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Metadata Librarian

Employer
STANFORD UNIVERSITY
Location
California, United States
Closing date
22 May 2020

JOB PURPOSE:

The Metadata Librarian is responsible for working independently, as a team member, and as a supervisor to create, organize, and maintain metadata to facilitate search, discovery, and access to special collections resources, in a variety of formats, related to twentieth century history in a variety of languages using traditional cataloging standards as well as existing and emerging metadata schemas and techniques, such as linked data. In addition to supporting the metadata needs of the Digital First initiative, the Metadata Librarian will focus particularly on materials in languages using the Cyrillic alphabet and on reference and outreach services for Library & Archives materials.

CORE DUTIES*:

  • Independently create discovery metadata for multiple special collections formats, applying the metadata schema appropriate to the material as defined by policy e.g. current predominant rules are RDA applied according to the PCC standards through the MARC21 format.
  • Responsible for associated entity management, authority work, and quality control as defined by policy for particular schemas; participate in the PCC NACO program as applicable.
  • Assist with the development of procedures and workflows to support the Library & Archives Digital First/Virtual Library initiative.
  • Review, select, and establish priorities for the creation of discovery metadata for library and archival materials.
  • Collaborate with team members to evaluate, select, and apply metadata schemas and techniques, standards, data elements, and thesauri to provide description and access to collections.
  • Conduct preservation assessments to determine appropriate preservation treatment and storage decisions in consultation with conservation staff.
  • May act as project manager or consultant for the creation and management of descriptive and other metadata for selected projects in Hoover Library and Archives, and in collaboration with multi-area teams.
  • Participate in the development of a uniform description environment across Hoover Library and Archives.
  • Supervise the day-to-day work of library and archives assistants, students and/or staff, including hiring, training, scheduling, assigning and prioritizing workloads, setting appropriate deadlines, reviewing work for quality and timeliness, and providing performance review input.
  • Assist with outreach and reading room activities, providing orientations and instruction to researchers in how to request and use rare materials.
  • Participate in relevant professional activities.
  • Maintain active link with the Hoover Library and Archives curators.

* The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience:

  • Master's degree from an ALA-accredited library school or equivalent accredited degree, or a Master's degree in a related discipline in the humanities or social sciences with demonstrated understanding of academic libraries and a background in 20th century European history, politics or culture required.
  • One to two years of experience in metadata creation for books, serials, and/or special collections materials connected to European history strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Demonstrated experience in applying current cataloging procedures and principles as defined in RDA, MARC Bibliographic, Holdings, and Authorities formats, the Library of Congress classification system and subject headings.
  • Ability to learn rapidly and implement new cataloging procedures and principles adopted by the Hoover Library and Archives, including the contribution of PCC records through NACO.
  • Working knowledge of at least one Cyrillic-based European language; additional Slavic and other European languages preferred.
  • Experience in teaching, reference and/or other outreach related services which bring primary source materials, and the study of history, to wider audiences.
  • Advanced subject knowledge of twentieth and twenty-first century world history.
  • Ability to learn, analyze, and utilize existing and emerging metadata standards, such as Dublin Core, EAD3 and MODS and relevant thesauri or ontologies, as required by special projects.
  • Ability to develop mapping between different metadata standards in a dynamic environment.
  • Experience with or ability to learn archival or special collections information systems, such as ArchivesSpace.
  • Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work, with strong project management skills and the ability to use considerable judgement and initiative.
  • Evidence of effective oral and written communication skills in English.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment with the flexibility to adjust to changes and reprioritizations.
  • Excellent written, verbal, analytical, organizational and interpersonal skills required.
  • High level of proficiency using PC-based applications (Windows, word processing, spreadsheets) and other computer applications (email, Internet, Integrated Library Systems); high level computer competency kept up to date through continuous learning.
  • Experience in the Stanford environment and with the Stanford integrated library system, Symphony, a plus.

Certifications and Licenses:

None

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

  • Constantly sit, perform desk-based computer tasks.
  • Work with books and in places that may be dusty.
  • Frequently twist/bend/stoop/squat, grasps lightly/fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
  • Occasionally stand/walk, reach/work above shoulders, writing by hand, kneel/crawl, climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other).
  • Rarely use a telephone, operate hand controls.
  • Must be able to push and maneuver a fully-loaded cart weighing up to 650 pounds that requires an initial push force up to 50 pounds. Ability to lift 40 pound boxes or bundles.

*Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

May work in confined spaces and at heights 4-10 feet; be exposed to dust and mold; work extended hours, evenings and weekends.

WORK STANDARDS:

  • Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
  • Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
  • Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

The Hoover Institution at Stanford University is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Additional Information

  • Schedule: Full-time
  • Job Code: 1781
  • Employee Status: Regular
  • Grade: G
  • Requisition ID: 86433

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