Metadata Operations Specialist

Metadata Operations Specialist

• 559752
• New York
• Libraries
• Full Time
• Opening on: Sep 23 2026
• Grade 10

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• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM
• Building:
• Salary Range: $66,300-$70,000

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University''s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

This is an entry level position.

Columbia University Libraries seeks a Metadata Operations Specialist to provide operations assistance in cataloging and metadata records management as part of Columbia University Libraries' operationalized metadata processing as well as for grant-funded projects.

Responsibilities

• Creation of cataloging and metadata records for digital resources in a variety of formats using established library cataloging standards including: assignment of subject headings using Library of Congress subject headings or FAST, etc. in both MARC and non-MARC formats.
• Performs quality review and remediation for metadata for digital resources in a variety of formats in both MARC and non-MARC standards; normalization of names in metadata records against the Library of Congress Name Authority File and other identity management systems, e.g. ISNI and Wikidata.
• Contribute new names as needed to the Library of Congress Name Authority file as well as to emerging identity management databases (e.g. ISNI and Wikidata) and submit proposals to the Library of Congress for new and revised subject headings.
• Assists with database maintenance for individual descriptions and in batch for both MARC and non-MARC data.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent related experience required.
• Minimum of 0-2 years of related experience or relevant coursework.
• Relevant work experience in an academic environment.
• Demonstrated aptitude for working with emerging technologies.
• Working knowledge of metadata tools and systems.
• In depth knowledge of metadata format and content standards.
• Working knowledge of cataloging standards and procedures (RDA, MODS, MARC 21, LCSH, FAST).
• Demonstrated aptitude for complex, analytical and detailed work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Course work in an accredited library school program.
• Working knowledge of OpenRefine.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to work across divisions.
• Experience in archival processing.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.