Metadata Librarian for Digital Collections
University of Alabama at Birmingham Job Location: Apply By: Open until filled Date Created: 10/26/2026
Position Description:
The Metadata Librarian for Digital Collections is a core member of the Digital Services Team with primary focus on the design, implementation, and maintenance of metadata standards, workflows, and documentation that support the discovery, access, and long-term management of digital collections. This position reports to the Head of Digital Services within the Technology and Technical Services Division of UAB Libraries.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Develops, implements, and maintains metadata standards and workflows to support the discovery, access, and long-term management of digital collections; develops documentation and guidelines for metadata creation, transformation, and maintenance
- Creates, edits, and enhances descriptive metadata for a wide range of digital material types; applies and promotes best practices aligned with Dublin Core Metadata Initiative (DCMI) standards and related frameworks
- Manages bulk record import processes and large-scale data cleanup projects
- Conducts in-depth assessment of existing digital collections metadata for quality, consistency, and completeness; recommends and executes remediation strategies to improve discoverability and interoperability
- Leads metadata enhancement initiatives for digital collections, including normalization and enrichment processes; coordinates adopted enhancements with various internal and external collection stakeholders
- Utilizes tools and scripts for metadata transformation when applicable (e.g., batch editing, crosswalking, data migration)
- Contributes to the overall management of departmental student assistants and interns
- Actively participates in relevant library and campus teams, committees, and working groups; participates in local, national, and/or international user groups with focus on metadata development and/or digital services and initiatives
- Participates in professional service and scholarship activities in accordance with faculty guidelines for appointment and promotion
- Performs other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications:
- ALA-accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLS/MLIS)
- Experience creating and enhancing descriptive metadata for a wide range of digital material types
- Working knowledge of a variety of subject headings, record formats, controlled vocabularies, and standards as they relate to metadata services
- Experience with project management, including planning, communication, and delivery
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders, including faculty, researchers, and library staff
- Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing digital environments and workflows
Preferred Qualifications:
- 2 or more years of experience creating descriptive metadata for digital objects
- 2 or more years of experience working with a large-scale Library Services Platform, preferably the Ex Libris Alma/Specto platform, or similar
- 1 or more years of experience working in a library technical services area
- Experience working with Dublin Core Metadata Initiative (DCMI) standards and related frameworks
- Experience using common tools for batch editing, data cleaning, and data transformation (e.g., MarcEdit, OpenRefine, Python)
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