Position: Metadata Librarian for Digital Collections
Rank: Open Rank
Department: Digital Services
Division: Technology & Technical Services
Organization: UAB Libraries
Reports to: Head of Digital Services
Created: 10/01/2026
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)
Applications, including a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and names and contact information of three references, should be submitted to: https://uab.peopleadmin.com/postings/28590
UAB Libraries are committed to advancing equitable access to information, intellectual freedom, and the public good for the UAB community and the community at large. We recognize our social responsibility to advocate for and educate all users.
UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, religion, and veteran’s status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB’s Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.
A pre-employment background check investigation is performed on candidates selected for employment.
About the University of Alabama at Birmingham Libraries
The UAB Libraries encompass Lister Hill Library of the Health Sciences, Mervyn H. Sterne Library, J. Ellis Sparks Medical Library, Reynolds Finley Historical Library, Alabama Museum of the Health Sciences and the UAB Archives. The UAB Libraries are dedicated to developing high-quality programming in information literacy, emerging technologies, scholarly communication, digitization, and digital scholarship. To learn more about the UAB Libraries, visit https://library.uab.edu.
About the University of Alabama at Birmingham
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is a world-class research university and academic health system committed to understanding and improving the human experience. The university has many nationally recognized academic programs, with 17 UAB graduate and specialty programs earning the distinction of ranking in the top 20 of their peer disciplines in the 2026 U.S. News Best Graduate School Rankings.
To learn more about the University of Alabama at Birmingham, visit http://www.uab.edu.
About Birmingham, Alabama
Known as The Magic City, Birmingham, Alabama, boasts one of the lowest costs of living and highest amount of green space per capita of any comparably sized city. A city with a complex history, Birmingham aims to become the most robust and inclusive technology hub in the southeast. The City of Birmingham supports initiatives aimed at developing a model inclusive and resilient economy. The city’s Birmingham Promise program offers scholarships to help pay for college tuition and fees in Alabama public colleges for graduates of Birmingham Public Schools. For more information on living and working in Birmingham, Alabama, visit the Jefferson County website: https://www.jccal.org.
