Head of Metadata and Cataloging
Job Summary
The Head of Metadata and Cataloging provides administrative and operational leadership for metadata and cataloging services across Smith College Libraries. This position is responsible for planning, supervising, assessing, and directing metadata and cataloging operations for general collections.
Essential Functions
Lead batch loading, record import, bulk update, and metadata cleanup workflows for library resources.
Analyze, correct, and maintain bibliographic, holdings, item, and related metadata to improve access, discoverability, and data consistency.
Develop, implement, document, and refine workflows, policies, and procedures for metadata maintenance, record processing, and data quality review.
Maintain current knowledge of metadata standards, descriptive practices, and tools used in metadata creation and management.
Ensure that metadata and cataloging practices support accurate representation, discoverability, and long-term stewardship of library resources.
Oversee metadata-related record workflows, data quality practices, and bibliographic, holdings, and inventory maintenance in FOLIO and related metadata environments.
Collaborate on metadata publishing and data flows between systems of record and discovery environments, while relying on Discovery and Systems colleagues for technical infrastructure, platform administration, and discovery-layer configuration.
Identify and resolve metadata and data integrity issues affecting the representation and discoverability of library resources, escalating technical systems issues as appropriate.
Use tools and technologies for bulk editing, reporting, analysis, and metadata transformation.
Assess the operational impact of system, vendor, and workflow changes affecting metadata, cataloging, and resource representation.
Work collaboratively with cataloging and metadata colleagues, archivists, programmers, IT staff, faculty, and other library colleagues to implement metadata standards and data practices.
Develop documentation, decision logs, and training materials to support sustainable workflows and responsible systems changes.
Provide consultation and guidance to library staff on metadata tools, batch workflows, and data quality practices.
Collaborate with departments and teams across Smith College Libraries on metadata creation and maintenance for digital collections, institutional repository materials, and other local projects.
Represent the library in relevant campus, consortial, and professional committees or working groups related to metadata, cataloging, and library data management.
Establish priorities, goals, assignments, policies, and procedures for metadata and cataloging services in collaboration with the Director of Collections, Discovery, and Systems.
Provide administrative oversight for metadata and cataloging services, including workflow planning, problem solving, assessment, and decision-making related to operational needs.
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 unit and library, including setting priorities, allocating resources, and addressing operational challenges.
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.
Minimum Qualifications
Master's degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
3+ years of relevant experience in metadata, cataloging, technical services, library systems, digital collections, repository work, or comparable structured-data work.
Demonstrated experience working with batch processes, structured data, imports or exports, bulk editing, metadata cleanup, or related data maintenance workflows.
Experience working with at least one library services platform, discovery service, repository platform, or comparable data management environment.
Knowledge of metadata and cataloging standards, including MARC and RDA, or demonstrated ability to learn and apply library metadata standards quickly.
Demonstrated ability to analyze problems, document workflows, manage detailed work accurately, and exercise sound judgment when making changes that affect access or discovery.
Demonstrated supervisory, management, or equivalent administrative experience in a collaborative environment.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusivity, accessibility, and reparative metadata practices.
Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Preferred Qualification
5+ years of experience preferred.
Experience working with FOLIO, EBSCO Discovery Service, or other library management and discovery platforms.
Experience in a consortial, shared-catalog, or multi-institution environment.
Experience with authority control, database maintenance, and metadata quality review.
Experience establishing or revising workflows, local practices, or policies for metadata and cataloging operations.
Experience using tools for bulk editing, scripting, reporting, SQL, spreadsheets, OpenRefine, MarcEdit, or metadata transformation.
Experience developing documentation, training materials, or repeatable operational workflows.
Supervisory or team coordination experience.
Experience working with digital collections, institutional repositories, or vendor-supplied metadata.
Knowledge of a language other than English.
Skills
Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities to address metadata and cataloging challenges.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex, detailed work with attention to accuracy, consistency, and the downstream effects of systems changes.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information effectively to diverse audiences.
Ability to organize and prioritize work effectively in a small-team environment.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
Enthusiasm for troubleshooting, workflow improvement, and learning new tools and technologies.
Ability to utilize technologies and tools for metadata creation and management, including bulk editing, automation techniques, and programmatic methods.