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Metadata Librarian Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Maintains expertise in metadata and cataloging standards. * Collaborates with other librarians in the development, evaluation, and implementation of resource description policies, procedures, and ...

Maintains expertise in metadata and cataloging standards. * Collaborates with other librarians in the development, evaluation, and implementation of resource description policies, procedures, and ...

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Metadata Librarian information

See Illinois salary details

$25.2K

$60.1K

$97.4K

How much do metadata librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for metadata librarian in Illinois is $60,134.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $70,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a metadata librarian do?

A Metadata Librarian is responsible for creating, managing, and organizing metadata to ensure efficient access to library resources. They apply metadata standards, schemas, and controlled vocabularies to describe digital and physical materials, enhancing discoverability. They often work with cataloging systems, digital repositories, and database technologies to support scholarly research and user access. Additionally, they collaborate with colleagues to develop metadata policies and workflows that align with institutional and industry best practices. Their role is essential in improving resource organization, retrieval, and long-term digital preservation.

What are some typical daily responsibilities of a metadata librarian?

A Metadata Librarian typically spends each day creating, reviewing, and maintaining metadata for library resources such as books, digital collections, and special archives to ensure accurate organization and discoverability. This includes applying established metadata standards, collaborating with colleagues to enhance workflows, and troubleshooting any metadata quality issues. You may also participate in projects to improve metadata practices, support digital initiatives, and train staff on new processes or systems. The role often involves working closely with catalogers, digital librarians, and IT teams to support the library's mission and resource accessibility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the metadata librarian position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Metadata Librarian, you need a strong understanding of metadata standards, cataloging principles, and information organization, typically supported by a degree in library and information science or a related field. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), metadata schema like MARC, Dublin Core, or MODS, and tools such as OCLC or CONTENTdm is essential. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help Metadata Librarians collaborate and solve problems efficiently. These competencies are crucial for ensuring accurate resource description, efficient information retrieval, and consistent library data management.

What are the most commonly searched types of Metadata Librarian jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Metadata Librarian jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Metadata Librarian jobs in Illinois?

For Metadata Librarian jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Metadata Librarian jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Metadata Librarian jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Metadata Librarian jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Metadata Librarian job openings:

Infographic showing various Metadata Librarian job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,134 per year, or $28.9 per hour.

Rare Materials Metadata Specialist

Campus, IL


The Georgetown University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 5 - 10K employees

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

290th of 627 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by parents


$47K - $87K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Georgetown University comprises two unique campuses in the nation's capital. With the Hilltop Campus located in the heart of the historic Georgetown neighborhood, and the Capitol Campus, just minutes from the U.S. Capitol and U.S. Supreme Court, Georgetown University offers rigorous academic programs, a global perspective, and unparalleled opportunities to engage with Washington, D.C. Our community is a close-knit group of remarkable individuals driven by intellectual inquiry, a commitment to social justice, and a shared dedication to making a difference in the world.

Requirements

Job Overview


This is a 40 hour per week, full-time term position. It is a one-year appointment with the possibility of reappointment for an additional year. Working in the Technical Services department and office area under the direction of the Unit Head of Metadata Services, the Rare Materials Metadata Specialist will work to complete the creation of bibliographic metadata for the Nicholas Scheetz Book Collection held in the Booth Family Center for Special Collections. The bibliographic metadata will be added to the Library's integrated library system (Alma) by June 30, 2027.


Primary duties include creation of original bibliographic records; searching the Library's system (Alma) as well as OCLC Connexion for specific bibliographic records; updating item records in the Library's system (Alma), enhanced copy cataloging, and physical processing of the items using rare book ID strips, Tyvek envelopes, and barcodes; assists with reference questions and exhibition descriptive text. This position will also have shared supervision from the Curator of Rare Books in the Booth Family Center for Special Collections.


