Metadata Specialist

About the Role Reporting to the Manager, Collections & Content, the Metadata Specialist contributes to the development of metadata guidelines, projects and initiatives in support of the Library’s Strategic Directions. They will proactively identify opportunities for adjustments to library initiatives and processes for metadata, cataloguing, and resource discovery and propose solutions or directions in consultation with the Manager and the Collections Services team. This position leverages a high level of understanding of the collections and scholarly communications lifecycle in an academic environment in order to complete tasks and identify opportunities to contribute to projects and initiatives in the unit and across the Library. The successful candidate will take a collaborative and innovative approach to metadata work, ensuring that library collections support the teaching and research needs of the campus community. The position is full-time (35 hours per week, working Monday to Friday), based primarily on campus. It is eligible for MRU’s hybrid work program, allowing for up to one remote workday per week, depending on operational needs. Responsibilities Metadata Strategy, Optimization, and Workflows: Recommends and implements changes to metadata and cataloguing practices and systems configurations to ensure greater integration, discoverability and usability of library resources. Advancement of Ethical Metadata Practices: Supports development and implementation of inclusive metadata practices to support Indigenous reconciliation, and advances diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and accessibility through metadata remediation and description strategies. Fostering Metadata Capacity: Provides guidance, coaching, and mentorship to colleagues on metadata standards and best practices. Acts as a resource and internal consultant on metadata-related issues, contributing to the development of shared expertise within the Collections Services team and across the Library. Cross-Project Collaboration: Collaborates with library faculty and staff to support cross-unit projects, including discovery tools, digital collections, and the Institutional Repository. Cataloguing Library Materials: Catalogues and classifies materials in various formats (including open access and electronic resources) according to current standards and guidelines, and engages in regional and national conversations around emerging best practices and technologies. Support Collections Access and Maintenance: Collaborates with colleagues to log and resolve e-resource access issues; contributes to the ongoing review and maintenance of electronic and physical collections. Qualifications A bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required, in addition to EITHER a Master of Library and Information Science (or equivalent) OR a Library Information Technology (or equivalent) diploma. 3-5 years experience in an academic library with experience working with collections and metadata. Strong organizational, analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills with the ability to take initiative and work independently and collaboratively. Advanced knowledge of current and emerging MARC and non‑MARC metadata standards and schema (e.g., RDA, Dublin Core, OAI, MODS, BIBFRAME/RDF, linked data). Knowledge of equity, diversity, and inclusion practices to enhance descriptive cataloguing. Experience in training or mentoring colleagues in new skills/processes. Experience working with cataloguing and electronic resource management functions in both a library systems platform and an institutional repository. Previous work experience with Alma library systems platform and Primo discovery layer are assets. Salary $60,571 - $76,640 per annum. Closing Date June 17, 2025 Apply To Apply: Please Visit Our Career Opportunities Page. A cover letter and resume should be submitted in one .pdf document. Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Last Name], [Requisition Number], [Document Title].pdf (ex. Smith, 999999, CV.pdf). Contact Emma Ferguson - Interim Manager, Collections and Contenteferguson@mtroyal.ca Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Mount Royal University is firmly committed to fostering diversity as a source of excellence, intellectual and cultural enrichment, and social strength. We welcome applications from Indigenous Peoples, women, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual or gender identity, ethnic, national, socio‑economic background, religion or age. Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and others legally authorized to work in Canada will be given priority. #J-18808-Ljbffr