Metadata Analyst

Overview

The Cataloging and Metadata Services team at Fondren Library is seeking a Metadata Analyst. This is a professional librarian position which takes a creative approach to library data by gathering datasets, looking for quality indicators or discrepancies, and applying improvements as appropriate. This position collaborates with others on local and regional digital projects. Provides training or technical advice to library staff regarding resource description and metadata assignment.

The position specializes in examining the library’s catalog data on a large scale rather than cataloging or making fixes to individual items.

The ideal candidate is inquisitive about library standards and local practices, can assess and compare data to identify anomalies, can explore data for inconsistencies, and can communicate with staff across departments to create solutions. They are interested in programming languages to address data issues on a large scale and think strategically about metadata alignment across systems.

The position is full-time, benefits-eligible, and offered as a hybrid role after a six-month probationary period. It is expected to be on campus 80% of working hours, with potential for additional remote work. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may change. Salary range: $63,100 to $68,100 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. Exempt (salaried) position under FLSA; overtime is not provided.

Apply at:

Apply Before: 05/27/2025, 12:00 AM.

Note:

This position is unable to provide visa sponsorship.

• Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited program or equivalent library and/or information science program
• Two or more years of experience working in an academic library
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Project experience adjusting large-scale library metadata
• Proven ability to identify problems with library datasets
• A background working with institutional repositories
• Experience with MARC metadata
• Experience with non-MARC metadata (could include Dublin Core, EAD, METS/MODS, etc.)

• Specialized work experience focusing on metadata, cataloging, or library systems
• Experience working with Open Refine
• Experience working with the Ex Libris Alma/Primo library services platform
• Knowledge of or a willingness to learn Python
• Knowledge of SQL and Oracle databases a plus

• Manages special cataloging and metadata cleanup projects as assigned by the department head
• Assists other departments and work groups in developing controlled metadata fields
• Acts as liaison for metadata projects with other departments within the library and/or other campus groups
• Creates and modifies reports of library metadata as needed for a variety of library projects
• Provides quality control and documentation for metadata relating to cultural heritage and research data repositories
• Provides training or technical advice to library staff regarding resource description and metadata assignment
• Manages large, complex, or multi-faceted projects, several projects concurrently as needed

• Participates in departmental and library-wide committees and work groups established to further various aspects of Fondren Library mission
• Assists in other cataloging activities as needed
• Stays current with national metadata standards, schemas, responsible for interpreting and adapting those for local purposes
• Performs other duties as assigned

For more information about working at Fondren Library, please see the Fondren Library employment page. This position is unable to provide visa sponsorship.

Rice University is a private research university located on a 300-acre campus in Houston, Texas. It is committed to equal employment opportunity and welcoming diversity in its candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities.

If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Disability Resource Center.