Position Announcement: Texas A&M University, Metadata Librarian

If you are a dynamic, knowledgeable, energetic, innovative, service-oriented individual, excited by the challenges facing today’s academic libraries, then the Texas A&M University Libraries is the place for you.  We are seeking candidates with these attributes for a position to help describe and manage our growing digital library collections, faculty research collections, and data.  This is a tenure-track position with faculty status and rank and requires the ability to meet the requirements of a tenure-track appointment.  Entry-level librarians are encouraged to apply.
Position Description: The Metadata Librarian is responsible for providing metadata expertise and serves as the primary resource on non-MARC metadata design, structure, and standards (descriptive, technical, administrative/preservation) for the University libraries. The Metadata librarian assists in developing and implementing metadata strategies for discovery, access, management, and preservation of digital assets; evaluates projects slated for inclusion in the Texas A&M University digital library; and assesses user needs in order to develop appropriate metadata schemes for complex heterogeneous collections.  The librarian is expected to consult with TAMU faculty regarding metadata for datasets and research collections, as well as provide metadata support for the digital repository and the Texas Digital Library Preservation Network.  The librarian serves on Texas Digital Library committees and working groups as assigned.  The librarian is expected to maintain awareness of national metadata and digital library standards in order to apply this knowledge in digital projects, make informed policy decisions, and serve as a general resource of knowledge for Texas A&M University and its affiliates, including providing consultation services, training, and participating on Texas A&M University committees as needed.
Required Qualifications:

  • ALA-accredited Masters degree (or equivalent)
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • A commitment to strong customer service within and outside the libraries
  • Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills complemented by the ability to take initiative
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and to perform detailed work accurately and quickly
  • Demonstrated ability to use spreadsheet and database programs to manage a significant data resource
  • Demonstrated knowledge of one or more metadata encoding standards (e.g., Dublin Core, MODS, METS, PREMIS, MIX)
  • Knowledge of XML/XSLT
  • Commitment to work with persons from culturally diverse backgrounds

Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience using DSpace or other digital library or repository system
  • Knowledge of and interest in metadata trends and emerging technologies
  • Knowledge of programming or scripting language such as PHP, JavaScript, or Perl
  • Working knowledge of the use of cataloging principles, and an understanding of controlled vocabularies, taxonomies, and ontologies

The Libraries: Texas A&M University Libraries is a member of Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and is the University’s principal research and information center, providing 4.8 million volumes, 5.7 million microforms, 108,064 print and electronic serial titles, 936,270 electronic books, and 1,214 databases. The University ranks 11th among ARL libraries in materials expenditures, with an acquisition budget of $18.4 million. There is a total budgeted staff of 274, including 80+librarians with faculty status. Librarians work in a sophisticated online environment utilizing Voyager, SFX, Metalib,Gold Rush and a full range of automated information retrieval services.
Salary/Benefits/Rank: Faculty rank and salary are commensurate with qualifications and experience; salary is not less than $48,500. Excellent benefits include choice of health plan options and paid life insurance; several retirement plans including TIAA-CREF; paid holidays and vacation; no state or local income tax.
Application: For fullest consideration applications should be received by April 01, 2011.  Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The letter of application should address the responsibilities, qualifications, and experiences listed for the position. Your letter, vita, and the names, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of three professional references* may be sent (1) via email to jkthorn@tamu.edu (preferred method) or (2) faxed to Joyce K. Thornton, 979-862-5161, or (3) mailed to Joyce K. Thornton, Associate Dean for Faculty Services, Texas A&M University Libraries, 5000 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-5000. An Equal Opportunity Employer, TAMU Libraries is committed to employing quality faculty who will enhance the rich diversity of our academic community. In that regard, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who are representative of the state’s diversity.
For more information about the library, see http://library.tamu.edu,about the university, http://www.tamu.edu,  and about the communities, http://visitaggieland.com. The Search Committee will not contact references without contacting the candidate first and verifying permission.