Metadata Services Director jobs in North Carolina

Join the NC State University Libraries and help us create adventurous, innovative services and library spaces that delight students, faculty, and researchers. The award-winning James B. Hunt Jr. Library on NC State’s Centennial Campus, offers access to advanced technologies that are enabling revolutionary ways to see and use information. Capturing NC State’s spirit of innovation in education and research, the Hunt Library is recognized as one of the world’s most creative and inspirational learning and collaborative spaces and a model for “the library of the future.” The D. H. Hill Jr. Library, serving the main campus, combines the best of tradition and innovation, housing special collections and a beautiful gallery alongside vibrant, experiential spaces for making, digital media creation, data analysis and visualization, and collaboration. Three branch libraries focus on design, natural resources, and veterinary medicine.

The NC State University Libraries invites applications and nominations for the position of Metadata Technologies Librarian in the Acquisitions & Discovery department. Acquisitions & Discovery’s 6 librarians and 15 staff are responsible for managing the Libraries’ approximately $12 million collections budget, acquiring materials in all formats, negotiating license agreements and contracts, and describing and maintaining access points to facilitate discovery of the Libraries’ resources. Acquisitions & Discovery librarians have been actively involved in the development of an e-resource management system, E-Matrix, and they contribute to the Libraries’ internationally.

The Metadata Technologies Librarian participates in describing and providing access to electronic, print, and manuscript resources, with focus on user discovery systems. They are significantly involved in database maintenance operations in the Libraries’ integrated library system/library services platform (ILS/LSP) and discovery layers. They also contribute to data control activities, including data quality, standardization, batch loading, and data transfer. The position provides metadata consulting and project analysis services for patrons and colleagues. They also collaborate with other departments across the Libraries on financial data, including analysis, reconciliation work flows, and other projects as they pertain to acquisitions. In close collaboration with a variety of partners across the Libraries, they identify emerging trends and technologies in metadata management that have potential for new and improved library services. They work closely with the department’s Data Projects & Partnerships Unit Lead to develop unit priorities and workflows, to manage projects, and to train staff. The position will contribute to the planning and implementation of future ILS/LSP, discovery, and retrieval services, including the department’s and Libraries’ anticipated 2026-2027 ILS migration.

The position deeply considers how their approach to their daily work reflects and advances the Libraries’ Strategic Plan, creating an environment and community that is welcoming for both patrons and colleagues alike. They participate in library planning and serve on library-wide committees, task forces, and teams, including collaboration with consortium colleagues. Librarians are expected to be active professionally and to contribute to developments in the field. This position reports to the Lead Librarian for Metadata Technologies.

This position is based in North Carolina. This position is eligible for flexible hours with a hybrid work environment based on departmental and operational needs. This position will require some onsite work.

NC State University promotes an integrated approach to problem solving that transforms lives and provides leadership for social, economic, and technological development across North Carolina and around the world. NC State’s land grant mission of teaching, research and service is dedicated to the service of North Carolina and its people. Applicants are encouraged to review the institution’s mission, vision, and strategic plan, and consider how their background, interests, and experience would enable them to support the university.

Applicants are encouraged to think broadly about and communicate how their skills and experiences transfer to the qualifications below, including in ways that may not be obvious, such as how non-library-specific skills and experiences speak to the position responsibilities. We strongly encourage and welcome individuals with a variety of backgrounds, interests, and experiences to apply for this position, including those new to the profession.

It is not required that candidates meet any of the preferred qualifications to be considered for this position. The following skills represent some of the areas in which this position could potentially grow and focus, based on the incumbent’s background and interests.