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Metadata Librarian Jobs in Chicago, IL (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 ...

Assistant Professor-Library

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$63K - $75K/yr

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 Chicago, IL salary details

$26.8K

$64K

$103.6K

How much do metadata librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for metadata librarian in Chicago, IL is $63,978.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,000.00 and $74,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Metadata Librarian jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Metadata Librarian jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Metadata Librarian jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Metadata Librarian jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Metadata Librarian jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Metadata Librarian job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,978 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

Assistant Professor-Library

Wheaton College

Wheaton, IL

$63K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

TEAM LEADER FOR ACQUISITIONS & DISCOVERY SERVICES

Responsibilities

  • Leads the Acquisitions & Discovery Services Team (4 full-time staff) in setting goals and priorities, making decisions, and solving problems for print monograph acquisitions, cataloging, systems administration, and digital initiatives.
  • Oversees the selection and development of the Library's access and discovery tools and systems.
  • Maintains an in-depth knowledge of emerging library technologies.
  • Provides leadership for the overall strategy, development, maintenance, and support of the library's technological environments. 
  • Maintains expertise in metadata and cataloging standards. 
  • Collaborates with other librarians in the development, evaluation, and implementation of resource description policies, procedures, and workflows.
  • Serves as subject librarian to assigned academic disciplines.
    • Builds relationships with faculty and students, selects library resources, and teaches library instruction classes,
    • Participates in and contributes to activities of the Library Collections Team.
  • Participates broadly on campus as a library faculty member (e.g., faculty committees, student mentoring); engages in ongoing professional development; and engages in service to the profession.
  • Reports to the Dean of Library & Archives.

Characteristics & Qualifications

  • A personal and living evangelical Protestant faith that is consonant with Wheaton College's theological distinctives as expressed in our Statement of Faith and Community Covenant.
  • A master of library science or equivalent degree from an ALA-accredited program or foreign equivalent. 
  • Ability to understand and contribute substantially to the academic lives of Wheaton's faculty and students, with an enthusiasm for and commitment to Christian liberal arts education.
  • Strong ability and interest in all manner of technologies that may advance the mission of the library.
  • Expertise in cataloging standards and a broad understanding of metadata standards.
  • Evidence that you form strong working relationships that are characterized by personal flexibility, consideration, teamwork, and collegiality.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Evidence of innovation, project management, and leadership skills.
  • Teaching experience, with the ability to teach and present with clarity and ease.
  • Strongly preferred:
    • At least two years of previous full-time employment in an academic library,
    • Experience as a library faculty member,
    • Additional graduate degrees,
    • Supervisory experience.

Pay range: The budgeted salary range for the position is $63,000 - $75,000 for a Library Assistant Professor/Team Leader. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate, including equivalent years in rank, training, and field or discipline.

Final appointment will be contingent upon confirmation of budget availability.

Applicants must attach their CV and a statement of their educational and professional alignment with the requirements of the position, as well as their theological alignment with Wheaton College's statement of faith and community covenant.

Wheaton College, located in a suburban community in the Chicago metropolitan area, is a Christ-centered community whose faculty and staff must affirm the College's Statement of Faith as expressing their own theological convictions. They also agree to live by the moral standards in Wheaton's Community Covenant, modeling these commitments for the Christian formation of our students. Wheaton College faculty and staff also support the Christ-Centered Diversity Commitment, which highlights our desire to treat all individuals as equal image-bearers of Jesus Christ. We encourage applications from candidates who will work to deepen Christ-centered diversity by fostering a campus climate where all faculty, staff, students, and alumni feel welcomed, respected, valued, and supported. For more information about Wheaton College, visit www.wheaton.edu.

Additionally, Wheaton College aspires to provide a physically safe environment for students, staff, and faculty to learn and work. In support of this objective, the College requires background checks for final candidates after an employment offer is extended. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.