POSITION TITLE: Resource Description Metadata Specialist
CLASSIFICATION: Library Associate 1
REPORTS TO: Metadata Librarian
SALARY: $38,372 minimum salary; The Smathers Libraries offer a salary commensurate with experience and credentials.
The University of Florida offers a competitive benefits package including health, retirement, paid time off, discount programs, professional development and worklife support. Learn more.
JOB NUMBER: 527887 (Apply online)
DEADLINE DATE: August 18, 2023 – applications will be reviewed as received
JOB SUMMARY
The Resource Description Metadata Specialist is responsible for creating batch record sets and enhancing descriptive metadata records for the libraries’ digital collections. This position requires the individual to work independently while following clear procedures and with the creative ability to apply and adapt procedures to new situations. The position requires a high level of attention to detail and technological proficiency in a variety of systems, software, and other technological applications. The primary responsibilities are metadata creation and review, in both the MARC record environment and via spreadsheets, for digital projects coming primarily from the Smathers Libraries and including cooperative projects with partner departments and institutions. This position relies heavily on the incumbent’s ability to determine, define, and prioritize work responsibilities and make independent decisions.
This position is a member of the Metadata Unit, part of the Resource Description Services Department at the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries. It is located at the Interim Library Facility (ILF) off campus. The position is directly supervised by the Metadata Librarian.
RESPONSIBILITIES
METADATA CREATION
Creates and enhances metadata for the University of Florida Digital Collections and collaborative projects, using MarcEdit and OpenRefine, applying local guidelines and national controlled vocabularies when needed.
Derives electronic records in OCLC Connexion for newly scanned materials.
Edits and provides additional access points and applies local standards when necessary.
Creates holding and item records in UFDC on an as needed basis.
Keeps current with policies and procedures and makes recommendations for changes as needed.
Assists with training of other staff as necessary.
RETROSPECTIVE METADATA ENHANCEMENT
Works with the Digital Production Manager, the Metadata Unit, and the department Chair to identify and prioritize collections in UFDC and affiliated collections where impactful metadata correction and enhancement work can be performed.
Explores and implements work plans to accomplish such efforts, making use of automated tools where possible.
Utilizes knowledge of the library management system (e.g., bibliographic, holding, item, and order records) and library workflows and practices to effectively problem solve.
Handles transfers when needed, especially to FLARE.
Applies most types of bibliographic record maintenance when needed.
QUALITY CONTROL OF UFDC METADATA
Performs quality control review of metadata prior to ingesting records into UF Digital Collections,
as well as reviews the digital records once they have been imported to ensure fields mapped correctly;
Reviews and when necessary, performs corrections and enhancements on metadata submitted by partner organizations.
Reviews batch ingests to ensure files loaded correctly
OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED
Participates in departmental and special projects as needed, and participates on library committees, attends library and university training as needed, and pursues professional development opportunities.
QUALIFICATIONS
We value a range of experience and perspectives. Applicants are encouraged to communicate in their application materials and subsequent interview conversations how their work and other experiences satisfy the following qualifications in ways that may not be obvious.
Required:
High School diploma or equivalent and five years of library, or relevant experience; or an Associate’s degree and three years of relevant experience; or a Bachelor’s degree and one year of relevant experience; or any equivalent combination of experience, training and/or education.
Preferred:
Experience using Alma, Aleph, or a similar ILS for circulation, public catalog searching, checking in materials, and processing activities
Bibliographical competency in multiple languages (e.g., Spanish, Hebrew, Portuguese, etc.)
