Job Opening Title:
Metadata and Systems Archivist
Name of Employer:
University of Oklahoma Libraries
Job Site Location (City, State) :
Norman, Oklahoma
Application Deadline:
Open until filled
Minimum Degree Requirement:
Bachelor’s Degree
Years of experience required:
3 years
Salary Range:
$50,000 to $59,000
Job Opening URL:
Job Description (if URL to posting not available). Include instructions for how to apply.:
The University of Oklahoma Libraries seeks to recruit a Metadata and Systems Archivist. This position leads the management and creation of Special Research Collections metadata across multiple platforms to facilitate quality collection stewardship, to increase access to the Libraries’ distinctive physical and digital collections, and to advance innovative and transformative primary source research. Oversees the use and development of the Special Research Collections archival management system to advance efficient and standardized collection and metadata management practices. Leads the importing of standardized data to the Libraries’ archival collections management repository, converting legacy finding aids and related documentation into compliant, accessible, and shareable metadata. Leads the preparation of Special Research Collections material for digitization by creating and supervising the production of robust metadata to advance the discovery and transformative use of digital collections. Coordinates with DigiLab on workflows and metadata for digital collections, including data crosswalks. Leads and trains others in the use of archival collection management system to manage collection data and archival processes. Advances the Libraries’ commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the areas of metadata, archival description, and digital collection-building. Represents the Libraries in consortial settings related to archival and special collections metadata.
Position Responsibilities:
Managing Metadata and Collection Management System Oversight
• Leads the management of OU Libraries’ Special Research Collections metadata, employing professional best practices and incorporating emerging research to ensure efficient archival management practices and to advance the interoperability and flexibility of archival data.
• Leads the assessment, conversion, and ingest of legacy descriptive data for Special Re-search Collections into the collection management system to advance the searchability and discoverability of distinctive collection assets.
• Manages the OU Libraries’ ArchivesSpace archival collection management platform, acting as a liaison to the ArchivesSpace community and serving as the repository’s expert user by maintaining and sharing expertise on system requirements, functionalities, and products.
• Advises and directs colleagues in the use of the ArchivesSpace archival collection management platform to maximize the tool’s capabilities to deliver high-value functionality in areas including the searchability of resource records, the display of descriptive information, the management of collections data, and the assigning of roles and permissions.
• Through professional service, scholarship, and community engagement, maintains aware-ness and shares knowledge of emerging research and developments in equitable and inclusive practices in librarianship, archival management, and archival description in sup-port of University’s value of diversity through inclusivity.
• Manages the crosswalking of Special Research Collections metadata across multiple Libraries platforms, collaborating with Libraries colleagues to maintain interoperable descriptive practices and efficient management of metadata.
• Manages the importing of standardized descriptive and administrative data to the Libraries’ archival collections management repository and digital collections platform.
Advancing Digital Collection Building and Description
• Strategically leads and manages the preparation of Special Research Collections materials for digitization, advancing the building of an expansive, prominent, and highly visible online repository of digitized research materials that meaningfully supports impactful re-search by local, regional, national, and global scholars.
• Creates rich, robust item-level metadata and produces detailed documentation to advance the building of diverse, inclusive digital collections that facilitate precise, robust searching and reflect emerging user needs.
• Prioritizes equitable and inclusive practices in the preparation of collections for digitization, prioritizing inclusivity and social responsibility in building digital collections and employing accurate and appropriate language when creating item-level and collection-level metadata.
• Supervises student workers and staff in the production of metadata and documentation to prepare collections for digitization, providing technical training, outlining task requirements, and providing necessary tools and workflows to ensure standardization and consistency.
• Closely collaborates with the Digital Strategies and Innovation unit and other Libraries colleagues, communicating project information to strategically advance repository initiatives and other digital access initiatives that expand the usability of Special Research Collections assets.
• Manages the preparation of digital collections through creating documentation, scheduling and organizing project activities, monitoring progress of tasks and schedules, and preparing regular progress reports to ensure successful, inclusive, and efficient digitization projects.
• Provide metadata creation and management support for grant-funded special collections projects as needed.
University Service and Professional Activities
• Participates in library and university committees and task forces related to primary job assignment as appropriate or assigned.
• Serves and participates at the local, state, regional, national and international level as appropriate to position and experience.
• Maintains up-to-date professional knowledge and skills in areas related to primary job assignment.
Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree. Equivalency/Substitution: Will accept 48 months of related experience in lieu of the Bachelor’s degree for a total of 84 months of related experience.
• 36 months of related experience in archival arrangement and/or records management.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds in a respectful, equitable and inclusive way.
• Working knowledge of non-MARC metadata schema and tools for the creation of metadata related to archival and manuscript collections and their digital surrogates (DACS, EAD, MODS, METS, or Dublin Core).
• Facility with XML and related tools and technologies.
• Experience with collection management systems (Archives Space, CuadraStar, Aeon, others) and digital repository systems (D-Space, Islandora, other)
• Demonstrated ability to design and manage workflows resulting in project completion.
• Ability to work across units and manage multiple needs and expectations with tact and credibility.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Master’s degree in library and information science with an emphasis on archives management.
• Ability to code and script solutions to the bulk conversion of mixed metadata from multiple sources.
Applications
All applications must include a cover letter, resume and list of three professional references. Hiring will be contingent upon submission of academic transcripts. Interested individuals may review the full position description at libraries.ou.edu/jobs. To apply for this position, go to https://jobs.ou.edu and search for job number 230892.
Diversity Statement
The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community by recognizing each person’s unique contributions, background, and perspectives. The University of Oklahoma strives to cultivate a sense of belonging and emotional support for all, recognizing that fostering an inclusive environment for all is vital in the pursuit of academic and inclusive excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.
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