Head of Metadata Services and Strategies

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at [email protected].

Job Description

Job Summary

The Head of Metadata Services and Strategies provides strategic leadership and hands-on expertise for the Cataloging and Metadata Services unit, which focuses on general collections. Reporting to the Director of Collections, Discovery, and Systems, this role is responsible for managing metadata operations and staff while actively participating in the creation and maintenance of high-quality metadata for all resources. The Head collaborates closely with the Head of Collection Strategies and other managers, serving as a member of the Managers’ Team. In a small team environment, the Head will engage directly in metadata work, implement metadata standards and best practices, collaborate on cross-functional projects, provide expertise on emerging trends, and align metadata services with the library’s strategic objectives. The Head will champion inclusive practices and promote diversity within metadata services and the broader library community.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College’s efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions

Metadata Strategy and Operations (50%)

• Create and maintain high-quality metadata for all resources.
• Develop and implement long-term strategic plans for metadata services in alignment with the library’s mission.
• Work with team members and the Director of Collections, Discovery, and Systems to establish annual goals, metadata policies, procedures, and workflows.
• Provide regular reports and collaborate on decisions about workflow changes, projects, and assignments.
• Maintain expertise with metadata standards and digital technologies, monitoring trends in metadata services.
• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of metadata services.

Collaboration and Project Management (20%)

• Lead and participate in cross-functional metadata projects with units within Collections, Discovery, and Systems and other departments both internal and external
• (e.g., special collections, museums, botanic gardens, and consortial partners).
• Work collaboratively with metadata and catalog librarians, archivists, programmers, IT staff, and faculty to implement and promote metadata standards and services.
• Collaborate with other Smith College Libraries departments and teams on metadata creation for digital collections and institutional repository.
• Represent the library in consortial partnerships and professional committees to advance metadata services and ensure consistency across institutions.

People Management (20%)

• Manage one or more direct reports in regular and/or fixed-term roles within an organization comprising of union-affiliated staff
• Accountable for hiring, development/coaching, and performance-related decisions, with support from Human Resources.
• Make informed decisions impacting the team and college, including setting priorities, allocating resources, and solving problems.
• Address conflicts and challenges within the team to promote a positive work environment.
• Effectively communicate expectations, provide feedback, and ensure alignment with departmental goals.
• Develop a service-focused culture and foster positive labor relations in a union environment.
• Set the tone for employee relations and engagement, ensuring that the workforce is positioned to meet the college’s operational needs while creating an environment where all workers are treated with dignity and respect.
• Build and lead a high-performing team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Training and Professional Development (10%)

• Offer workshops and instruction to library staff, faculty, and students on metadata standards and best practices.
• Mentor and support the professional growth of the cataloging librarian and other team members.
• Encourage staff participation in professional development opportunities.
• Keep department staff informed and current on key technical developments in the field and participate in national, regional, and local collaborative programs.
• All employees are expected to participate in the College’s efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses)

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years of experience in metadata management or related fields, preferably in an academic library with a focus on general collections.
• At least 2 years of supervisory or management experience, preferably in a small team setting.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in creating and managing metadata in both MARC and non-MARC formats.
• Strong knowledge of metadata standards (MARC, BIBFRAME, RDA, Dublin Core, MODS, linked data).
• Experience with integrated library systems/library management systems (ILS/LMS) and discovery platforms.
• Proven leadership and team management skills with the ability to inspire and motivate staff.
• Project management and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity in library services and interactions.

Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of cataloging tools such as Resource Description and Access (RDA), Anglo-American Cataloging Rules (AACR2r), Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), Library of Congress Classification (LCC), and MARC21 formats for bibliographic and authority data.
• Experience with batch loading processes and tools.
• Expertise in authority control and database maintenance.
• Knowledge of trends in metadata management and digital libraries.
• Experience working with collections in an academic environment.
• Familiarity with FOLIO library services platform.
• Proficiency with SQL queries, particularly using PostgreSQL, and experience with tools like DBeaver for report writing.
• Experience with data visualization software such as Tableau.

Skills

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities to address complex metadata challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex metadata and cataloging projects with attention to detail, accuracy, and adherence to standards and procedures.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information effectively to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and build consensus.
• Ability to work effectively in a small team environment, balancing leadership responsibilities with hands-on work.
• Commitment to staying abreast of emerging trends and technologies in metadata and digital libraries.
• Familiarity with current metadata standards including BIBFRAME, RDA, Dublin Core, EAD, MODS, METS, RDF, and emerging data standards, and ability to apply these standards to metadata workflows and outcomes.
• Ability to utilize technologies and tools for metadata creation and management, such as bulk editing, automation techniques, and programmatic methods.

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About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts.  A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at [email protected].

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of  equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty.  The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.