The Boston University Libraries seek an experienced, forward-thinking, and creative professional to provide leadership, vision, and expertise for bibliographic description; to serve as the lead for bibliographic metadata practices and policies; and to manage cataloging operations for the Boston University Libraries for all collections, including general, media, digital, and special collections. This position requires a deep knowledge of bibliographic data and cataloging best practices as well as a thorough understanding of how the catalog impacts resource discoverability. The Cataloging and Metadata Librarian is responsible for the creation, maintenance, and enrichment of metadata in support of robust discovery of library collections.

Reporting to the Head of Technical Services, the Cataloging and Metadata Librarian provides original and complex cataloging for library materials in all formats. The librarian in this role works closely with colleagues to evaluate and document policies, procedures and workflows for traditional cataloging, database maintenance, and non-MARC metadata creation within the BU Libraries. The Cataloging and Metadata Librarian works with colleagues in the Library Technology & Discovery Services, the Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center, Digital Ventures, and other library departments to establish metadata policies and procedures for digital projects. This librarian serves as a forward-thinking leader within and beyond the BUL Technical Services unit on all matters of bibliographic description and metadata management.

This position is critical to the effective operation of the Boston University Libraries and represents an opportunity to rethink and realign workflows and cataloging/metadata operations.

The Cataloging and Metadata Librarian will:

• Manage the creation, maintenance, and enhancement of metadata across multiple discovery platforms and library systems including the use of applicable tools for manipulating data (e.g., MarcEdit, Open Refine, Alma normalization rules, XML).
• Oversee cataloging operations across the BU Libraries, establishing policies and procedures for cataloging and metadata creation.
• Perform original and complex copy cataloging; create and enrich metadata for library materials in all formats, including monographs, serials, audiovisual, digital, and electronic resources; ensure compliance with cataloging and classification practices, standards, and schema.
• Perform catalog maintenance, including name and subject authority file maintenance and create original authority records.
• Develop appropriate standards, policies, procedures, and workflows for the cataloging department with a special emphasis on metadata projects, including those pertaining to descriptive, administrative, and technical metadata schemas for digital collections for the library’s current and future systems.
• Participate in the development of the library’s discovery system through collaborative work with the Library Technology & Discovery Services unit.
• Compile and analyze cataloging data for reporting to internal and external agencies.
• Stay abreast of best practices, emerging technologies, and evolving standards in technical services through professional development activities, conferences, and engagement with relevant professional organizations.
• Pursue professional engagement for self and staff through projects, publications, and attendance and participation in national conferences and meetings to connect the Boston University Libraries with best practices and emergent issues in higher education administration and library service development.
• Participate in library committees, working groups, and projects.

Required Skills

• Master's degree in library and information science.
• Two years of post-credentialed professional cataloging and metadata experience.
• Broad knowledge of cataloging and metadata workflows and services.
• Knowledge of cataloging and classification practices, standards, and schema such as MARC, RDA, AACR2, LCSH, OCLC, LCC, DACS, Dublin Core, and MODS; and Program for Cooperative Cataloging (CONSER, NACO, SACO) standards.
• Experience using relevant tools and services, such as MarcEdit, and Open Refine.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications (especially MS Excel).
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with serials and e-resource management.
• Familiarity with cross-walking, normalizing, and transforming metadata.
• Familiarity with Ex Libris’ Alma.
• Familiarity and experience with rare book cataloging and/or archival description.

For consideration, please submit a cover letter, CV, and list of professional references. This position will remain open until filled.

Working at Boston University Libraries

Boston University Libraries is a learning organization that supports BU librarians, archivists, and information and subject specialists seeking and sharing knowledge, practices, and perspectives that advance library collections and services, and their own professional development and growth. In a collaborative, supportive, and engaging work environment, BU Libraries expert staff assist multidisciplinary research and exploration, build distinctive collections and archives of enduring research value, and empower users to thrive amid an ever-changing information environment.

Recognizing the central role the library system plays in its robust research and learning agendas, Boston University has made the BU Libraries a focal point of its BU2030 Strategic Plan, investing in core services, innovative programs, and plans for significant renovations of its central branch.

The BU Libraries are at the heart of BU’s vibrant academic experience, serving as a community connector, provider of vital research and instructional services for faculty and students, and the access point to a wealth of timely scholarly resources.

