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Metadata Librarian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Head Librarian - FT

Cincinnati, OH ยท On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Evaluate and implement and maintain systems for library management, metadata, and digital asset organization * Liaise with University of Cincinnati Libraries, OhioLINK, and other electronic resource ...

Performs cataloging and metadata services for library materials both physical and electronic; trains cataloging support staff and reviews their work; ensures the integrity of the OPAC; participates ...

Oversees the creation, maintenance, and enhancement of metadata across multiple discovery platforms and library systems including the use of applicable tools for manipulating data * Collaborates with ...

LIBRARIAN 2

Carson City, NV ยท On-site

$59K - $87K/yr

Perform original cataloging, advanced copy cataloging, and metadata to provide electronic access to bibliographic records and retrieval or access to materials in the library's collection; evaluate ...

Cataloging Librarian - Library

Temple, TX ยท On-site

$26.78 - $29.36/hr

Oversees the creation, maintenance, and enhancement of metadata across multiple discovery platforms and library systems including the use of applicable tools for manipulating data * Collaborates with ...

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Metadata Librarian information

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$26K

$62.1K

$100.5K

How much do metadata librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for metadata librarian in the United States is $62,056.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $72,500.00 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.

More about Metadata Librarian jobs
What cities are hiring for Metadata Librarian jobs? Cities with the most Metadata Librarian job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Metadata Librarian jobs? The most popular types of Metadata Librarian jobs are:
What states have the most Metadata Librarian jobs? States with the most job openings for Metadata Librarian jobs include:
Infographic showing various Metadata Librarian job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 27% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,056 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

Metadata Specialist I

J. Paul Getty Trust, The

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

$62K - $79K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Getty is committed to creating a welcoming workplace that reflects the various backgrounds of the communities we serve. We value differences in the pursuit of inquiry and knowledge, mutual understanding, respect, trust, transparency, and cooperation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.
Job Summary
Getty seeks a forward-thinking Metadata Specialist to join the Getty Research Institute's (GRI) Digital Stewardship and Metadata Optimization team within Special Collections. This full-time, limited term position (July 2026 until June 2029) will support a major initiative to migrate archival content into a centralized digital asset management system and data management platform. This work will help to consolidate systems and enable advanced technologies such as IIIF and Linked Open Data to enhance discovery and access. The migration will lay the foundation for streamlined operations across the organization, improving consistency, standardizing practices, and opening new opportunities to generate and enrich metadata for archival collections at scale. The Metadata Specialist will play a key role in managing and implementing innovative workflows for digital asset migration in close collaboration with internal teams and Getty technology partners.
Based in Los Angeles, the GRI is committed to advancing knowledge and understanding of the visual arts and their histories. Serving an international community of scholars, the Research Library is one of the world's largest art and architecture libraries, with holdings exceeding 1.5 million volumes. Our Special Collections encompass rare books and journals, photographs, prints and drawings from the 15th century to the present, architectural plans and models, art multiples, film, audio and video recordings, born-digital content, and extensive archives and manuscript collections.
Major Job Responsibilities
  • Manage the migration of digital assets from the digital preservation repository into the digital asset management system, data management platform, and collections viewer
  • Apply professional judgment, standards, best practices, research, and analysis to create complex new metadata and/or to edit, aggregate, enhance, transform, and disseminate existing metadata
  • Analyze archival description source metadata to identify opportunities for reconciliation, normalization, and enrichment that improve discoverability and interoperability
  • Maintain quality control processes to evaluate the accuracy, consistency, and completeness of migrated assets and metadata
  • Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to migration workflows and legacy metadata
  • Utilize project management and tracking tools to monitor progress and keep the project on schedule
  • Collaborate with stakeholders across the GRI and Getty Digital by participating in working groups and/or project teams
  • Support metadata remediation and enrichment projects that strengthen and expand the GRI's linked data infrastructure
  • Contribute to the development and maintenance of documentation for standards, procedures, and workflows
  • Assist in the creation and management of new digital assets and their ingest into systems, as needed
  • Participate in additional projects as assigned

Qualifications
  • Undergraduate degree in appropriate discipline; additional graduate degree in an appropriate discipline and/or MLIS degree from an ALA-accredited library school preferred
  • 0-2 years related professional experience
  • Requires strong communication skills
  • Experience working in the visual arts, library, and/or archives domains highly desirable

Please note: This position is not eligible for employer-based immigration sponsorship. Applicants must have authorization to work for Getty in the United States without the need for sponsorship, currently or in the future.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Experience working with digital collections and an understanding of the role metadata plays in enhancing search and discovery within user interfaces
  • Ability to design and optimize workflows with an understanding of how changes impact systems, staff, and existing processes
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to meet deadlines, apply policies and procedures consistently, and present recommendations
  • Knowledge of current metadata standards used in libraries, archives, and museums, such as EAD, Dublin Core, MARC21, and other emerging standards
  • Familiarity with data exchange standards, such as XML and JSON
  • Basic understanding of batch data functions using OpenRefine, Python, XSL, APIs, and/or UNIX Command Line
  • Experience with, or ability to learn, library and archives-specific databases, software applications, and digital asset management systems, including ArchivesSpace, OpenText Media Management, and ExLibris products (Rosetta, Alma, Primo)
  • Familiarity with linked data concepts and technologies
  • Tolerance for detail-oriented, high-volume, and, at times, repetitive work
  • Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively in team-based environments with colleagues across domains
  • Adaptability and effectiveness in dynamic and evolving work environments

Benefits and Perks
Here are just some examples that Getty offers/provides for full-time employees:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage, starting on date of hire. Getty pays 75%-95% of the premium, depending on the plan selected
  • 403(b) Employee Investment retirement plan - with up to 5% Getty Match
  • Getty contribution of 6%, on behalf of employee, to 401(a) retirement account
  • Educational Assistance and professional development
  • Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal Days
  • 12 Paid Holidays
  • Many positions have bi-weekly Off-Fridays
  • On-Site Fitness Center at Getty Center
  • Community service opportunities

To learn more about our comprehensive benefits and long list of perks, go to Getty HR.