Metadata Architect

The Metadata Architect provides leadership and support for metadata services for the Duke University Libraries’ (DUL) digital projects and repository. She/he conceptualizes, plans, and implements descriptive framework and practices for the Libraries' digital collections program and other initiatives. The Metadata Architect serves as the leader in the library for adopting technologies related to creation and use of metadata, and for standardizing descriptive metadata practice across formats, projects, and programs, to facilitate digital preservation, and the interoperability of discovery environments both within and outside of DUL. 

Responsibilities

• Designs, documents, guides, and manages the processes and schemas for provision of metadata for digital projects and repository collections to enhance accessibility for users.
• Develops, maintains, and communicates an intellectual framework for description of digital objects across projects, programs, and initiatives.
• Following guidelines established with stakeholders, provides description of digital objects in a variety of contexts.
• Employs or develops software tools and scripts to manage and migrate existing metadata sets, or to transform, tidy, and curate raw descriptive data, according to the needs of individual projects.
• Explores and adopts advanced schemes or tools for metadata creation and use, automated extraction, or geospatial analysis.
• Works closely with project stakeholders to develop appropriate metadata profiles and levels of detail for digital projects and repository collections.
• Consults with library groups that oversee digital initiatives to ensure consistency in descriptive metadata practices.
• Reviews, recommends, and provides functional ownership for software platforms and tools related to the creation of metadata.
• Coordinates and/or carries out training for metadata providers and data entry staff.
• Serves on or leads committees related to digital projects in the library.
• Maintains knowledge and awareness of technology trends and evaluates their impact on applications used in the DUL.
• Conducts and contributes to departmental outreach when needed, such as presentations, exhibits, and publications.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• May supervise students, interns, and entry-level staff.

Qualifications

It is the expectation that all Duke University Libraries staff members will demonstrate exceptional workplace behaviors in the execution of their specific position responsibilities. These behaviors are customer focus, collaboration, creative problem solving, continuous learning and a commitment to diversity. 

Education:

Required:  Master’s degree in Information or Library Science from an ALA-accredited program, or relevant combination of education and experience.

Experience:

Required:

• Two to four years or prior experience working in an academic research library;
• Working knowledge of metadata standards, such as MARC, Dublin Core, METS, MODS, EAD, EAC-CPF, PREMIS, and/or TEI;
• Demonstrated skills with tools for data manipulation, such as Open Refine, XSLT, or a scripting language such as Perl, Ruby, or Python;
• Experience with the workflows and practices associated with library digitization projects;
• Excellent time management and project management skills;
• Effective interpersonal, written and oral communication skills;
• Demonstrated ability to manage a complex workload, prioritize tasks and use good judgment in providing services based on goals with minimum supervision;
• Ability to establish and build collaborative working relationships with a wide range of people;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a team environment.
• Demonstrated creativity and ability to follow and anticipate developing technologies;

Preferred:

• Familiarity with content standards such as DACS, AACR2, or RDA; familiarity with Semantic Web, Linked Data, Encoded Archival Description, and RDF;
• Experience managing collections in Fedora Commons, CONTENTdm or another, similar platform.

 Working Conditions

• Must be able to work in an environment in which exposure to materials containing dust and mold is possible
• Normal office environment
• Occasional travel required

These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.

Salary and Benefits

Salary dependent on qualifications and experience. Comprehensive benefits package includes 15 days vacation, 13 holidays, 12 days sick leave; health, dental, disability and life insurance and support for professional development and training.

Environment

Since its founding in 1924, Duke University has grown into one of the most prestigious private universities in the world and its medical center ranks annually among the top in the nation. The Duke University Libraries are the shared center of the university's intellectual life, connecting people and ideas. The Libraries consist of the William R. Perkins Library and its branches: Rare Book, Manuscript and Special Collections, Biological and Environmental Sciences, Lilly, and Music and the library at the Duke Marine Laboratory in Beaufort.  Duke’s library holdings of 6.1 million volumes are among the largest of private universities in the United States.

Duke's hometown is Durham, North Carolina, a city with vibrant research, medical and arts communities, and numerous shops, restaurants and theaters. Durham is located in the Research Triangle, a growing metropolitan area of more than one million people that provides a wide range of cultural, recreational and educational opportunities. The Triangle is conveniently located just a few hours from the mountains and the coast, offers a moderate climate, and has been ranked among the best places to live and to do business.

Duke offers a comprehensive benefit packages which includes both traditional benefits such as health insurance, leave time and retirement, as well as wide ranging work/life and cultural benefits. Details can be found at:  http://www.hr.duke.edu/benefits/index.php.

Application

An electronic resume, cover letter, and list of 3 references should be submitted at http://www.hr.duke.edu/jobs/main.html - refer to Requisition # 400951472.  Review of applications will begin in early May and will continue until the position is filled.

Applications which are missing any of the components listed above will not be reviewed. 

Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual’s age, color, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The Duke University Libraries have a strong commitment to Affirmative Action and is actively seeking to increase the racial and ethnic diversity of our staff.