Librarian Faculty Position
Title: Rare Materials Metadata Librarian
Reports to: Metadata Librarian
Work Group: Metadata Services
Northwestern University Libraries seek an innovative and collaborative librarian to create, enrich, and manage metadata for the discovery and access of Northwestern University Libraries’ rare materials, and to explore the use of emerging technologies in metadata creation for unique and rare collections.
The Rare Materials Metadata Librarian will have a solid understanding of current standards of description and access for rare materials and a strong interest in pursuing ways for emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance discovery, digital scholarship, and metadata creation, management, and workflows.
This role will engage actively with colleagues including curators, archivists, and other librarians and technical specialists to advise on metadata practices that support the Libraries’ role in advancing the University’s research and teaching mission. Additionally, the Rare Materials Metadata Librarian will collaborate on the development of metadata policies, priorities, and workflows for rare materials and other formats, contribute to projects related to linked data and the remediation and transformation of metadata, and be a resource for Metadata Services colleagues who catalog and process rare materials.
These opportunities reflect a new vision and priorities for Northwestern Libraries led by our new Dean to activate the Libraries historical strengths in ways that support and accelerate emerging methods in research, discovery, preservation, and engagement.
Key Responsibilities:
- Create, analyze, enrich, and manage descriptive metadata for rare materials in multiple formats and languages across all collections using relevant standards and best practices including MARC21, RDA or DCRM, LCSH, and Library of Congress classification.
- Contribute actively to the development of metadata strategies for rare materials and the use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, to enhance efficiency in metadata creation and effectiveness in resource discovery.
- Apply values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility to metadata creation and remediation.
- Perform original and complex copy cataloging in all formats including books, maps, manuscripts, photographs, sound recordings, videos, graphic materials, and realia; materials date from the 15th to the 21st century with a focus on 19th and 20th centuries, and are chiefly in English, French, and German.
- Create and contribute metadata to PCC programs including NACO and BIBCO.
- Assist as needed in cataloging circulating materials which are specialized, unique, or otherwise uncommonly held, particularly Africana.
- Collaborate with other library departments such as Digital Products and Data Curation and the McCormick Library of Special Collections and University Archives on local digitization and archival processing efforts.
- Maintain knowledge of current standards and developments in metadata and linked data.
- Participate in the library-wide re-envisioning of digital scholarship and library services with interest in ongoing innovation, new technologies, and evolving responsibilities in a dynamic digital research environment.
- Engage actively in exploring and learning new technologies, including AI/machine learning, and their applications to metadata management.
- Engage in appropriate professional development, continuing education, research activities, and service to the University.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in library and information science from an ALA accredited institution or equivalent training or experience.
- Two or more years’ experience original cataloging using MARC21, RDA or DCRM, LCSH, and Library of Congress classification.
- Experience with, or background relevant to, rare and special collections.
- Mindset for innovation, with interest in expanding knowledge of how artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other emerging technologies can enrich metadata creation, workflows, and discovery.
- Knowledge of or ability to learn tools for creating, editing, and transforming metadata such as OpenRefine, MARCEdit, and Oxygen.
- Knowledge of or interest in metadata schema such as MODS, EAD, or VRA Core
- Reading knowledge of English and French or German.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience contributing to the NACO and BIBCO programs of the PCC.
To Apply:
Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and the names of three references. Please apply for this position on the NUHR Recruitment Website https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/careers/index.html
To view the job posting and/or apply for the job, click here
https://careers.northwestern.edu/psp/hr857prd_er/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=49782&PostingSeq=1
In your application, note which pronouns you use. This position is in a bargaining unit represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Local 73. The minimum starting salary for this position is $70,000 annually. Offers will be based on candidate experience and education, as well as equity within Northwestern University. First consideration will be given to applicants who apply by April 5, 2024.
Library Environment:
Northwestern University is a selective private university with campuses in Evanston and Chicago, Illinois and in Doha, Qatar. One of the leading private research libraries in the United States, Northwestern University Library serves the educational and information needs of the NU community as well as scholars around the world. Its collection contains more than 7 million volumes, a full array of digital resources, and collections of distinction in Africana, transportation, and 20th-century and contemporary music. Northwestern is a member of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA). See more information about University Libraries at: http://www.library.northwestern.edu
The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today. Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. EEO is the Law.
