Senior Library Expert - Cataloging and Discovery - Metadata Management Specialist

Job Description:

The Senior Library Expert - Metadata Management Specialist is responsible for supporting ongoing creation, integration, enhancement, and remediation of MARC metadata to provide access to and strengthen discoverability across the Brown University Library’s collections inventory and discovery systems. Provides some copy and complex cataloging assistance. 

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

• Creates, enhances, and remediates MARC descriptive metadata for the Brown University Library’s catalog at scale using data manipulation tools and applications (e.g. MARCEdit, OpenRefine, Oxygen XML Editor, etc.)
• Evaluates, amends, and integrates vendor supplied metadata records into the Library’s catalog
• Identifies, investigates, and resolves issues involving metadata following established guidelines and procedures
• Generates and reviews analytics reports to assist in cleanup projects, supply holdings updates, and assist in data gathering
• Introduces or updates data automation routines and scripts as needed to support workflow improvement
• Assists with the enhancement and remediation of migrated MARC metadata
• Trains and provides assistance to co-workers with metadata management related tasks
• Searches bibliographic information resources to identify and describe the content of library materials; researches additional online and offline information resources as needed
• Utilizes and understands current cataloging rules, tools, and standards, Machine Readable Cataloging (MARC 21), Resource Description and Access (RDA), Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) and other LC classification schema
• Creates and collaborates in the writing of documentation for the Cataloging Department utilizing knowledge of internal and external Library workflows and demand
• Participates in collaborative projects within Scholarly Resources and across Library departments, including assisting with cataloging in all formats

Supervisor: Director, Cataloging and Discovery

Works independently under general direction; makes independent judgments and decisions within scope of library policies and procedures

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent level of education and/or experience
• 2 or more years of metadata management experience required
• Demonstrated knowledge of cataloging standards
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated expertise creating, editing, and transforming metadata utilizing data manipulation tools and applications
• Ability to work with a variety of data formats (e.g., XML, CSV, etc.)
• Strong computer skills and aptitude for learning and adapting to the use of new tools and technologies
• Demonstrated problem-solving and organizational skills
• Ability to work in a team environment and to actively participate in team-based decision making and problem solving

Best Consideration date: October 1, 2026

Position is Hybrid Eligible

Library union internal posted for five days.

Candidates please note: all offers of employment are contingent upon a criminal background check and education verification satisfactory to Brown.

Benefits of Working at Brown:

Please review additional information on the Benefits of Working at Brown.

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Submission Guidelines:

The designated Position Work Location for each position determines the approved modality of work. Positions are classified based on the operational and business needs of the department and may be designated as on-site, hybrid, or remote.

Employees with a designated position work location as remote must reside and perform their work in a state where Brown University is registered to do business. Brown University is a registered employer in the following states: Rhode Island, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Washington, D.C.

Please note that to be considered for a staff position at Brown University, you must submit a separate application for each position you wish to be considered for. Applications are reviewed only for the specific position to which they are submitted and are not automatically considered for future openings.  

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact [email protected].

Brown is an E-Verify Employer.

EEO Statement:

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.