Metadata Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Description

The Metadata Consultant supports the migration of a legacy Integrated Library Systems (ILS) into a shared Ex Libris Alma/Primo Library Services Platform (LSP). This consultant will play a critical role in metadata evaluation, cleanup, transformation, and enhancement to ensure seamless integration, optimal discoverability, and improved access to both digital and physical collections across the Federal Reserve System libraries.

Responsibilities

Metadata Evaluation & Migration Planning

• Collaborate with the LSP vendor, Metadata Technology and Access (MeTA) Team, and the System LSP Transition Team.
• Assess existing metadata and develop a comprehensive migration plan.
• Identify migration challenges and propose practical solutions.
• Coordinate integration of Library records 

Metadata Cleanup, Transformation & Enhancement

• Use tools such as OpenRefine, MarcEdit, and regular expressions to transform and standardize metadata.
• Apply standards including MARC, Dublin Core, MODS, and RDA.
• Ensure consistent use of controlled vocabularies and name authorities (LCSH, MeSH, LCNAF, VIAF, and local taxonomies).
• Enhance metadata elements to improve discoverability and user experience.

Quality Control & Validation

• Develop and implement quality control procedures in collaboration with the MeTA team.
• Conduct regular integrity checks and resolve discrepancies.
• Document quality control outcomes and issue resolutions.

System Integration & Testing

• Assist with the technical migration of metadata into Alma.
• Conduct testing to verify proper metadata functionality in the new shared environment.
• Work with the serials librarian and the MeTA team to establish SUSHI protocol integrations with external providers.
• Support planning for integration with Primo, Collibra data catalog, repositories, and SharePoint collections.

Reporting, Training & Communication

• Provide regular project updates and detailed progress reports.
• Prepare documentation on migration processes, challenges, and outcomes.
• Develop training materials and support sessions for library staff.
• Contribute to strategic discussions on metadata management practices.

Additional Metadata Projects

• Support metadata maintenance for internal content management systems (e.g., SharePoint).
• Assist with name authority maintenance and taxonomy development.
• Contribute expertise to other metadata-related initiatives as assigned.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program (or equivalent).
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in metadata creation and management (including original cataloging) in a library setting.
• Proficiency in metadata standards (MARC, Dublin Core, MODS, RDA) and controlled vocabularies/authorities (LCSH, MeSH, LCNAF, VIAF).
• Hands-on experience with metadata cleanup and transformation tools (e.g., OpenRefine, MarcEdit, regular expressions).
• Minimum 5 years' experience with ILS/LSP systems.
• Demonstrated leadership in at least one complete ILS/LSP migration project.
• Project experience with SUSHI protocol implementation.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across distributed teams.

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Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Innovative Interfaces Sierra and/or Ex Libris Alma/Primo.
• Experience merging metadata and collections across diverse libraries.
• Familiarity with Collibra or similar data management platforms, particularly with discovery layer integrations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for long periods of time and to maintain focus on projects such as computer screens or detailed paperwork. 
• Occasionally lifting of items weighing up to twenty-five (25) pounds such as files, books, and other materials.

Benefits

Part-Time: 

• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)

EEO Statement

The company and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate the population of differences and does not discriminate in its hiring/hiring practices, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Nothing in this job specification restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. 

Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. 

To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. 

Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.