Position DetailsPosition Information
Winthrop Position Title Metadata and Discovery Librarian, Assistant/Associate Professor
Job DescriptionIda Jane Dacus Library and Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections at Winthrop University seek a Metadata and Discovery Librarian to join a collaborative and supportive Technical and Digital Initiatives (TDI) team. As the principal metadata librarian and cataloger, this position plays a pivotal role in ensuring the discoverability and accessibility of our library and archival collections. This 12-month tenure-track faculty position, at the assistant or associate professor level (commensurate with experience), reports to the Head of Technical and Digital Initiatives.
Salary range: $60,000-$63,000, commensurate with experience.
Position ResponsibilitiesMajor Responsibilities:- Catalog physical and digital library resources using national systems and standards
- Maintain authority control and ensure accuracy of holdings in our SLSP
- Manage collection maintenance projects and develop processing workflows
- Coordinate with the Digital Strategies and Systems Unit on maintenance and discoverability of institutional repository resources.
- Establish and refine workflows for metadata creation and maintenance
Faculty and Service Responsibilities:- Teach information literacy sessions and participate in reference rotations
- Participate in collection development and serve as departmental liaison for select academic units
- Engage in scholarship, service, and professional development activities aligned with tenure and promotion requirements
- Collaborate with dedicated colleagues on special projects and initiatives in a supportive academic environment
About the CollegeTo learn more about the Ida Jane Dacus Library & Louise Pettus Archives please visit:
https://www.winthrop.edu/dacus/About Winthrop UniversityFounded in 1886, Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina, offers its 6,000-plus undergraduate and graduate students an educational experience that blends liberal arts, professional programs, global awareness, and civic engagement. In its colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business and Technology; Education, Sport, and Human Sciences; and Visual and Performing Arts, Winthrop embraces only those programs and activities that can be delivered at an exemplary level. Winthrop University is achieving national stature as a competitive and distinctive co-educational, public, residential, comprehensive, values-oriented institution. The values of service, excellence, community, and leadership provide the foundation for Winthrop's continuing development and shape Winthrop's continuing success. Numerous national accolades reflect the sustained high quality and value of the Winthrop Experience, including the most recent U.S. News & World Report's ranking of Winthrop as one of the top-10 public comprehensive universities in the South. Winthrop is an active member of the Rock Hill community and recognized as a key component of the region's economic resurgence. Approximately 20 minutes from Charlotte, North Carolina, Winthrop has direct access to and is engaged in a broad and expansive regional business community. Winthrop's beautiful campus encompasses a rich architectural blend of neo-Georgian buildings and is included in the National Register of Historic Places. The attractive recreational and research complex area that surrounds Winthrop Lake is home to Winthrop's 18 Division I men's and women's sports.
BenefitsAt Winthrop University, we are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that significantly enhances the total compensation for our employees. In partnership with the State of South Carolina and the Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), our benefits include health and life insurance, generous paid leave, parental leave, and retirement programs. These benefits reflect our commitment to supporting the well-being and financial security of our employees. For more information please visit:
https://www.winthrop.edu/hr/employee-benefits.aspxBackground CheckWinthrop University is committed to providing a safe campus community. Winthrop conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
Position Availability 08/16/2026
Required Qualifications - ALA-accredited MLS/MLIS degree
- One or more years of professional metadata and cataloging experience in a library setting
- Proficiency with cataloging and metadata tools and standards, including MARC 21, RDA/AACR2, LC classification, Dublin Core, and LCSH
- Experience with OCLC WorldCat and integrated library systems (Ex Libris Alma/Primo experience preferred)
- Good working knowledge of authority control standards, controlled vocabularies, and metadata workflows
- Strong commitment to accuracy and attention to detail in technical work
- Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively and contribute to a team environment
Preferred Qualifications - NACO certification or equivalent training in authority control
- Knowledge of OAI-PMH, metadata mapping, or linked data concepts
- Experience with open-access web publishing
- Experience working in academic libraries or familiarity with academic workflows
- Experience with archival materials, institutional repositories, or digital collections
- Supervisory, mentoring, and project coordination experience
- Demonstrated ability to adapt to emerging metadata standards and evolving technologies
- Interest in emerging technologies such as linked data, BibFrame, open-access publishing, and AI in cataloging
Employment ConditionsPosition is full-time, twelve-month, tenure-track appointment.
Application InstructionsWe welcome applications from librarians at all career stages who have foundational metadata skills and a genuine commitment to technical services work. Whether you're early in your career or transitioning from another area of librarianship, we encourage you to apply if you have the technical foundation and enthusiasm for metadata work.
Applications should consist of the following:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum vitae
- List of at least three (3) professional references
- Include each person's name, title, phone number, and email address.
- Write a brief statement describing your relationship with the reference and where you worked with or knew the reference.
- Provide graduate and undergraduate transcripts. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the application; official transcripts will be required for an offer of employment.
This position will remain open until filled, and applications will be reviewed as they are received.
Open Date 05/08/2026
Application Review DateClose DatePosting Number 2026FC0005P