Metadata Coordinator

Responsibilities:  Reporting to the Head of Metadata and Bibliographic Services, the successful candidate will work closely with the Digital Services and Special Collections Departments to provide leadership and support in metadata creation, maintenance and enhancement for digital resources. This incumbent will also develop approaches to ensure the quality and consistency of metadata in core library systems; translate metadata among different formats and integrate metadata from a variety of sources; be responsible for exploring, evaluating and recommending alternative metadata and emerging technologies that can be applied in the libraries’ broader discovery environment; participate in reviewing, developing and implementing metadata application policies and procedures; lead projects, workflow design and training involving metadata and use of metadata in digital repositories and other discovery systems; assist in loading or batch loading of electronic theses and dissertations into the library catalog; keep current with trends, innovations and best practices affecting library metadata and digital collections. The Metadata Coordinator will initially supervise one classified staff position.

The Libraries support the ongoing professional development of librarians and our goal is to recruit librarians committed to continuous learning.  Librarians hold academic ranks pursuant to the University of Houston Librarians’ Governance document.  They are expected to develop a record of service and professional involvement.

The UH Libraries’ Strategic Directions 2010-2013 focuses on supporting research and scholarly productivity, building dynamic partnerships, fostering academic success through innovative services, and enhancing user experience through technology.  The complete document is available at:  http://info.lib.uh.edu/sites/default/files/docs/strategic_directions.pdf .  The Strategic Directions draw on and support an ambitious set of goals adopted by the University ( http://www.uh.edu/about/mission/goals/index.php ).  We seek to recruit librarians who can relate their work to these strategies and understand their role in advancing these strategic imperatives.

Qualifications:  Required: Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited library program. Relevant practical experience with and MARC and non-MARC metadata in a library environment; experience with XML-based standards such as Dublin Core, EAD, MODS, VRA Core, METS, and PREMIS; experience with ContentDM, DSpace or other digital collection management systems; knowledge of cataloging rules and standards for bibliographic and authority data; ability to work effectively, independently, and collaboratively in a collegial environment; excellent communication skills; demonstrated leadership or project management experience in a work setting.   Preferred: Minimum of two years relevant professional experience; familiarity with archival description and practices; experience with creation and management of digital objects in various text, audio and visual formats; knowledge of the emerging cataloging rules, standards and concepts (RDA and FRBR); knowledge of linked data and semantic web concepts.

Salary:  $58,000 to $62,000 expected hiring range, depending on qualifications and experience. Comprehensive benefits package; choice of retirement programs including TIAA-CREF; tax deferred annuity program available; release time to take a class up to 3 hours/week; no state or local income tax.           

Library Information:  The UH Libraries are a member of the Association of Research Libraries, the Greater Western Library Alliance, and the Texas Digital Library.  The Libraries hold over 2.1 million volumes.  Total staff includes 48 professionals and approximately 110 support staff.  Additional information available at: http://info.lib.uh.edu

General Information:  The University of Houston campus comprises 13 colleges and schools offering close to 80 degree programs with an enrollment exceeding 38,000 students, 7,200 of whom are enrolled in graduate studies.  Reflecting the multicultural community of metropolitan Houston, UH is one of the most ethnically diverse research university campuses in the nation.  Houston, the fourth largest city in the United States, offers all the cultural and recreational opportunities of a great city and is within easy reach of the Gulf of Mexico.  It enjoys a very reasonable cost of living and was rated eighth among livable North American cities by Places Rated Almanac.

For additional information, including information about Houston's housing market, flourishing arts scene, and entertainment offerings, please see the greater Houston Partnership web site at: http://www.houston.org/ and the My Houston site: http://www.visithoustontexas.com/myhouston/

Application Deadline:  Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  Send letter of application, names and contact information for 3 references, and resume to Damon Camille, Training, Assessment, and Statistics Coordinator, University of Houston, 114 University Libraries, Houston, Texas 77204-2000.  Applications may also be submitted by email to: dcamille@uh.edu.  Potential applicants seeking further information should contact John Lehner, Associate Dean for Personnel, Planning, and Systems, at 713-743-9801 or jlehner@uh.edu

THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER.  MINORITIES, WOMEN, VETERANS AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.