Metadata Operations Librarian – Metadata and Digitization Services 

Summary: 

Temple University Libraries seek a collaborative, service-oriented librarian enthusiastic about metadata transformation, data pipelining, and applying innovative technologies to sync and maintain data between disparate systems. The Metadata Operations Librarian will support library resource discovery as well as digital preservation efforts through the development and application of batch processing techniques involving bibliographic metadata as well as binary assets.   

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:  

Reporting to the Head of Metadata Strategy and Digitization Services and working in close partnership with Library Technology Development, the Metadata Operations Librarian determines and employs effective strategies to analyze, extract, manipulate, transform and/or load large scale bibliographic data and/or binary data destined for other external systems and/or digital object repositories. The Metadata Operations Librarian develops and applies batch processing techniques and uses a variety of programs and tools that further automate efficient and timely data transfers across disparate systems. Serves as a resource and/or assist team members with data pipeline related tasks. Creates and maintains local documentation on metadata standards and application profiles. Maintains in-depth knowledge of relevant national standards, best practices, and changing opportunities in the field, assessing and integrating these into library practices for best results as appropriate.  Performs other duties as assigned. 

Temple University Libraries serves the Temple community and beyond, including close to 30,000 students; over 2,000 full-time faculty; and researchers and visitors on Main, Center City, and Health Sciences Center campuses in Philadelphia and on our Ambler and Harrisburg campuses. We are committed to providing research and learning services, offering open access to our facilities and information resources, and fostering innovation and experimentation. Our collections total more than four million physical and digital titles, over 275,000 print and electronic journal subscriptions, and more than 700 research databases. We also collect, preserve, and provide access to a broad universe of special collections, including rare books, manuscripts, archives, photographs, and more. As part of our library enterprise, the award-winning Temple University Press supports our mission to advance learning and scholarship.  

This position requires a background check. 

Required Education and Experience: 

ALA-accredited master’s degree in library science. Experience manipulating, transforming, and assessing metadata. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. 

Required Skills and Abilities: 

• Demonstrated knowledge of MARC and non-MARC metadata standards and schemas, including linked data principles and authority data
• Demonstrated skills with scripting languages and/or tools for data manipulation, migration, and validation (e.g., OpenRefine, XSLT, Python, JSON, etc.)
• Familiarity with APIs and repository harvesting services such as OAI-PMH
• Excellent organizational and project management skills
• Strong service orientation and interest in library users’ values and needs
• Excellent communication and analytics skills, including the ability to work well in a team-based environment 

Preferred Skills and Abilities: 

• Two or more years of experience working with metadata in a library or similar setting 
• Familiarity with Apache Airflow
• Experience with Alma library management system
• Experience with OCLC bibliographic utilities
• Demonstrated experience in training or documentation  

Compensation: 

Competitive salary and benefits package, including relocation allowance.  Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. 

To apply:  

To apply for this position, please visit www.temple.edu, click on Careers At Temple at the bottom of the home page, and reference 24002865.  For full consideration, please submit your completed electronic application, along with a cover letter and resume. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.  

Temple University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer with a strong commitment to cultural diversity.