Experience with collection storage activities such as collection shifting, shelf reads, and physical reorganization projects
Evidence of excellent interpersonal skills including oral and written communication
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively to accomplish goals
Flexibility, and ability to adapt and work in a rapidly changing academic environment
Basic computer skills and experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
Ability to regularly and safely handle archival materials, including: carrying boxes and materials weighing up to 40 pounds; bending and lifting; transporting on carts or dollies frequently weighing over 100 pounds; climbing on stools and ladders to shelve or retrieve materials; and loading and unloading to/from vans
RESOURCE DESCRIPTION SERVICES
The Resource Description Services Department supports the University’s academic programs and research by providing metadata description and processing for physical and digital collections held by the George A. Smathers Libraries. The department catalogs approximately 20,000 titles per year in compliance with national standards of bibliographic control and in keeping with established cataloging priorities. Original record contributions to OCLC, an international bibliographic database, number around 5,000 annually. The department participates in international cooperative cataloging programs including CONSER, BIBCO, NACO, and SACO. Currently comprised of three librarians and fifteen staff members, RDS consists of five units: Contributed Cataloging, Copy Cataloging, Government Documents Cataloging, Metadata, and the Serials Cataloging Unit. They collaborate to create efficient workflows and apply the latest technologies to meet user needs. The department works with the Acquisitions and Collections Services department to load e-resource packages, which add thousands of records to the library catalog each year. Original record contributions to OCLC, an international bibliographic database, number 5,000 annually. Department units collaborate to create efficient workflows and apply the latest technologies to meet user needs.
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA LIBRARIES
The libraries at the University of Florida form the largest academic information resource system in the state of Florida with seven libraries and two off-campus facilities. The George A. Smathers Libraries are comprised of six campus libraries and off-site facilities. In addition to this system, the Lawton Chiles Legal Information Center is part of the Levin College of Law. The Libraries hold over 6.27 million print volumes, 1.5 million e-books, over 197,000 full-text journals, over 1000 electronic databases, 1.3 million documents, and 1.4 million maps and images. Distinctive holdings include the Isser and Rae Price Library of Judaica, Latin American and Caribbean Collection, Baldwin Library of Historical Children’s Literature and the P.K. Yonge Library of Florida History. The Libraries maintain partnerships and participate in a variety of collaborative, international projects while engaging with the UF community. We are a member of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and other regional library consortia.
The library staff consists of more than 300 FTE librarians, technical/clerical staff and student assistants. The George A. Smathers Libraries are strong advocates for inclusion and intellectual freedom. The Libraries’ commitment to both is articulated in the Inclusion and Intellectual Freedom Statements. The Smathers Libraries will foster and maintain a culture that supports DEI, as values are foundational and permeates all aspects of our organization per Strategic Directions 4: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Support for professional development is central to the Smathers Libraries. Supports include a formal mentoring program, a robust training program, release time for research and professional service, a comprehensive grants program, and funding for professional development travel.
LIBRARIES LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The Smathers Libraries acknowledge that the main (Gainesville) campus of the University of Florida is located in the ancestral territory of the Potano and later the Seminole peoples. The Smathers Libraries acknowledge its obligation to honor the past, present, and future Native residents and cultures of Florida.
BENEFITS
University benefits for this position include retirement plan options, insurance benefits, paid family leave (parental and medical), tuition fee waiver program, and employee assistance program, as well as paid time off and holidays. Gainesville, Florida, has no state or local income tax. The University of Florida provides ongoing guidelines and resources related to COVID-19.
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The University of Florida is committed to non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information, and veteran status in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. We are dedicated to the goal of building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty and staff within a culturally diverse and pluralistic environment; we invite all qualified applicants including women, members of underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities, and veterans. The University of Florida is a public institution and subject to all requirement under the Florida Sunshine and Public Records laws.
If an accommodation due to a hearing or speech disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 University of Florida Human Resources or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD).
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply, submit
a cover letter detailing your interest in, and qualifications for this position
your current resume or CV
a list of three references including their contact information (telephone number and email address)
Apply by 11:55 pm (EST) on August 18, 2023 (applications will be reviewed as received). Submit all application materials through the Jobs at UF online application system at Job Number 527887. If you have any questions or concerns about this process, please contact Tina Marie Litchfield, George A. Smathers Libraries Human Resources Office, at tlitchfield@uflib.ufl.edu.