Metadata Creation Librarian

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The University of Ottawa Library is looking for an innovative, motivated and service-oriented individual to fill the position of Metadata Creation Librarian. The ideal candidate is a creative and adaptable person who works well with colleagues in a stimulating and changing environment.

Environment:  

The University of Ottawa is recognized nationally and internationally as one of the country's top research universities and the largest bilingual (French and English) university in the world.  Located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Anishinaabe-Algonquin people, in the heart of downtown Ottawa, it contributes to the economy, culture and quality of life of Canada's Capital.

Responsibilities: 

Reporting to the Head, Metadata and Cataloguing, the Metadata Creation Librarian is responsible for both supervisory and functional activities that take place within the Metadata Creation sector.

The Metadata Creation Librarian leads and supervises a team responsible for implementing workflows, projects, and services relating to metadata creation. The incumbent monitors the quality of the metadata produced by the team and is responsible for advanced metadata creation. 

Activities in this sector focus on producing metadata to describe and facilitate access to all types of content in any format.  These activities include the creation of new metadata, the re-use and customization of existing metadata to conform to local requirements, and the addition of metadata to the Library's catalogue, other repositories and content management systems. Metadata creation also includes creating or selecting metadata related to identity management and controlled subject vocabularies.

A strategic focus of this position is the creation of metadata for current and emerging environments, metadata that can be represented and exchanged using a range of encoding schema. The Metadata Creation Librarian maintains an up-to-date knowledge of the changing landscape in metadata creation and resource description. 

The incumbent works closely with the Head, Metadata and Cataloguing and the Metadata Management Librarian to ensure discoverability of the Library's collections and to coordinate with peer institutions in developing related services and practices. The incumbent also works with programming staff to automate processes, to develop innovative and efficient workflows, and to reduce repetitive tasks.

The Librarian actively participates in and/or leads Library collaborative activities. The incumbent is a participative member of an evolving organization that emphasizes service quality, innovation, outreach, and partnership within the Library, across campus, and beyond.

SUPERVISORY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide input to the Head on strategic planning processes and operationalizing strategic plans in their sector.

Collaborate with Metadata and Cataloguing members to meet Library-wide objectives and coordinate cross-sector workflows to avoid gaps and overlaps.

Interpret and communicate Library directives, decisions, and impacts as appropriate to staff in their sector.

Perform ongoing evaluation of services.

Report on the performance and activities of their sector.

Design efficient and effective workflows, processes, and policies within their sector.

Perform human resources management functions for their sector.

Manage allocated financial and physical resources.

FUNCTIONAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1 – Plan, organize, and manage the metadata creation activities of the Metadata and Cataloguing department.

2 - Monitor standards, policies, and procedures with respect to resource description and metadata.

3 - Participate in collaborative efforts within the Library and with external partners in the area of metadata creation.

4 - Maintain current awareness of and apply relevant developments in area(s) of expertise.

5 - Communicate the interests and needs of the University of Ottawa Library at the local, regional, and national levels through participation in meetings, conferences, professional organizations, and formal and informal cooperative initiatives in relevant domains.

6 - Work effectively to carry out activities and projects with groups of people in a variety of environments, including the Library, the University, and with external communities and partners.

7 - Perform other related duties as assigned by the Head, Metadata and Cataloguing.

Term: Vacant position - Preliminary appointment leading to continuing appointment.

Salary: Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The expected hiring range for this position would normally be Rank I (salary starting at $73,098), II (salary starting at $86,623) or III (salary starting at $102,206) (As of May 1, 2025).

Benefits: The University of Ottawa provides a complete benefits package which includes long term disability insurance, basic life insurance, supplementary health insurance, a University of Ottawa pension plan, optional life insurance, as well as relocation expenses.

Workplace:  Library, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5.

Contact person: Talia Chung, University Librarian and Dean of Libraries, The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5.  bcdb- (Please indicate the position).

Required skills:

Education: A Master's degree in Library and Information Sciences (MLIS) from an institution that has been accredited by the American Library Association or equivalent.

Professional experience: 

• At least 3 years of professional experience, or fewer if the experience is particularly pertinent to the position.

• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to consult, collaborate, and build relationships effectively in both French and English.

• Experience developing, evaluating, and implementing cataloguing workflows and practices, including the application of technical solutions within a Library Service Platform, preferably ALMA.

• Ability to assess workflows, develop documentation for metadata standards, and implement improved practices.

• Demonstrated experience with metadata requirements across a variety of resource types and formats such as digital records, audio, datasets.

• Experience in human resources management and administration with a demonstrated ability to support staff success through coaching, training, and professional development.

• Expertise in descriptive metadata, including MARC/RDA, Dublin Core, subject analysis, controlled vocabularies, identity management, and classification.

• Working knowledge of current cataloging principles and standards as defined in LRM and BIBFRAME, with an understanding of emerging standards including linked data.

• Awareness of emerging tools and approaches such as analytics, bulk editing, AI/ML and their effective application to workflows.

• Commitment to continuous learning and professional growth, including the ability to develop expertise in metadata and cataloguing and serve as a resource to the department.

• Demonstrated commitment to respect, inclusivity, and kindness in the workplace, and the ability to foster a supportive work environment.

• Commitment to user-centered library service and the ability to work flexibly and creatively in a changing and fast-paced environment.

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to oversee complex, detail-oriented work, and an aptitude for applying creative solutions.

The University of Ottawa Library would like to thank in advance, those who have submitted a job application.  Only those selected for an interview will be contacted for the next stage.

The University of Ottawa is committed to ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion in the scholarly and leadership environments of our students, staff, and faculty. Accordingly, we strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples in Canada, visible minorities members (racialized persons), persons with disabilities, women, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with equitable, diverse, and inclusive communities. Candidates who wish to be considered as a member of one or more designated groups are asked to complete the confidential Self-Identification Questionnaire, to be completed at the time of application.

All qualified candidates are invited to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadians and permanent residents. When submitting your application, please indicate if you are legally entitled to work in Canada

The University of Ottawa provides accommodations for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you are invited to proceed in the selection process, please notify us of any accommodations that you require by contacting the Office of the Vice-Provost, Faculty Relations by email at Any information you send us will be handled respectfully and in complete confidence.

The University of Ottawa is proud of its 160-year tradition of bilingualism. Through its Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute, the University provides training to staff members and to their spouses in their second official language.

Prior to May 1, 2022, the University required all students, faculty, staff, and visitors (including contractors) to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 as defined in Policy 129 – Covid-19 Vaccination. This policy was suspended effective May 1, 2022 but may be reinstated at any point in the future depending on public health guidelines and the recommendations of experts.