, digital, and electronic resources; ensure compliance with cataloging and classification practices, standards, and schema. Facilitate the creation, maintenance, and enhancement of metadata across multiple discovery platforms and library systems including the use of applicable tools for manipulating data (e.g., MarcEdit, Open Refine, Alma normalization rules, XML). Oversee all aspects of record quality and catalog integrity. Perform catalog maintenance, including name and subject authority file maintenance. Create original authority records. Compile and analyze cataloging data for reporting to internal and external agencies. Routinely evaluate copy catalog records for purposes of quality assurance.

·       Implement appropriate standards, policies, procedures, and workflows for the cataloging department with a special emphasis on metadata projects, including those pertaining to descriptive, administrative, and technical metadata schemas for digital collections for the library’s current and future systems. Develop training materials and documentation for library staff on the application of metadata standards and cataloging policies and procedures.

·       Perform catalog maintenance projects that improve large batches of records. Support stacks inventory and weeding initiatives, keeping the catalog database in sync with these ongoing activities. Perform global data changes in Alma. Ingest record batches. Write and apply normalization rules to record batches. Evaluate quality of vendor supplied metadata to inform batch loading decisions. 

·       Collaborate in the broader professional academic library community. Pursue professional development and skills training to meet emerging and ongoing needs from the university community. Actively participate in relevant professional communities, including subject and functionally focused organizations. Participate in working groups, committees, and other service opportunities as a representative of library research services. Collaborate on intramural events with departments or programs.

• Master’s degree in library science, information science, or a related field. 
• Two years of post-credentialed professional cataloging and metadata experience. 
• Broad knowledge of cataloging and metadata workflows and services.
• Knowledge of cataloging and classification practices, standards, and schema such as MARC, RDA, AACR2, LCSH, OCLC, LCC, DACS, Dublin Core, and MODS; and Program for Cooperative Cataloging (CONSER, NACO, SACO) standards.
• Experience using relevant tools and services, such as MarcEdit, and Open Refine.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Familiarity with serials and e-resource management.
• Familiarity with cross-walking, normalizing, and transforming metadata.
• Familiarity with Ex Libris’ Alma.
• Familiarity and experience with rare book cataloging and/or archival description.

For consideration, please submit a cover letter, CV, and list of professional references. The libraries will begin review of candidate applications on December 13, 2024. This position will remain open until filled.

Working at Boston University Libraries

Boston University Libraries is a learning organization that supports BU librarians, archivists, and information and subject specialists seeking and sharing knowledge, practices, and perspectives that advance library collections services, and their own professional development. In a collaborative, supportive, and engaging work environment, BU Libraries expert staff assist multidisciplinary research and exploration, build distinctive collections and archives of enduring research value, and empower users to thrive amid an ever-changing information environment. 

Located in the heart of Boston, the BU Libraries are embedded in numerous vibrant regional and national library and information specialist networks. The BU Libraries are active members within the Boston Library Consortium (BLC), the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), the Northeast Research Libraries Consortium (NERL), HathiTrust, and the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI), and library staff at BU serve as engaged thought-leaders on a wide breadth of library management and service areas across diverse communities. 

Boston University, a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), is one of the leading private research and teaching institutions in the world, with three primary campuses in the heart of Boston and programs around the globe. Chartered in 1869, the University is home to more than 33,000 students from more than 130 countries, 375,000 living alumni, 10,000 faculty and staff, and 17 schools and colleges.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.