Yale Library seeks a dynamic and collaborative Metadata Operations Specialist to join the Metadata Services Unit (MSU) within the Resource Discovery Services (RDS) department. Reporting to the MSU Manager, the Metadata Operations Specialist will work closely with colleagues across departments, metadata policy committees, and national and international professional networks to design, implement, and maintain innovative metadata workflows and technologies that align with Yale’s strategic priorities.
This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of metadata operations at Yale Library, balancing a commitment to innovation with a strong service orientation. One of the library’s strategic directions is to ensure broad access to the scholarly and cultural record, and this role is critical to advancing that goal, which depends on metadata standardization, data quality, and interoperability across multiple systems.
The Metadata Operations Specialist will help lead efforts to enhance metadata quality and support metadata governance, including developing strategies to transition from legacy data formats to linked open data standards such as BIBFRAME. This position requires a strong understanding of metadata standards and familiarity with systems and procedures for authority control, entity management, and knowledge organization, including the Library of Congress Authorities and Vocabularies, VIAF, and Wikidata. The incumbent will play a key role in implementing and managing integrated authority control within the Alma Library Services Platform, ensuring that entities and identities in Yale discovery systems are represented accurately and ethically, while advocating for metadata best practices across the organization.
In this role, the Metadata Operations Specialist will leverage technical expertise to develop and execute automated solutions for metadata transformation and reconciliation. Usage of scripting languages such as Python and query languages such as SQL, SPARQL, or XQuery, as well as metadata tools and APIs, will be important for optimizing workflows and driving efficiency in metadata operations. The incumbent will also explore and recommend innovative technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning methods, to advance metadata processes and support the library’s evolving metadata ecosystem.
Collaboration is a cornerstone of this position. The Metadata Operations Specialist will engage with metadata creators and stakeholders, Library IT, and external partners to ensure the adoption of effective metadata standards and practices. The incumbent will represent Yale Library in regional and national professional organizations, integrating emerging trends and best practices into local workflows. Additionally, the specialist will design and deliver training programs and create documentation to enhance metadata expertise and build capacity across the library and in the broader profession.
The Metadata Services Unit follows a hybrid work schedule based on operational needs, in which staff may work remotely two days a week and on site for three. Yale Library reviews work schedules annually.
This position will be assigned a rank of Librarian 1 to Librarian 3. Yale University assigns ranks to librarian positions based on a combination of professional experience and accomplishments. Librarian ranking information can be found HERE.
Required Education and Experience: 1. Master’s degree from an ALA‐accredited library school. In selected instances, a post‐graduate degree in a related discipline may be required or substituted for a master’s degree in library science. 2. Demonstrated record of designing projects and bringing them to conclusion in a timely fashion. 3. Demonstrated excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications and analytical ability; accuracy and attention to detail. 4. Experience working collegially and cooperatively within and across organizations. 5. Experience working collaboratively and independently with varied groups within a complex organization and rapidly changing, team environment.
