Archival Metadata Librarian, The University of Alabama Libraries, AL

Posted April 4, 2023

Responsibilities

The University of Alabama Libraries seeks a dynamic, forward-thinking individual for the position of Archival Metadata Librarian. This is a clinical appointment reporting to the Coordinator of Metadata in the Resource Acquisition & Discovery unit and working collaboratively with metadata librarians, archivists, and digital initiatives staff in Special Collections. The position supports access to and discovery of University Libraries rare and unique resources, including manuscript and photograph collections, rare published materials, historic maps, and University records. This position will play a role in improving discovery of archival materials for patrons and will be committed to More Product Less Processing (MPLP) workflows. Specific duties include, but are not limited to: accessioning, processing, and arranging manuscript and photo collections; creating, maintaining, evaluating, and enhancing metadata records and finding aids; managing authority control and subject description in the University Libraries archival data management system (ArchivesSpace); and keeping up-to-date with current trends and issues in archival assessment, arrangement, and description. Responsibilities of the position change as the library environment continues to evolve.

This is an exciting opportunity for a recent graduate or early career librarian to gain an expert knowledge of all archival operations and practices at an R1 university Special Collections unit, working with colleagues who are dedicated to processing and providing access to a wide array of rare and unique materials related to Southern U.S., African American, and Latin American history.

Required Qualifications

Master’s in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program.
Experience with archival metadata creation and schemas including but not limited to: DACS, EAD, Dublin Core, LCSH, etc.
Knowledge of current archival content and structure standards.
Demonstrated understanding of More Product, Less Process (MPLP).
Knowledge of basic preservation strategies for archival collections.
Experience working independently and collaboratively with varied groups within a complex organization.
Excellent verbal and written communication, including associated skills such as listening and adapting.
Ability to solve problems independently or collaboratively, using sound judgment in decision-making.
Knowledge of professional standards, best practices, and emerging technologies in metadata and libraries.
Willingness to explore new technologies and to find ways to incorporate them in order to enhance services and complete tasks more efficiently.
Responsibilities of this position change as the University Libraries continue to
evolve.

Preferred Qualifications

1-2 years of professional experience processing manuscript and/or photograph collections, including physical arrangement and creation of finding aids in accordance with archival best practices.
Experience working with ArchivesSpace or another archival data management system.
Knowledge of data manipulation using MarcEdit, EXCEL, or OpenRefine.
Experience working with born digital collections.
Experience performing authority control.
Knowledge of and experience working with photographic formats.
Organizational and project management skills.
Reading proficiency in Spanish or another European language.

Environment

The University of Alabama, The Capstone University, is the State of Alabama’s flagship public university, and the senior comprehensive doctoral level institution in Alabama. UA enrolls over 38,320 students, with record breaking freshman classes for each of the past three years. UA has also increased graduate student enrollment by seven percent for Fall 2021. Ranked among the top 70 public universities in the nation by U.S. World and News Report’s annual college rankings for more than a decade, UA ranked 67th among public universities in 2020 rankings. UA made the Forbes list of America’s Best Employers for New Graduates in 2021. University of Alabama students continue to win prestigious national awards. Fifty-nine UA students have been named Goldwater Scholars. The University of Alabama has produced a total of 15 Rhodes Scholars, 16 Truman Scholars, 32 Hollins Scholars, and 11 Boren Scholars. The University of Alabama is a leader among public universities nationwide for enrollment of National Merit Scholars with more than 900 currently enrolled, the highest number in UA’s history. Under the leadership of President Stuart Bell, UA has launched a strategic planning process that includes an aggressive research agenda and expansion of graduate education. There are currently 36 faculty who have received NSF Career awards, the nation’s most prestigious recognition of top performing young scientists. UA was also recognized as a top producer of Fulbright Scholars for the fifth time in six years in 2021-2022. UA is located in Tuscaloosa, a metropolitan area of over 250,000, with a vibrant economy, a moderate climate,
and reputation across the South as an innovative, progressive community with an excellent quality of life. Tuscaloosa provides easy access to mountains, several larger cities, and the beautiful Gulf Coast.

The University Libraries maintains memberships in the Association of Research Libraries, the Center for Research Libraries, the Coalition of Networked Information, centerNET, LYRASIS, HathiTrust, the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries, LOCKSS, the Network of Alabama Academic Libraries, and the Alabama Digital Preservation Network. As a U.S. Government Documents Regional Depository since 1860, the UA Libraries serves Alabama libraries and the public. The University Libraries homepage may be accessed at http://www.libraries.ua.edu.

Prior to employment the successful candidate must pass a pre-employment background investigation.

Salary / Benefits

12 month clinical faculty appointment at the Assistant Professor rank. Salary range is $52,000.00 – $65,000.00, commensurate with qualifications, experience, and advanced degrees. Strong benefits, including professional development support, tuition fee waiver, and matching retirement contributions.

To Apply

Applications are accepted online only at https://facultyjobs.ua.edu. Click Search Positions. University Libraries in Organization drop down box. Please include your application, Curriculum Vitae, and names, addresses, phone numbers, and e- mail addresses of three references, including one current supervisor.

Consideration of applications will begin immediately and will continue until position is filled. Applications received by April 8, 2023 are assured of receiving full consideration.

The University of Alabama is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and is strongly committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. Applicants from a broad spectrum of people, including women, members of ethnic minorities and disabled persons, are especially encouraged to apply. For questions regarding the search, contact Michael Arthur, Senior Associate Dean, at [email protected].