Metadata Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary

This advanced professional full-time position plays a critical role in enhancing user access to library print, electronic, and media resources through metadata creation and maintenance while contributing to the shared management and configuration of the Ex Libris-Alma Library Service Platform.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Catalogs all new scores, books, and select e-resources and media as they are received and/or bound; provides expedited pre-binding cataloging service for requested purchases.
• This advanced professional full-time position plays a critical role in enhancing user access to library print, electronic, and media resources through metadata creation and maintenance while contributing to the shared management and configuration of the Ex Libris-Alma Library Service Platform.
• Contributes high quality, original metadata records to OCLC for use by Robinson Music Library (RML) and other libraries worldwide.

• Contributes to the shared management and configuration of the Ex Libris-Alma Library Service Platform.
• Updates and maintains accuracy of the Shelf list (SL) catalog; supervises RML staff in SL entry creation.
• Oversees serials (journal) check-in and maintenance, including outsourced commercial bindery and storage.
• Oversees the preparation of commercial bindery shipments for new acquisitions.
• Consults with the Digital Services Librarian regarding cataloging of local CIM recordings, to which RML is providing access (now digital files).
• Maintains liaison with CWRU (Case Western Reserve University) and affiliated libraries’ Technical Services departments.
• Liaisons with the RML Binder/Conservationist; communicates special needs for tricky physical presentations, selects and organizes items to be rebound, etc.
• Trains and supervises personnel in physical processing of books and scores (after binding), including proofing of all labels typed; or may perform this work.
• Uses current technologies to assist with Library (including storage) weeding and shifting of print collections in coordination with the Director of Library Services and Access and Resource Services Manager.
• Trains and advises RML permanent staff in shelving/SL system.
• Performs complete withdrawal procedures for items in all formats when they are removed from the collection.
• Maintains liaison with off-site storage facility personnel; maintains accuracy of holdings off-site.
• Daily interaction with other library staff and student workers in the library. Occasional interaction with other institutional staff, faculty, and students in person, via email, or Teams.
• Occasional interaction with Technical Services staff at Case Western Reserve University, other academic institutions, and offsite storage staff.

Non-Essential Functions:

• Provide back-up for Circulation/Reference Desk as needed and occasional Interlibrary Loan, Ohio LINK (consortium requests) during staff absences.

Education, Experience and Qualifications

• Professional degree (M.L.I.S. or equivalent); Subject degree (Bachelor of Music degree) (B.A./B.M.)
• 5 years of music cataloging and other Library work experience.
• Ability to interpret highly complex technical data.
• Great attention to detail.
• Ability to learn new software thoroughly and train others in its use.
• Strong conceptual skills; Ability to work independently.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Comfort operating in a virtual environment with standard tools (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams).
• Prior knowledge of current international cataloging standards (RDA, MARC, LCSH, use of authority files, etc.) and changes with our bibliographic utility.
• Familiarity with cataloging in an online environment is required.
• Prior knowledge of the Ex Libris-Alma Library Service Platform and/or iii Sierra Integrated Library System is highly desirable.
• Ability to read and interpret musical scores is required.
• Reading knowledge of foreign languages, especially German and French or Italian, is required.

Job Competencies

• Decision Making – Able to reach decisions, take thoughtful approaches when considering options, seeks input from others, makes difficult decisions.
• Job Knowledge – Understands facets of job, aware of duties and responsibilities, keeps job knowledge current.
• Organization Skills – Information organized and accessible, maintains efficient workspace, manages time well.
• Quality – Strives to eliminate errors, accurate work is a priority, seeks opportunities to improve products/services.
• Technical Skills – Maintains current understanding of technical processes/equipment, uses technology to increase performance/productivity.

Personal Attributes

• Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, and initiative in one’s work.
• Demonstrated commitment to teamwork and ability to work effectively with a diverse campus community.
• Commitment to continual development of professional knowledge and skills.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

Academic Library environment. Accuracy with reading numbers and detailed alphabetical filing systems is required.

Lifting (up to 30 lbs.). Position involves extended periods of being sedentary.

Direct reports

Supervises 2 or more work-study students