Located in the heart of Boston, the BU Libraries are embedded in numerous vibrant regional and national library and information specialist networks. The BU Libraries are active members within the Boston Library Consortium, the Association of Research Libraries, and the Coalition for Networked Information, and library staff at BU serve as engaged thought-leaders on a wide breadth of library management and service areas across diverse communities. Through the Libraries, BU also is a member of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI), the Northeast Research Libraries Consortium (NERL), HathiTrust, the Boston Library Consortium (BLC), the Eastern Academic Scholars’ Trust (EAST), the OCLC Research Library Partnership, the Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition (SPARC), and the Higher Education Leadership Initiative for Open Scholarship (HELIOS).

Boston University, a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), is one of the leading private research and teaching institutions in the world, with three primary campuses in the heart of Boston and programs around the globe. Chartered in 1869, the University is home to more than 33,000 students from more than 130 countries, 375,000 living alumni, 10,000 faculty and staff, and 17 schools and colleges.

• Master's degree in library and information science.
• Two years of post-credentialed professional cataloging and metadata experience.
• Broad knowledge of cataloging and metadata workflows and services.
• Knowledge of cataloging and classification practices, standards, and schema such as MARC, RDA, AACR2, LCSH, OCLC, LCC, DACS, Dublin Core, and MODS; and Program for Cooperative Cataloging (CONSER, NACO, SACO) standards.
• Experience using relevant tools and services, such as MarcEdit, and Open Refine.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications (especially MS Excel).
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with serials and e-resource management.
• Familiarity with cross-walking, normalizing, and transforming metadata.
• Familiarity with Ex Libris’ Alma.
• Familiarity and experience with rare book cataloging and/or archival description.

For consideration, please submit a cover letter, CV, and list of professional references. Applications received by November 3, 2023 will receive priority consideration. This position will remain open until filled.

Working at Boston University Libraries

Boston University Libraries is a learning organization that supports BU librarians, archivists, and information and subject specialists seeking and sharing knowledge, practices, and perspectives that advance library collections and services, and their own professional development and growth. In a collaborative, supportive, and engaging work environment, BU Libraries expert staff assist multidisciplinary research and exploration, build distinctive collections and archives of enduring research value, and empower users to thrive amid an ever-changing information environment.

Recognizing the central role the library system plays in its robust research and learning agendas, Boston University has made the BU Libraries a focal point of its BU2030 Strategic Plan, investing in core services, innovative programs, and plans for significant renovations of its central branch.

The BU Libraries are at the heart of BU’s vibrant academic experience, serving as a community connector, provider of vital research and instructional services for faculty and students, and the access point to a wealth of timely scholarly resources.

Located in the heart of Boston, the BU Libraries are embedded in numerous vibrant regional and national library and information specialist networks. The BU Libraries are active members within the Boston Library Consortium, the Association of Research Libraries, and the Coalition for Networked Information, and library staff at BU serve as engaged thought-leaders on a wide breadth of library management and service areas across diverse communities. Through the Libraries, BU also is a member of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI), the Northeast Research Libraries Consortium (NERL), HathiTrust, the Boston Library Consortium (BLC), the Eastern Academic Scholars’ Trust (EAST), the OCLC Research Library Partnership, the Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition (SPARC), and the Higher Education Leadership Initiative for Open Scholarship (HELIOS).

Boston University, a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), is one of the leading private research and teaching institutions in the world, with three primary campuses in the heart of Boston and programs around the globe. Chartered in 1869, the University is home to more than 33,000 students from more than 130 countries, 375,000 living alumni, 10,000 faculty and staff, and 17 schools and colleges.

This is an L888 represented position graded as follows:

Librarian I - $61,482-76,636

Librarian II - $65,487-98,393

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Required Experience

• Master's degree in library and information science.
• Two years of post-credentialed professional cataloging and metadata experience.
• Broad knowledge of cataloging and metadata workflows and services.
• Knowledge of cataloging and classification practices, standards, and schema such as MARC, RDA, AACR2, LCSH, OCLC, LCC, DACS, Dublin Core, and MODS; and Program for Cooperative Cataloging (CONSER, NACO, SACO) standards.
• Experience using relevant tools and services, such as MarcEdit, and Open Refine.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications (especially MS Excel).
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with serials and e-resource management.
• Familiarity with cross-walking, normalizing, and transforming metadata.
• Familiarity with Ex Libris’ Alma.
• Familiarity and experience with rare book cataloging and/or archival description.

For consideration, please submit a cover letter, CV, and list of professional references. This position will remain open until filled.

