Job Title

Position overview Metadata LibrarianLibrary of the University of California, Davis Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $80,349-$116,671. Open date: July 21, 2025 Most recent review date: Sunday, Jan 11, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled. Final date: Sunday, May 31, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled. Position description Overview of the role The Library of the University of California (UC), Davis, seeks a forward-looking and entrepreneurial professional to join our team as the Metadata Librarian and advance the library's efforts to transform and improve discovery of library resources, collection management, and the organization and curation of data. Reporting to the Head of Content Support Services, this position will take a strategic role in leading the library into a world of Linked Data in production, reconceiving metadata creation and attendant workflows (such as Name Authority Cooperative Program (NACO) authority work, metadata enrichment, and data cleanup projects) to take advantage of emerging opportunities in metadata sharing. The UC Davis Library has implemented cataloging in BIBFRAME for several types of materials and is committed to being an early adopter of Linked Data in all aspects of its metadata production and management. The Metadata Librarian will provide intellectual and professional leadership around metadata best practices for both traditional library collections as well as emerging and potential areas of curation, including data acquired to support digital scholarship and data created by campus researchers. In addition to performing original cataloging and serving as the library's liaison to NACO and the Cooperative Online Serials Program (CONSER), this role will manage cataloging projects and collaborate closely with the Head of the Metadata Creation and Discovery Unit (MCDU) to provide training and consultation for MCDU team members. As a member of the Content Support Services Department, the incumbent collaborates with others in the Scholarly Resources division to plan and coordinate policies, procedures, workflows, and projects. Important policy notes This is not an H-1B opportunity. The University will not offer sponsorship for this position. The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate that they are legally authorized to work in the United States. About UC Davis and UC Davis Library The University of California, Davis, is a global community of individuals united to better humanity and our natural world while seeking solutions to some of our most pressing challenges. Located near Sacramento, California's capital, UC Davis has more than 39,000 students, the full-time equivalent of 4,100 faculty and other academics and researchers, and 17,400 other personnel. The university has an annual sponsored research budget of over $960 million, includes a major academic health system, and over two dozen specialized research centers. It is recognized as a top public university with strong rankings in agriculture, biology, engineering, and the sciences. The UC Davis Library is ranked among the top academic research libraries in North America and participates in programs such as PCC, CONSER, NACO, and SACO. The library uses Ex Libris Alma and Primo VE, and is actively engaged in Linked Data initiatives, transitioning bibliographic data and operations from MARC to Linked Data. The successful candidate will have a strong foundation in bibliographic description rules, standards, and tools; be committed to collaborative problem-solving; demonstrate an appetite for emerging technologies such as Linked Data; and develop innovative solutions to complex problems. The work location for this position is principally on campus, with some flexibility to work remotely per applicable Library policy. Culture and inclusion At UC Davis, we are committed to building an inclusive community that values diversity and shared purpose. We encourage applicants to apply even if they do not meet every listed qualification. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. Policy details: Anti-Discrimination and related policies are available on the UC website. Position Responsibilities Under the general supervision of the Head of Content Support Services, the incumbent will: Create metadata for a diverse range of materials and oversee quality control for previously cataloged content Resolve complex metadata and database quality problems referred by colleagues Provide training and consultation for colleagues, especially the Metadata Creation and Discovery Unit Work with the Head of Content Support Services to set priorities for metadata creation and processing of new materials Serve as the library's NACO and CONSER liaison Design, oversee, and participate in bibliographic database cleanup and enrichment projects Oversee aspects of bibliographic database management related to large-scale relocation projects, including updating metadata records to contemporary standards for off-site storage Provide leadership in transitioning the library to a Linked Data metadata creation environment, including testing cataloging environments and interfaces, managing related projects, and training staff in post-MARC metadata production May oversee or participate in other Linked Data initiatives Maintain knowledge of current resource description standards and tools Contribute to the work of the Library through committees, task forces, and other collaborative projects Participate in national and international professional organizations and activities Engage in research, scholarship, or teaching as an academic appointee, including peer review and dissemination Carry out other duties as assigned Salary and Benefits Rank and salary: Associate Librarian, Salary Point 1, to Associate Librarian, Salary Point 15, $80,349 to $116,671. Appointment rank and salary based on qualifications and experience. The incumbent will be a member of the LX Collective Bargaining Unit represented by UC-AFT. Benefits: UC offers health and retirement benefits. Librarians are academic appointees with vacation, sick leave, and holidays. See the UC compensation and benefits website for details. Application Information Candidates applying by August 24, 2025 will receive first consideration. The position will remain open until filled. See the library careers page for posting and information about working at UC Davis Library. Please include a letter of interest addressing qualifications and experience, a Curriculum Vitae, and names and contact information for at least four references. This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks. UC Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law. Application link: Help contact: Qualifications Basic qualifications (required at time of application) Graduate degree in library science from an ALA-accredited institution or equivalent Minimum five years' professional metadata creation experience with library materials Experience creating and/or editing NACO records and authority control Interest in exploring new technologies to enhance services Knowledge of standards and tools related to resource description and access (e.g., BIBFRAME, RDA/RDF) and identity management (VIAF, ORCID) Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a diverse environment Ability to coordinate multiple projects Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills in a production environment Excellent interpersonal and communication skills Commitment to ongoing professional development Comfort with ambiguity Strong service orientation and focus on user needs Preferred qualifications Experience with official RDA guidelines Proficiency with metadata analysis and transformation tools (e.g., OpenRefine, MarcEdit) and scripting (Python, XSLT) Experience using OCLC cataloging services and tools Experience with the Alma system Working knowledge of another language besides English Experience creating controlled vocabularies Experience cataloging within a consortium environment Experience with non-MARC metadata standards Experience using RESTful APIs in metadata workflows Familiarity with semantic technologies (RDF, ontologies, SPARQL) Mentoring library school interns Commitment to fostering an inclusive environment Ability to meet UC criteria for appointment and advancement in the Librarian Series Evidence of scholarship or teaching in an academic appointment Application Requirements Document requirements: Curriculum Vitae Cover Letter Authorization to Release Information Form (required for all academic recruitments) Reference requirements 4-6 references required (contact information only). After final interviews, Library HR will contact top-ranked finalists to verify permission to contact references. Apply here: Help contact: Job location Davis, CA #J-18808-Ljbffr