Metadata Librarian

Metadata Librarian / Assistant Professor

The University Libraries at Northern Illinois University (NIU) seeks applications from collaborative, innovative, and forward‑thinking individuals for the position of Metadata Librarian / Assistant Professor
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Reporting to the Head of Technical Services within the Division of Collections Management, the Metadata Librarian provides leadership and support for creating and maintaining accurate MARC and non‑MARC metadata in the library catalog, the digital collections, the institutional repository, and other discovery platforms. They will take the lead on creating original metadata for analog and digital resources in all languages and formats, coordinate metadata outsourcing and batch loading, set department metadata policies and best practices, and develop metadata creation and remediation workflows.

As the manager of the Metadata Unit, the Metadata Librarian supervises two full‑time staff members.

This is a 12‑month, tenure‑track faculty appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor with the possibility of a hybrid work schedule after the required in‑person training period.

Faculty salaries are guided by a CBA, starting at $70,000. NIU offers a robust benefits package.

Supervises two staff members whose primary responsibilities include copy cataloging, data entry, and catalog maintenance. Assigns tasks and sets goals.

Performs original cataloging, as needed, for materials in multiple languages and formats.

Evaluates vendor supplied bibliographic records and coordinates batch loading those records into the library services platform and discovery layer.

Participates in non‑MARC metadata creation and remediation for digital collections and the institutional repository, including Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs).

Develops and documents projects and workflows as well as community‑of‑practice‑aligned metadata standards. Reviews and evaluates existing metadata workflows to increase efficiencies.

Ensures that the libraries’ cataloging and metadata practices remain current with innovations in automation tools (e.g., vendor record services, Artificial Intelligence). Uses emerging technologies to identify, enrich, and remediate metadata/data to enhance the discovery and delivery of library content.

Pursues opportunities to improve existing metadata to create a more accurate, equitable, and welcoming experience for library patrons.

Participates in professional activities and development, and scholarly research and publication.

Represents the library in consortial partnerships and professional committees to advance metadata services and ensure consistency across institutions.

• Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS, MSLS, MLIS, etc.) from an ALAN‑accredited or equivalent program
• Demonstrated ability to perform original cataloging for materials in multiple formats and languages using a variety of metadata standards and controlled vocabularies
• Evidence of ability to meet university standards for research, publication, and professional service
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect in the workplace

• Prior supervisory, project management, or leadership experience
• Interest in Southeast Asia or American popular literature, including science fiction, juvenile series books, or dime novels
• Experience using Ex Libris’ Alma library management system and Primo discovery service
• Experience with batch loading records
• Experience designing and implementing metadata application profiles for non‑MARC systems
• Experience automating repetitive data manipulation and normalization routines through tools and techniques such as Marc Edit or Open Refine
• Experience with reparative description that seeks to make metadata more accurate, inclusive, and community‑centered

Much of the metadata created at NIU supports our Special Collections & Archives and the Donn V. Hart Southeast Asia Collection
. NIU’s holdings are particularly strong in American popular culture, featuring the Science Fiction Writers of America Archive and one of the world’s largest collections of dime novels.…