Work Interactions


Works closely with librarians, specialists, and paraprofessionals in the Technical Services Department and the Booth Family Center for Special Collections

Works with staff at other WRLC (Washington Research Library Consortium) institutions


Work Mode Designation


This position has been designated as On-Campus. Please note that work mode designations are regularly reviewed in order to meet the evolving needs of the University. Such review may necessitate a change to a position's mode of work designation. Complete details about Georgetown University's mode of work designations for staff and AAP positions can be found on the Department of Human Resources website: https://hr.georgetown.edu/mode-of-work-designation.


Requirements and Qualifications Required Qualifications:


Master's degree in Library or Information Science from ALA-accredited institution and/or an advanced degree in a relevant discipline with previous cataloging experience

2 or more years of experience in performing original and enhanced copy cataloging, enhancement and enrichment of bibliographic materials

Demonstrated knowledge of MARC and non-MARC metadata formats, standards and schema

Working knowledge of special collections and rare book metadata standards including Descriptive Cataloging of Rare Materials and Books (DCRM(B)), Descriptive Cataloging of Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance, and Early Modern Manuscripts (AMREMM), and RBMS (Rare Books and Manuscripts Section) genre terms

Working knowledge of descriptive bibliography and issues specific to rare materials Experience with a national bibliographic utility, such as OCLC, and a local integrated library system, such as Alma

Working knowledge of current metadata standards such as FRBR, Resource Description and Access (RDA), Program for Cooperative Cataloging/Library of Congress Policy Statements, Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), Library of Congress Classification (LCC), and other emerging standards

Strong research skills to support the description of rare materials including provenance, binding information, and publishing information

Knowledge of preservation practices for rare books

Strong writing and oral skills to assist with donor correspondence, weekly reports, and departmental updates

Ability to work in a continually changing environment, to exercise initiative, and to work independently as well as part of a team


Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge of issues and emerging trends in metadata, discovery tools, digital library development, digital preservation, & cataloging standards and practices

Experience working in an academic or research library

Aptitude for complex, analytical work with attention to detail, demonstrated problem-solving skills, and flexibility

Experience working and communicating with donors Sponsored Project Management (if applicable) If this position serves as the Department Financial Manager for a Sponsored Project, please insert the text found on the HR website:

Pay Range:

The projectedsalary or hourly pay range for this position which represents the full range of anticipated compensation is:

$47,586.00 - $87,558.13

Compensation is determined by a number of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's individual qualifications, experience, education, skills, and certifications, as well as the University's business needs and external factors.

Current Georgetown Employees:

If you currently work at Georgetown University, please exit this website and login to GMS (gms.georgetown.edu) using your Net ID and password. Then select the Career worklet on your GMS Home dashboard to view Jobs at Georgetown.

Submission Guidelines:

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at Georgetown University you must submit a resumefor each position of interest for which you believe you are qualified. Documents are not kept on file for future positions.

Need Assistance:

If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process, please visit the Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance website for general information about requesting accommodations, as well as information about requesting accommodations specifically for applicants. You also can also contact the Office for Equal Opportunity Compliance at (202) 687-4798 or oeoc@georgetown.edu.

Need some assistance with the application process? Please call 202-687-2500. For more information about the suite of benefits, professional development and community involvement opportunities that make up Georgetown's commitment to its employees, please visit the Georgetown Works website.

EEO Statement:

GU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, and will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, citizenship, color, disability, family responsibilities, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, matriculation, national origin, race, religion, personal appearance, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Benefits:

Georgetown University offers a comprehensive and competitive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, retirement savings, tuition assistance, work-life balance benefits, employee discounts and an array of voluntary insurance options. You can learn more about benefits and eligibility on the Department of Human Resources website.


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About Georgetown University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Georgetown University, located in Washington, DC, US, is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the higher education industry. As a private research university, Georgetown offers a wide range of programs and services in various academic disciplines. The institution was founded in 1789 by John Carroll, America's first Catholic bishop, and carries a rich history ingrained in Jesuit values like cura personalis (care for the whole person) and men and women for others. The mission of Georgetown University is to shape individuals who seek to better the world and its diverse cultures, thus creating a positive impact on societies. It is recognized for its fruitful legacy in academics, commitment to social justice, and fostering of global awareness and understanding among its students.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

1789


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