Overview:
Auburn University Libraries seeks an innovative, enthusiastic, and user-focused individual to serve as the Discovery and Metadata Librarian. Reporting to the Head of the Collections, Discovery, and Resource Sharing (CDR) Department, this position will be responsible for managing the Web scale discovery service Primo VE after implementation by the Department. The Discovery and Metadata Librarian will perform original and enhanced MARC-based descriptive cataloging of library materials requiring the application of both RDA and AACR2 rules. Other responsibilities include assisting with the development and use of metadata for other information resources as assigned. This position will be expected to contribute to ongoing improvements in overall metadata strategy and best practices that support the mission of Auburn University and its Libraries. This position will work with the rest of the department and Libraries to implement Alma to replace our Voyager integrated library system (ILS) with an expected go live date in May 2027. This position works closely with the Department Head, Metadata Librarians, and the Collections Unit in the CDR Department, as well as the other units in The Libraries on cataloging and managing collections. This twelve-month tenure-track position requires professional and scholarly activity as well as service on library and university committees. For more information about the Auburn University Libraries, visit https://www.lib.auburn.edu/.
Auburn University Libraries is a member of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), Association of Southeastern Research Libraries (ASERL), Hathi Trust, Coalition for Networked Information (CNI), and other organizations of academic institutions. The Libraries has completed its strategic plan in alignment with Auburn University’s Strategic Plan 2035.
Auburn University is one of the nation’s premier public land-grant institutions. In 2024, it was ranked 47th among public universities by U.S. News and World Report. Auburn maintains high levels of research activity and high standards for teaching excellence, offering Bachelor’s, Master’s, Educational Specialist, and Doctoral degrees and the professional degrees. Its 2024-2025 enrollment of 34,145 students includes 27,907 undergraduates and 6,238 graduate and professional students. The University is nationally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, its positive work environment, its student engagement, and its beautiful campus.
Auburn residents enjoy a thriving community, recognized as one of the “best small towns in America,” with moderate climate and easy access to major cities or to beach and mountain recreational facilities. Situated along the rapidly developing I-85 corridor between Atlanta, Georgia, and Montgomery, Alabama, the combined Auburn-Opelika-Columbus statistical area has a population of over 500,000, with excellent public-school systems and regional medical centers in the areas.
Auburn University is understanding of, and sensitive to the family needs of faculty, including dual-career couples. Additional information can be found on our website: https://www.auburn.edu/academic/provost/pdf/guidelines-dual-career-services.pdf
Salary / Benefits: Minimum salary of $60,000 for an Assistant Professor. Salary will be commensurate with experience/qualifications. This is a twelve-month tenure-track position. Benefits include 20 days of vacation leave/12 days of sick leave per year; participation in State Teachers’ Retirement System (mandatory); additional voluntary retirement plans available; health/dental/life/disability insurance.
Special Instructions: Application review process begins August 10, 2026, and will continue until a qualified candidate is selected and recommended for appointment. A complete application must include a letter of interest, resume or curriculum vitae, and the names of three current professional references (please include mailing addresses, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers). The candidate selected for this position must be able to meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time when the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the proposed term of employment. For questions, contact the search committee chair, Tim Dodge at
[email protected].
Responsibilities:
- Managing Web scale discovery service Primo VE
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Assisting with troubleshooting problems with Web Scale Discovery and other discovery tools
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Assisting with troubleshooting access issues for electronic resources that involve descriptive metadata in collaboration with the E-Resources Team and Discovery Unit
- Original and enhanced MARC-based descriptive cataloging of information resources in all formats
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May also catalog materials using Dublin Core or other metadata schemas as needed
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Working individually and as part of a team in the assessment, development, and implementation of metadata strategies for special projects as assigned.
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Developing and maintaining policies, procedures, and other types of documentation relevant to Web Scale discovery as directed by the Head of Collections, Discovery, and Resource Sharing
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Maintaining current awareness of emerging trends and developments in metadata and cataloging
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Performing other duties and assisting with special projects as assigned
Qualifications:
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Master of Library and Information Science degree or equivalent from an ALA-accredited program at the time of employment
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Knowledge of Web scale discovery tools
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Knowledge and experience in metadata and/or cataloging in academic, public, or special libraries
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General understanding of electronic resources management tools such as OpenURL resolvers, proxy systems, knowledge bases, and electronic resources management (ERMs) systems and functionality in library services platforms (LSPs)
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Ability to assess, analyze, and solve complex problems related to describing information resources and to make content discoverable to users
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Ability to work independently and as part of a team with a flexible and adaptable attitude as well as a focus on customer service
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Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
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Potential to meet university promotion and tenure requirements for library faculty
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Experience with Web scale discovery services such as Primo VE, EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS), OCLC WorldCat Discovery or tools with similar functionality
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Experience in managing electronic resources such databases, online journals, e-books, and streaming media
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Demonstrated knowledge of RDA and AACR2
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Demonstrated knowledge of MARC
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Demonstrated knowledge of cataloging standards such as the Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC), CONSER, NACO, and SACO
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Demonstrated knowledge of cataloging created using OCLC tools and vendor supplied cataloging
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Demonstrated knowledge of metadata content and structural standards such as Dublin Core
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Familiarity with discovery tools such as VuFind
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Experience with Microsoft Excel and Access
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General knowledge of linked data, AI, and other advances in the development and use of metadata
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Reading knowledge of at least one foreign language
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Record of scholarly and professional activity
Pay Range: USD $60,000.00 - USD $70,000.00 /Yr. Why Work at Auburn?:
- Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
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Culture of Excellence:We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
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We’re Here for You:Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
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Sweet Home Alabama:The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
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A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!
Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement:
It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.
