Metadata Services Manager

The Metadata Services Manager is part of the Collection Services team at Vanderbilt University and has shared responsibility to make accessible the resources needed to support teaching, learning, and research. This position oversees the work to streamline and automate the creation and ingestion of appropriate metadata to ensure barrier-free access to library resources in all formats. In collaboration with other departmental managers and utilizing knowledge of physical and electronic resources, sets local policies that prioritize metadata relevant to user search behavior. This position will work with other department managers to investigate, propose, and implement workflows to increase efficiencies between units, especially through the use of programming or scripting languages, tools embedded in the library management system, or APIs. Participates in the work needed to accurately describe materials following established standards and the local policies and practice. 

About the Work Unit: 

The Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries at Vanderbilt University comprises nine libraries, as well as service departments in core services, digital scholarship & scholarly communications, information technology and digital services, and teaching & learning. We seek to create a welcoming environment and serve as a partner in teaching, learning and research. The libraries are dynamic places for faculty, staff, students, and alumni to reflect and discover. We also strive to be a workplace in which staff at every level continuously grow in knowledge and skills, staying abreast of advances and trends in librarianship to power relevant, vibrant research libraries. The Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries are fundamental to the university's goal of advancing scholarship and learning. We collect, preserve, and make accessible a wide variety of resources, we partner with faculty and students to shape research, and we encourage the development of informed scholars and engaged citizens.

Within Collection Strategy, the Metadata Services unit is responsible for creating and managing metadata for library collections in all formats, improving user discovery experience, and collaborating with Acquisitions, Eresources, and other metadata units to determine local workflow and practice. 

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Utilizing knowledge of system-wide needs and current trends in the profession, lead the work performed by the Metadata unit, providing support, supervision, and coordination within and outside the unit. 
• Identify and implement evidence-based workflow solutions to streamline the work and ensure that resources are discoverable in library systems in a timely manner. 
• Collaborate with other library units to create interconnected workflows that benefit the user and support the University's mission and goals. 
• Develops and implements automation scripts and/or programs for ongoing or one-time data cleanup and enhancement processes.
• Enhances the user experience with library discovery by implementing local practices that support relevant search behaviors. 
• Coordinates the work with other library departments and campus partners in the creation, evaluation, remediation, and enhancement of cataloging and metadata projects. 
• Assist in the day-to-day work to provide description and subject analysis for the library collection. 
• Pursue professional development opportunities, especially those related to understanding current best practices and emerging trends related to metadata management in all formats. 
• Serves on library-wide committees and/or task groups to advance the library's strategic directions and services. 
• Represents the library locally, nationally, and internationally in relevant professional associations. 
• Performs other duties as required. 

Supervisory Relationships: 

This position has supervisory responsibility of the Metadata Services staff and reports to the Director for Collection Strategy. 

Education and Certifications 

Master's degree in library or information science from a program accredited by the American Library Association, or an international equivalent. 

Experience and Skills: 

• Leadership skills and an ability to identify common goals and to work collaboratively towards meeting those goals is required. 
• Experience applying scripting and programming languages, such as Python, PHP, XSLT, XQuery, or JavaScript to library data projects is required. 
• Familiarity or experience with data manipulation tools, such as MarcEdit, OpenRefine, and/or API applications is required. 
• Experience working with electronic resources is required. 
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of cataloging principles and best metadata practices and standards (e.g. RDA, LC Classification, LCSH, MARC, and other metadata schemas) related to resource description and discovery is required. 
• Proven ability to apply new technologies and standards to local workflows to benefit users and create greater efficiencies is required. 
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and independently with varied groups within a complex organization and rapidly changing team environment is required. 
• Experience using a library management system is required. 
• Evidence of excellent communication and interpersonal skills is required. 
• Proficiency in one or two languages other than English is preferred. 
• Knowledge of current Linked Data practices and technologies is preferred.
• Understanding of library marketplaces and publisher practices is preferred.