My apologies for any cross-posting.

 

Position Title: Librarian/Specialist, Metadata Services

Department: The University of Arizona Libraries, Digital Innovation/Stewardship (Dept. 1705)

Location: Main Campus, Tucson

Classification: Appointed Professional; Full-Time; Exempt; Permanent Duration

 

Position Summary:

The University of Arizona Libraries’ Office of Digital Innovation and Stewardship (ODIS) seeks a forward thinking, entrepreneurial Metadata Services Librarian/Specialist to lead in the establishment, implementation, and assessment of metadata services that support research efforts at the University of Arizona (UA). This newly created position reports to the head of the Office of Digital Innovation and Stewardship. Title and eligibility for assignment to a continuing-eligible or year-to-year appointment will depend on the degree of the successful candidate.

The Metadata Services Librarian/Specialist provides expertise and leadership on metadata and related issues to the Libraries and the broader University community. The incumbent supports research, teaching, and learning across the breadth of services provided by ODIS.

The Office of Digital Innovation and Stewardship (ODIS) at the University of Arizona Libraries engages and innovates across a range of services and content in support of the University’s mission and strategic plan. ODIS provides services to the University community that include data management, repository, metadata, journal hosting and publishing, copyright and scholarly communications, and geospatial data. ODIS is responsible for programmatic planning for and oversight of the Libraries digital collections and digitization activities, including digital preservation and digital asset management efforts. ODIS coordinates strategies for exposing unique and local digital collections; in addition, ODIS leads and contributes to national and international collaborative efforts. ODIS is active in campus-wide efforts related to scholarly activity and research data, participates in the University’s Research Computing Governance Committee, leads the institution’s faculty activity reporting efforts, and collaborates with the University’s Office of Research and Discovery and University Information Technology Services.

The University of Arizona has been recognized on Forbes 2015 list of America’s Best Employers in the United States and has been awarded the 2015 Work-Life Seal of Distinction by the Alliance for Work-Life Progress! For more information about working at the University Libraries, see http://www.library.arizona.edu/about/employment/why.

Accepting a new position is a big life step. We want potential candidates and their families to be able to make informed decisions. Candidates who are considering relocation to the Tucson or Phoenix area, and have been offered an on-site interview, are encouraged to use the free services offered by Above & Beyond Relocation Services (ABRS).Ask your department contact to be introduced to ABRS prior to your visit.

Diversity Commitment:  At the University of Arizona, we value our inclusive climate because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. Diversity in our environment embraces the acceptance of a multiplicity of cultural heritages, lifestyles and worldviews. We translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues and constituencies, as we believe that such experiences are both institutional and service imperatives. Because we seek a workforce with diverse perspectives and experiences, we encourage applications from individuals with demonstrated knowledge of and relevant abilities working with culturally diverse communities. As an Employer of National Service, we also welcome alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service programs.

 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Establish and provide leadership for the implementation and assessment of metadata services that support research efforts across the University; monitor, measure, and assess the success of these services. For example, consulting on discipline-specific schemas for individual faculty or research groups managing data.

• Consult and recommend potential metadata integration points, metadata elements and schemas, controlled vocabularies and digital identifiers to be leveraged across multiple campus and Libraries systems.

• Regularly evaluate metadata schemas, elements and their implementations to achieve optimal discoverability of the Libraries’ unique digital collections that are distributed across multiple repository platforms and discovery services.

• Participate in and contribute to the strategic work of the Office of Digital Innovation and Stewardship. For example, collaborate with Library and Press staff to disseminate University research and scholarship.

·         If hired in the librarian, continuing-status track position, this position actively contributes to the library profession through research, service and scholarship, and engages in faculty governance of the Libraries and the University through service in the Library Faculty Assembly and on appropriate University committees. As a faculty member, this individual will help to develop innovative approaches to enhancing student engagement, increasing diversity, and expanding collaborations with community and business partners.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in library/information science from an ALA-accredited institution; or other relevant advanced degree; OR relevant combination of education and experience. (Title and eligibility for assignment to a continuing-eligible or year-to-year appointment will depend on the degree of the successful candidate.)

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work in a highly collaborative and inclusive environment, one that values and leverages the benefits of diverse perspectives.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with Dublin Core-based descriptive metadata schemas, practices and standards.

• Demonstrated ability to apply metadata schemas and emerging standards of practice.

• Knowledge of discovery tools and metadata practices supporting discovery, specifically in both a library and research context.

·         Knowledge of academic library roles in support of data management and data management planning, including metadata support.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Initiative, optimism, flexibility, and follow through.

• Ability to identify opportunities and capitalize upon them.

• Ability to advocate, influence, and persuade others.

• Excellent analytical, time management, organizational, and creative problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively with programmers and web developers.

• Knowledge of current scholarly communications challenges, trends and issues.

• Experience with repository technologies, such as DSpace and CONTENTdm.

• Knowledge of current practices for digital preservation, including preservation metadata schemas and practices, such as PREMIS.

• Knowledge of current practices for digital identifiers, such as ORCID and DOI.

• Knowledge of METS, MODS, MARC and RDA.

• Knowledge of EAD and TEI.

• Knowledge of RDF and Linked Data.

• Knowledge of ONIX.

 

Salary/Benefits:  DOE; full benefits. Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; state and optional retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

 

Opened: 01/05/2016. First Review of applications begins on 02/04/2016. Closes:  Open Until Filled.  Applying by the first review date ensures your application materials are reviewed.

 

To Apply:  Go to The University of Arizona’s job board and application system and search for Job # A20430 or quicklink to https://uacareers.com/postings/6829 . Completely fill in the application form, and be prepared to attach a resume and letter of interest that describes how your experience and qualifications are fitting for this position.  Application materials mailed/emailed to the department will not be accepted.  The UA conducts pre-employment screenings for all positions, including work history, academic, criminal and driver’s license checks.  For questions regarding The UA Careers application system contact: 520-621-3662; TDD 621-8299 (M-F 8-5).  For questions about the Libraries or status of the posting, contact Glenda Hendrickson, Library HR, 520-621-6429 or ghendric@email.arizona.edu.  The University of Arizona is an Equal Employment Opportunity – Affirmative Action Employer-M/W/D/V.