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Overview
Yale Library seeks a highly collaborative, knowledgeable, and user-centered Catalog/Metadata Librarian to join the Bibliographic Description Unit within Special Collections Technical Services, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library. Reporting to the Associate Director of the Bibliographic Description Unit, the Catalog/Metadata Librarian creates, enhances, and maintains original and complex bibliographic and authority records for a wide range of special collections materials in various formats. They may plan, direct, and review the work of cataloging assistants and/or student assistants and provide project management for cataloging and metadata projects. The incumbent will collaborate closely with colleagues across functional units and throughout special collections and the Library in support of the sustainable stewardship and discovery of special collections materials. The incumbent’s initial priority will be contributing to an assessment that will support improvement of discoverability and access of special collections materials.
We seek applicants that have an interest in and/or experience engaging with evolving descriptive metadata models and standards, in the politics of metadata, and the materiality of the textual object. Applicants should also be interested in broader questions relating to the creation, survival, transmission, ownership, description, and use of special collections to their understanding within scholarship, the classroom, and within different communities.
The successful candidate will engage in regional and national communities of practice and participate in the implementation of national standards and best practices in Special Collections Technical Services. They will participate in Yale Library and departmental committees and task forces, especially as they relate to their job responsibilities and professional interests, ensuring that Special Collections Technical Services efforts align with Yale priorities and strategic goals.
They will establish a record of service, participating in regional, national, and international professional activities–both to contribute to the profession and to grow individually as a professional librarian.
This is an entry level role, new and recent grads are welcome to apply.
Required Skills and Abilities
1. Reading knowledge of one or more modern European languages.
2. Takes responsibility for fulfilling job duties, demonstrating consistently high-quality work, productive output within the framework of the position, thoroughness in executing plans or projects, and the ability to coordinate a variety of activities successfully within set deadlines.
3. Collaborates with others within the library and across the university to achieve common goals and forms effective working relationships with staff at all ranks.
4. Provides direction and motivation through open communication, modeling of best practices, and openness to change.
5. Able to acquire new knowledge and skills that contribute to individual and organizational growth and may contribute to advancement of the profession.
Preferred Skills and Abilities
1. Special collections cataloging experience according to AACR2, RDA, and/or Descriptive Cataloging of Rare Materials (DCRM).
2. Experience cataloging non-monographic formats (e.g., music, serials, graphics).
3. Experience working with current and emerging standards and tools (e.g., linked data).
4. Record of involvement or desire to engage with special collections and other cataloging communities.
5. Familiarity with authority control processes.
Principal Responsibilities
1. Provides original cataloging/creates metadata for materials in all formats and subject areas. Applies descriptive standards (RDA, AACR2, DCRM, DACS, or VRC, etc.), structural standards (MARC, MODS, METS or EAD, etc.), and controlled vocabularies (LCNAF, or LCSH, etc,). Creates authority records applying standards and best practices, and assigns call numbers using Library of Congress Classification system. 2. Provides intellectual and physical management of ORBIS and other library databases. This may include authority control, record loading, ingesting objects, quality assurance processes, and working with stakeholders throughout the library community. 3. Analyzes bibliographic and metadata problems, recommends policies, develops processes and best practices, and creates documentation. 4. Engages with cataloging and technical service staff, other librarians, curators, and collection managers in an effort to meet their needs, and the needs of our users. 5. Researches, plans and oversees special projects. 6. May manage vendor services and relationships. 7. Trains and revises the work of students, assistants and other librarians. 8. Participates in national metadata/cataloging initiatives, i.e. the Program for Cooperative Cataloging programs (BIBCO, NACO, SACO). 9. Participates in the library's management, assessment, training and development programs. 10. Keeps abreast of national and international developments including new metadata standards, technologies, trends, and techniques. 11. Establishes a record of service to the Library, the University and the profession. 12. May be required to assist with disaster recovery efforts. 13. May perform other duties as assigned.
Required Education and Experience 1. Master's degree from an American Library Association accredited library school. In selective cases a graduate degree in a related subject field may be substituted. 2. Demonstrated knowledge of current national cataloging/metadata content and structural standards. Knowledge of subject analysis and classification systems. 3. If supervision of professional and/or support staff is a principal responsibility, supervisory experience is required. 4. Experience designing projects and bringing them to conclusion in a timely fashion. 5. Demonstrated excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications; analytical ability; accuracy and attention to detail. 6. Ability to initiate and adapt to change. 7. Experience working collegially and cooperatively within and across organizations. 8. Experience working collaboratively and independently with varied groups within a complex organization and rapidly changing, team environment.
Job Posting Date
07/23/2026
Job Category
Professional
Bargaining Unit
NON
Compensation Grade
Library
Compensation Grade Profile
(LIB)
Salary Range
$68,000.00 - $145,250.00
Time Type
Full time
Duration Type
Staff
Work Model
On-site
Background Check Requirements
All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.
Health Requirements
Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.
Posting Disclaimer
Salary offers are determined by a candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education in relation to the position requirements, along with the role’s grade profile and current internal and external market conditions.
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through their hiring department.
The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.
Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).
Note
Yale University is a tobacco-free campus.
