Metadata Librarian, Library University of California, Davis

Overview of Position

The Library of the University of California (UC), Davis, seeks an entrepreneurial professional to join our team as the Metadata Librarian and advance the library’s efforts to transform and improve discovery of library resources, collection management, and the organization and curation of data.

Reporting to the Head of Content Support Services, the Metadata Librarian will provide intellectual and professional leadership around metadata best practices for both traditional library collections and emerging areas of curation, including data acquired to support digital scholarship and data created by campus researchers.

This role will function as a principal cataloger: performing original cataloging; serving as the library’s liaison to the NACO and CONSER; managing cataloging projects; and collaborating closely with the Head of the Metadata Creation and Discovery Unit to provide training and consultation.

As a member of Content Support Services, the incumbent collaborates with others in the Scholarly Resources division to plan and coordinate policies, procedures, workflows, and projects.

The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States; the University will not sponsor an H‑1B visa.

The work location is principally on campus with some flexibility to work remotely in accordance with library policy.

• Create metadata for a diverse range of materials and oversee quality control of previously cataloged content.
• Resolve complex metadata and database quality problems referred by colleagues.
• Provide training and consultation for colleagues, especially the Metadata Creation and Discovery Unit.
• Work with the Head of Content Support Services to set priorities for metadata creation and processing of new materials.
• Serve as the library’s NACO and CONSER liaison.
• Design, oversee, and participate in bibliographic database cleanup and enrichment projects.
• Oversee aspects of bibliographic database management related to large‑scale relocation projects, including updating metadata records to contemporary standards to enable off‑site storage of materials.
• Participate in transitioning the library to a Linked Data metadata creation environment, including testing cataloging environments and interfaces, managing related projects, and training cataloging staff in post‑MARC metadata production.
• Maintain knowledge of current resource description standards and tools.
• Contribute to the library through participation in committees, task forces, and other collaborative projects.
• Participate in national and international professional organizations and activities.
• As an academic appointee, engage actively in pertinent ongoing research, scholarship, or creative activity and/or teaching, including peer review, dissemination, and corresponding university and disciplinary engagement.
• Carry out other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Graduate degree in library science from an ALA‑accredited institution or equivalent.
• Minimum five years’ professional metadata creation experience with library materials (e.g., using RDA, AACR2R, LCSH, LCC, MARC 21 formats).
• Experience creating and/or editing NACO records and authority control processes.
• Eagerness to explore and incorporate new technologies to enhance services and improve task efficiency.
• Knowledge of emerging standards, technologies, tools, and developments related to resource description and access as well as identity management.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, culturally diverse environment.
• Ability to plan, implement, and coordinate multiple projects.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and solve problems and make sound decisions in a fast‑paced, production‑oriented environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong commitment to continued professional development.
• Comfort with ambiguity.
• Strong service orientation and interest in anticipating and supporting information users’ values and needs.

• Demonstrated experience working with official RDA guidelines.
• Proficiency with metadata analysis and transformation tools (e.g., Open…