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Remote Metadata Librarian Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Remote Metadata Librarian information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$31.9K

$67.2K

$105.6K

How much do remote metadata librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote metadata librarian in Chicago, IL is $67,158.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,100.00 and $77,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a remote metadata librarian?

A Remote Metadata Librarian is a professional who manages, organizes, and enhances metadata for library collections while working from a remote location. Their primary responsibilities include creating, reviewing, and maintaining metadata records to ensure that digital and physical resources are easily discoverable and accessible to users. They often use cataloging standards, controlled vocabularies, and digital tools to describe a wide variety of materials, such as books, media, and special collections. Working remotely, they collaborate with library staff and stakeholders through digital platforms to support the library’s mission. This role is essential for maintaining the accuracy and usability of library databases and digital repositories.

How does a remote metadata librarian typically collaborate with technical and subject specialist teams?

Remote Metadata Librarians often work closely with IT professionals, digital collections staff, and subject specialists to ensure metadata standards are consistently applied and optimized for discoverability. Collaboration usually occurs through virtual meetings, shared project management platforms, and regular communication channels like email or chat. This teamwork helps align metadata practices with institutional goals, troubleshoot data integration issues, and ensure resources are accessible and well-organized for users. Being proactive in communication and adaptability in remote environments are key to successful collaboration.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote metadata librarian, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Remote Metadata Librarian, you need expertise in cataloging standards (such as MARC, RDA, and Dublin Core), metadata schema, and a master’s degree in library and information science (MLIS or equivalent). Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), digital repository platforms, and metadata management tools is typically required. Attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and effective remote communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate organization and accessibility of information resources, supporting seamless discovery and retrieval in digital library environments.

What is the difference between Remote Metadata Librarian vs Remote Archivist?

AspectRemote Metadata LibrarianRemote Archivist
Required CredentialsMLS or MLIS, cataloging certificationsMLS or MLIS, archival certifications
Work EnvironmentLibraries, digital repositories, cultural institutionsArchives, museums, historical societies
Industry UsageLibraries, information managementArchival institutions, historical preservation
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in digital cataloging and metadata managementUnderstanding roles in preserving and organizing historical records

The Remote Metadata Librarian primarily focuses on creating, managing, and maintaining digital metadata for library collections and information systems. In contrast, a Remote Archivist concentrates on preserving, organizing, and providing access to historical records and archival materials. Both roles require similar credentials but serve different functions within information management and preservation sectors.

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

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

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Remote Metadata Librarian jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Remote Metadata Librarian job openings:

Infographic showing various Remote Metadata Librarian job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,158 per year, or $32.3 per hour.

Senior Knowledge Management Specialist - Library and Research Information Services

UL Research Institutes

Evanston, IL • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Knowledge Management Specialist at UL Research Institutes Library and Researcher Information Services (LRIS). The Knowledge Management Specialist supports the design, implementation, and governance of enterprise knowledge systems that enable discovery, interoperability, and strategic use of organizational knowledge. This role develops metadata frameworks, taxonomies, ontologies, and knowledge management platforms that surface research, expertise, and capabilities across the organization. Working collaboratively with IT, research units, and business stakeholders, the Knowledge Management Specialist advances secure, scalable, and usercentered knowledge technologies that support evidencebased decisionmaking and enterprisewide knowledge visibility.

Work Location & Travel: This role is 100% remote but requires approximately 10% travel within the United States.

UL Research Institutes:

At UL Research Institutes (ULRI), we expand the boundaries of safety science to create a more secure and sustainable world. For more than a century, we have studied the unintended consequences of innovation, designed solutions to mitigate risk and shared our findings with academia, scientists, manufacturers, and policymakers across industries. We identify critical safety and sustainability issues, asking the tough questions because we believe a safer world begins with knowledge.

Build a safer, more secure, and sustainable future with us. Join us and work with our teams who conduct the research required to produce that knowledge and put into practice.

What you'll learn and achieve:

As the Knowledge Management Specialist, you will play a key role in the rapid growth of UL as you:

  • Support the design and implementation of an enterprise knowledge management (KM) system, including frameworks, workflows, and governance models that enable crossdivision visibility into research, expertise, and institutional capabilities.

