Metadata Systems Librarian for Non-Latin Script Resources

UVA Library is seeking a Metadata Systems Librarian for Non-Latin Script Resources in the Metadata and Discovery Services (MDS) department. This role develops, implements, and advances computational and semi-automated approaches for creating and enhancing bibliographic metadata for non-Latin script resources, aligning with the strategic priorities of the Scholarly Resource & Content Strategy (SRCS) division and the University of Virginia Library.

About the University of Virginia Library

The University of Virginia Library ensures the University community has the information it needs for teaching, research, and enrichment. Regularly ranked in the top quartile of ARL libraries, UVA Library has six locations, over 220 staff members, and more than 100 student employees. As a major research institution, the library collaborates with professional organizations such as the Virtual Library of Virginia (VIVA), Virginia Library Association, and the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL). The Library is committed to a culture of mutual respect, civility, cooperation, mindfulness, accountability, and acceptance of individual differences.

Responsibilities

• Metadata Systems Development & Algorithmic Workflows – 40%
  • Collaborate with Library IT and development teams to design and support algorithms and semi-automated tools for generating and enhancing metadata for non-Latin script resources.
  • Develop, implement, and maintain metadata workflows for transliteration, translation, normalization, and romanization standards for bibliographic titles across multiple non-Latin scripts to support metadata quality, authority control, linked data integration, and multilingual resource discovery.
  • Utilize scripting tools and software (e.g., Python) to process, transform, and analyze metadata.
  • Support development of systems that align vernacular script data with Romanized or translated metadata fields.
  • Assist in testing and evaluating algorithmic outputs for accuracy, consistency, and alignment with cataloging standards.
• Metadata Management & Standards Integration – 30%
  • Collaborate with cataloging and metadata staff to integrate machine-assisted metadata into bibliographic systems, including MARC21 records and non-MARC schemas.
  • Apply cataloging principles, including MARC21 structure, RDA, and authority control, to computational workflows.
  • Assist in developing validation and quality control workflows for metadata creation.
  • Support crosswalking, mapping, and normalization of metadata across systems.
  • Contribute to documentation of standards, workflows, and local practices.
• Collaboration & Cross-Functional Engagement – 20%
  • Work closely with Cataloging Librarians, Metadata Librarians, and IT professionals to identify priorities for multilingual metadata creation.
  • Provide expertise on non-Latin scripts, transliteration standards (e.g., ALA-LC Romanization), and multilingual discovery.
  • Participate in planning improvements to metadata workflows and discovery systems.
  • Communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and support collaborative problem-solving.
• Professional Activities – 10%
  • Engage in professional development related to metadata systems, multilingual processing, and digital libraries.
  • Contribute to experimental and pilot initiatives involving AI-assisted metadata generation.
  • Participate in national and international practice communities.
  • Contribute documentation, presentations, or publications in relevant areas.

Requirements

The library will hire in one of the following job profiles based on qualifications and experience:

• Librarian II
  • Master’s degree in library science from an ALA-accredited program or relevant graduate degree.
  • Experience equivalency substitution: Bachelor’s degree plus 4 years of relevant experience.
  • 4–9 years of post-degree/professional experience equivalency.
• Librarian III
  • Master’s degree in library science from an ALA-accredited program or relevant graduate degree.
  • Experience equivalency substitution: Bachelor’s degree plus 4 years of relevant experience.
  • 9+ years of professional experience.

Qualifications

• Experience with library metadata and descriptive cataloging standards, systems, and tools (e.g., MARC and non-MARC schemas, RDA, OCLC Connexion), including original and complex cataloging of non-Latin script resources using LCSH and PCC standards.
• Working knowledge of one or more non-Latin script languages (e.g., Arabic, Persian, or Indic) and experience with multilingual metadata, authority control, and transliteration/romanization standards.
• Experience creating, enhancing, normalizing, and remediating metadata for non-Latin script resources acquired through diverse acquisition channels.
• Curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace emerging technologies, applying them to enhance metadata quality, operational efficiency, and user discovery.
• Knowledge of linked data and semantic web technologies (e.g., BIBFRAME, RDF, SPARQL, schema.org) and experience with automation and scripting tools (e.g., Python) to transform and analyze metadata.

The UVA Library welcomes candidates with a broad range of experiences, with particular interest in those possessing non-Latin language proficiency, and encourages applications from individuals who may not meet all preferred qualifications.

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary position involving extensive use of desktop computers. Occasional travel to attend meetings or programs may be required.

Pay

• Librarian II: $75,000 – $85,000
• Librarian III: $85,000 – $95,000

Schedule

This is an exempt-level, benefited position based in Charlottesville, VA, designated as hybrid. The successful candidate will be eligible for remote work up to two days per week after a probationary period.