Assistant Professor – Cataloging and Metadata Librarian

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries seeks a knowledgeable, innovative, and collaborative cataloging and metadata librarian to join the Acquisitions, Cataloging, Metadata, and E-Resources (ACME) department.

The cataloging and metadata librarian joins the UNL Libraries at a time of change and renewal. The Libraries completed a strategic planning process, implemented a broad reorganization, and created several new internal leadership positions. The cataloging and metadata librarian will join a cohort of several new faculty members at the Libraries. This position collaborates with department librarians, staff, and other library stakeholders and reports to the ACME Chair. This 12-month, tenure-track position follows the scholar-practitioner model.

As a member of ACME, the successful candidate performs original and adaptive cataloging in all formats (such as music, media, or government documents) in a variety of subjects and languages and creates/enhances name authorities according to local, consortial, and national standards. The cataloging and metadata librarian will participate in metadata description projects and other library metadata initiatives, including reparative work or linked data.

Other activities for the cataloging and metadata librarian include collaborating with ACME faculty and staff on metadata workflows and assisting with documentation and policy, investigating new approaches to implement for creating, transforming, and remediating library metadata, and providing training and consultation. The cataloging and metadata librarian is an active participant in department and library activities and engages in ongoing professional development, service, and scholarship.

The cataloging and metadata librarian undertakes their work with attention to how social and structural biases and inequalities are manifest in information resources, access to information, and the management of information. The UNL Libraries creates and fosters inclusive environments for teaching, learning, scholarship, creative expression, and civic engagement. The ability to find, access, evaluate, utilize, and create reliable information resources is central to higher education, the public good, and equity and justice. Libraries faculty are empowered to provide an array of library services, collections, and spaces to meet the diverse needs of students, faculty, and researchers. The Libraries is committed to providing financial and administrative support for faculty professional development and travel.

Responsibilities

• Provide original and enhanced metadata description of library resources and collections in many formats and languages, including music, media, and some government documents. Assist with authority control related to the libraries’ bibliographic database. Contribute to the Library of Congress Name Authority File by creating, correcting, and enhancing authority records for the Name Authority Cooperative Program.
• Assist in maintaining and developing cataloging and metadata workflows, documentation, and policies. Monitor and align local practices with University of Nebraska Consortium of Libraries, BTAA, and national standards.
• Assist in training librarians and staff on metadata description and cataloging workflows and tools. Serve as a cataloging resource person to ACME and others in the Libraries.
• Provide consultation and training on matters related to metadata to Libraries stakeholders and the UNL community.
• Demonstrate commitment to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Support the libraries’ mission to advance antiracism and inclusive excellence.
• Pursue research and publication and other creative and scholarly activities.

Librarians in the University Libraries have faculty status; the successful candidate will be hired at the rank of Assistant Professor (tenure-leading). The minimum salary for this position is $61,200.

Lincoln, Nebraska, is a city of nearly 300,000 people and the state capital, where residents enjoy a low cost of living, high-quality public schools, and more parkland per capita than most U.S. cities. See https://aboutlincoln.unl.edu and https://go.unl.edu/connections.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln seeks to attract and retain a high-performing and diverse workforce in which employees’ differences are respected and valued to better meet the varying needs of the diverse populations we serve. The university fosters a diverse and inclusive work environment that promotes collaboration so that all individuals can participate and contribute their full potential.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in library and information science from an American Library Association accredited program or another terminal degree in a related field, with completion by June 2024.
• Experience with or coursework in library cataloging or metadata description for a variety of materials and formats.
• Demonstrated commitment to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion and to support the libraries’ mission to advance antiracism and inclusive excellence.
• Demonstrated aptitude to engage in publication and professional service to meet University tenure and promotion requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of library metadata standards, such as MARC, BIBFRAME, RDA, Dublin Core, or MODS.
• Familiarity with library and bibliographic management software such as OCLC Connexion, Alma, FOLIO, or Sierra.
• Ability to work with materials in languages other than English.

Not all preferred qualifications need to be met to be considered a successful candidate.

Application Process

Review of applications will begin April 1, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. To apply for this position, go to https://employment.unl.edu, requisition F_240032. You will be required to attach your cover letter and curriculum vitae. In your cover letter, please be sure to directly address all minimum required qualifications. Cover letters must also include a description of how your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion will inform this position.

As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.