  • Evaluate, select, and configure KM platforms and tools (e.g., SharePoint, Confluence, enterprise search, knowledge graphs, AIassisted retrieval systems) in partnership with IT and business units.

  • Develop knowledge maps, capability directories, and expertise locators to surface institutional strengths and ongoing research across divisions.

  • Promote knowledgesharing practices by developing training, documentation, and changemanagement strategies that encourage adoption of KM tools and workflows.

  • Support institutional data initiatives by contributing to data governance efforts, documentation, and the development of shared data standards.

  • Design, implement, and maintain metadata schemas, controlled vocabularies, taxonomies, and ontologies to enhance discovery, interoperability, and long-term access.

  • Ensure metadata quality and consistency, collaborating with data engineers to integrate taxonomies and ontologies into data pipelines, knowledge graphs, and AI-enabled systems.

  • Serve as a Data Steward for library and knowledge-domain data, ensuring compliance with enterprise data governance standards, definitions, and quality expectations.

  • Perform other duties as assigned.

What you'll experience working at UL Research Institutes: We have pursued our mission of working for a safer, more secure, and sustainable world for nearly 130 years, embedding conscientious stewardship into everything we do.

  • People: Our people make us special. You'll work with a diverse team of experts respected for their independence and transparency and build a network, because our approach is collaborative. We collaborate across disciplines, organizations, and geographies to build the global scientific response that today's global challenges require.

  • Interesting work: Every day is different for us here. We see what's on the horizon and use our expertise to build the foundations of a safer future. You'll have the opportunity to push the boundaries of human understanding as part of a team working to advance the public good.

  • Grow and achieve: We learn, work, and grow together through targeted development, reward, and recognition programs.

  • Values. Four core values guide our work: collaboration, respect, integrity, and beneficence. By living our values, we inspire the trust essential to fulfilling our mission and foster the partnerships that enable us to pursue a beneficent future in which we all can thrive.

  • Total Rewards: All employees at UL Research Institutes are eligible for bonus compensation. We offer comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans and a generous 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay. Moreover, we invest an additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment. Depending on your role, you may be able to discuss flexible working arrangements with your manager. We also provide employees with paid time off, including vacation, holiday, sick, and volunteer days.

What makes you a great fit:

While no one candidate will embody every quality, the successful candidate will bring many of the following professional competencies and personal attributes:

  • Experience developing KM systems that manage explicit, implicit, and tacit knowledge.

  • Experience implementing KM methodologies, including knowledge mapping, taxonomy design development, capture, and content lifecycle management.

  • Experience designing, implementing, and maintaining metadata strategies, policies, and workflows.

  • Experience with ontology, taxonomy, and semantic knowledge tools e.g., PoolParty, Semaphore RDF, SPARQL.

  • Experience with data management tools e.g., Collibra.

  • Familiarity with graph databases and knowledge graph platforms e.g., Neo4j.

  • Familiarity with AI tools and concepts applied to content automation and knowledge discovery.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

  • Demonstrated initiative, adaptability, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

  • Strong commitment to staying current with emerging trends and best practices in knowledge management and data management.

  • Strong project management skills, with a high level of initiative and attention to detail.

Professional education and experience requirements for the role include:

  • Master's degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) or equivalent from an ALA accredited program.

  • Minimum 6 years of experience in knowledge management, taxonomy, metadata, and content management post-MLIS degree.

About UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement

UL Research6 Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement are nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing safety science research through the discovery and application of scientific knowledge. We conduct rigorous independent research and analyze safety data, convene experts worldwide to address risks, share knowledge through safety education and public outreach initiatives, and develop standards to guide safe commercialization of evolving technologies. We foster communities of safety, from grassroots initiatives for neighborhoods to summits of world leaders. Our organization employs collaborative and scientific approaches with partners and stakeholders to drive innovation and progress toward improving safety, security, and sustainability, ultimately enhancing societal well-being.

To learn more, visit our websites UL.org and ULSE.org.

Salary Range:

$81,456.37-$112,002.51

Pay Type:

Salary