Catalog​/Metadata Librarian

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Yale Library seeks a highly collaborative, knowledgeable, and user-centered Catalog/Metadata Librarian to join the Bibliographic Description Unit within Special Collections Technical Services, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library. Reporting to the Associate Director of the Bibliographic Description Unit, the Catalog/Metadata Librarian creates, enhances, and maintains original and complex bibliographic and authority records for a wide range of special collections materials in various formats.

They may plan, direct, and review the work of cataloging assistants and/or student assistants and provide project management for cataloging and metadata projects. The incumbent will collaborate closely with colleagues across functional units and throughout special collections and the Library in support of the sustainable stewardship and discovery of special collections materials. The incumbent’s initial priority will be contributing to an assessment that will support improvement of discoverability and access of special collections materials.

We seek applicants that have an interest in and/or experience engaging with evolving descriptive metadata models and standards, in the politics of metadata, and the materiality of the textual object. Applicants should also be interested in broader questions relating to the creation, survival, transmission, ownership, description, and use of special collections to their understanding within scholarship, the classroom, and within different communities.

The successful candidate will engage in regional and national communities of practice and participate in the implementation of national standards and best practices in Special Collections Technical Services. They will participate in Yale Library and departmental committees and task forces, especially as they relate to their job responsibilities and professional interests, ensuring that Special Collections Technical Services efforts align with Yale priorities and strategic goals.

They will establish a record of service, participating in regional, national, and international professional activities – both to contribute to the profession and to grow individually as a professional librarian.

This is an entry level role, new and recent grads are welcome to apply.

• 1. Reading knowledge of one or more modern European languages.
• 2. Takes responsibility for fulfilling job duties, demonstrating consistently high-quality work, productive output within the framework of the position, thoroughness in executing plans or projects, and the ability to coordinate a variety of activities successfully within set deadlines.
• 3. Collaborates with others within the library and across the university to achieve common goals and forms effective working relationships with staff at all ranks.
• 4. Provides direction and motivation through open communication, modeling of best practices, and openness to change.
• 5. Able to acquire new knowledge and skills that contribute to individual and organizational growth and may contribute to advancement of the profession.

• 1. Special collections cataloging experience according to AACR2, RDA, and/or Descriptive Cataloging of Rare Materials (DCRM).
• 2. Experience cataloging non-monographic formats (e.g., music, serials, graphics).
• 3. Experience working with current and emerging standards and tools (e.g., linked data).
• 4. Record of involvement or desire to engage with special collections and other cataloging communities.
• 5. Familiarity with authority control processes.

• 1. Provides original cataloging/creates metadata for materials in all formats and subject areas. Applies descriptive standards (RDA, AACR2, DCRM, DACS, or VRC, etc.), structural standards (MARC, MODS, METS or EAD, etc.), and controlled…