Job description
Join the Seattle Public Library as a Librarian focused on metadata and digital services. In this role, you will help shape our digital collections and ensure high-quality metadata that powers discovery for patrons and researchers alike.
You will collaborate with catalogers, curators, and IT professionals to advance open access, digital preservation, and user-centered discovery. This is a dynamic, inclusive environment with opportunities for professional growth and impactful work in a leading urban library system.
Responsibility
- Develop, enhance, and maintain metadata for digital collections and repositories using current standards such as MARC21, Dublin Core, METS, and XML.
- Manage authority control and taxonomy to improve resource discovery and catalog accuracy.
- Collaborate with cataloging, digital services, and IT teams to implement metadata schemas and ingestion pipelines.
- Provide reference and research support to patrons, including instruction on locating and using digital collections.
- Support digital preservation initiatives and coordinate with preservation staff on long-term access strategies.
- Create and maintain documentation, guidelines, and training materials for staff and volunteers.
- Contribute to collection development through data-driven analysis of usage trends and patron feedback.
Qualification
- MLS/MLIS from an ALA-accredited program.
- Minimum 2-4 years of professional experience in librarianship, metadata, or digital libraries.
- Strong knowledge of metadata standards (MARC21, Dublin Core, METS/XML), cataloging principles, and authority control.
- Experience with digital repositories, ILS/Library Management Systems (such as Alma, Sierra, or Koha), and digital asset management tools.
- Proficiency with XML and data transformation; familiarity with scripting (e.g., Python or SQL) is a plus.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills; ability to train staff and engage with diverse patrons.
- Commitment to inclusive service, information literacy, and lifelong learning.