Working at Boston University Libraries

Boston University Libraries is a learning organization that supports BU librarians, archivists, and information and subject specialists seeking and sharing knowledge, practices, and perspectives that advance library collections and services, and their own professional development and growth. In a collaborative, supportive, and engaging work environment, BU Libraries expert staff assist multidisciplinary research and exploration, build distinctive collections and archives of enduring research value, and empower users to thrive amid an ever-changing information environment.

Recognizing the central role the library system plays in its robust research and learning agendas, Boston University has made the BU Libraries a focal point of its BU2030 Strategic Plan, investing in core services, innovative programs, and plans for significant renovations of its central branch.

The BU Libraries are at the heart of BU’s vibrant academic experience, serving as a community connector, provider of vital research and instructional services for faculty and students, and the access point to a wealth of timely scholarly resources.

Located in the heart of Boston, the BU Libraries are embedded in numerous vibrant regional and national library and information specialist networks. The BU Libraries are active members within the Boston Library Consortium, the Association of Research Libraries, and the Coalition for Networked Information, and library staff at BU serve as engaged thought-leaders on a wide breadth of library management and service areas across diverse communities. Through the Libraries, BU also is a member of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI), the Northeast Research Libraries Consortium (NERL), HathiTrust, the Boston Library Consortium (BLC), the Eastern Academic Scholars’ Trust (EAST), the OCLC Research Library Partnership, the Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition (SPARC), and the Higher Education Leadership Initiative for Open Scholarship (HELIOS).

Boston University, a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), is one of the leading private research and teaching institutions in the world, with three primary campuses in the heart of Boston and programs around the globe. Chartered in 1869, the University is home to more than 33,000 students from more than 130 countries, 375,000 living alumni, 10,000 faculty and staff, and 17 schools and colleges.

• Master's degree in library and information science.
• Two years of post-credentialed professional cataloging and metadata experience.
• Broad knowledge of cataloging and metadata workflows and services.
• Knowledge of cataloging and classification practices, standards, and schema such as MARC, RDA, AACR2, LCSH, OCLC, LCC, DACS, Dublin Core, and MODS; and Program for Cooperative Cataloging (CONSER, NACO, SACO) standards.
• Experience using relevant tools and services, such as MarcEdit, and Open Refine.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications (especially MS Excel).
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with serials and e-resource management.
• Familiarity with cross-walking, normalizing, and transforming metadata.
• Familiarity with Ex Libris’ Alma.
• Familiarity and experience with rare book cataloging and/or archival description.

For consideration, please submit a cover letter, CV, and list of professional references. Applications received by November 3, 2023 will receive priority consideration. This position will remain open until filled.

Working at Boston University Libraries

Boston University Libraries is a learning organization that supports BU librarians, archivists, and information and subject specialists seeking and sharing knowledge, practices, and perspectives that advance library collections and services, and their own professional development and growth. In a collaborative, supportive, and engaging work environment, BU Libraries expert staff assist multidisciplinary research and exploration, build distinctive collections and archives of enduring research value, and empower users to thrive amid an ever-changing information environment.

Recognizing the central role the library system plays in its robust research and learning agendas, Boston University has made the BU Libraries a focal point of its BU2030 Strategic Plan, investing in core services, innovative programs, and plans for significant renovations of its central branch.

The BU Libraries are at the heart of BU’s vibrant academic experience, serving as a community connector, provider of vital research and instructional services for faculty and students, and the access point to a wealth of timely scholarly resources.

Located in the heart of Boston, the BU Libraries are embedded in numerous vibrant regional and national library and information specialist networks. The BU Libraries are active members within the Boston Library Consortium, the Association of Research Libraries, and the Coalition for Networked Information, and library staff at BU serve as engaged thought-leaders on a wide breadth of library management and service areas across diverse communities. Through the Libraries, BU also is a member of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI), the Northeast Research Libraries Consortium (NERL), HathiTrust, the Boston Library Consortium (BLC), the Eastern Academic Scholars’ Trust (EAST), the OCLC Research Library Partnership, the Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition (SPARC), and the Higher Education Leadership Initiative for Open Scholarship (HELIOS).

Boston University, a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), is one of the leading private research and teaching institutions in the world, with three primary campuses in the heart of Boston and programs around the globe. Chartered in 1869, the University is home to more than 33,000 students from more than 130 countries, 375,000 living alumni, 10,000 faculty and staff, and 17 schools and colleges.

This is an L888 represented position graded as follows:

Librarian I - $61,482-76,636

Librarian II - $65,487-98,393

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.