The George Mason University Libraries is looking for a Metadata Specialist to join the Metadata Services team. George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason’s academic and culturally inclusive environment.

About the Position:

Metadata Services (MS) receives and provides in-depth cataloging and high quality description for the University Libraries and for national bibliographic databases of research materials acquired by the University Libraries in all formats, and in numerous languages. The bibliographic descriptions serve as the official record of research materials owned by the University Libraries and the record keeping of such is used to disseminate accurate holdings reports to the University and national organizations. MS oversees metadata creation across multiple departments within the University Libraries and works closely with Digital Systems & Services (DSS), Special Collections Research Center (SCRC), and Learning, Research, & Engagement (LRE) units to ensure accurate metadata that can be re-purposed for multiple uses and systems. The department also performs ongoing bibliographic and authority maintenance of the records in these databases as well as physical processing for these materials.

This key staff position focuses on the creation, editing, and maintenance of the Libraries’ metadata, which includes image and audiovisual collections, digital exhibits, materials stored in the institutional repository (Mason Archival Repository Service, or MARS), and other metadata projects as assigned. The Metadata Specialist will work closely with the Metadata Librarian and the SCRC to create and maintain standardized, accessible metadata throughout the Libraries. This position will also participate in quality control efforts for digital collections and other forms of metadata as well as reparative metadata work to remedy harmful descriptions. This position may also create and maintain authority information in national and local bibliographic databases, and participate in digitization and data management efforts.

Required Qualifications:

Applicants should bring the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to this position:
 

 

Bachelor’s degree or significant equivalent library experience (2-3 years preferred) which provides candidate with basic understanding of academic library functions;
Knowledge of current library technical services practices;
Ability to work with Windows computers and Microsoft Word and Excel;
Effective interpersonal and communication skills;
Ability to work both in a team and independently;
Well-developed analytical and problem solving skills;
Exercises good judgment and capable of accurate and detail-oriented work; and
Familiarity with at least one non-MARC metadata standard (e.g. Dublin Core, EAD, MODS, etc.).


Preferred Qualifications:

The following education and/or skill sets are preferred:
 

Previous cataloging and/or technical services experience in a library setting;
Working knowledge of metadata creation and editing tools and systems (e.g. XML, Oxygen XML Editor, OpenRefine, MARCEdit);
Experience with digital repository/library software such as DSpace, Luna, Omeka, ArchivesSpace, etc.; and
Experience working with controlled vocabularies and classification systems such as LCSH, LCC, AAT, Homosaurus, etc.


The George Mason University library system, comprised of a large central library and three other distinctive libraries, is located on three campuses in the Northern Virginia-metropolitan Washington, D.C., region. Serving an R1 university, the Mason Libraries pursues an ambitious programmatic agenda in all areas that are key to a 21st century academic research library – innovative technologies and services, expert library faculty and skilled staff members, growing collections, digital scholarship, publishing, modern facilities, and transformational partnerships. For more information, visit us at https://library.gmu.edu.

Special Instructions to Applicants

All applications for this position (00339Z) MUST be submitted online at George Mason’s employment page (https://jobs.gmu.edu). Applicants must submit application, cover letter, resume, and the names, addresses (including e-mail), and phone numbers of three current references.

Questions should be directed to Della Patrick ([log in to unmask]) or Diana Tippett ([log in to unmask]), Office of the Dean of Libraries. Review of applications will begin August 12, 2022.


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