Metadata Librarian/Assistant Professor (#6539) Job at Northern Valley Indian Hea

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications The University Libraries at Northern Illinois University (NIU) seeks applications from collaborative, innovative, and forward‑thinking individuals for the position of Metadata Librarian/Assistant Professor. Reporting to the Head of Technical Services within the Division of Collections Management, the Metadata Librarian provides leadership and support for creating and maintaining accurate MARC and non‑MARC metadata in the library catalog, the digital collections, the institutional repository, and other discovery platforms. This is a 12‑month, tenure‑track Faculty appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor with the possibility of a hybrid work schedule after the required in‑person training period. About the Collections Much of the metadata created at NIU supports our Special Collections & Archives and the Donn V. Hart Southeast Asia Collection. NIU’s holdings are particularly strong in American popular culture, featuring the Science Fiction Writers of America Archive and one of the world’s largest collections of dime novels. The Southeast Asia Collection is among the most significant of its kind in the United States, with materials in Thai, Vietnamese, Malay, Indonesian, Khmer, and Burmese. These collections are discoverable through the institutional repository Huskie Commons and three mature digital libraries—the NIU Digital Library, Nickels and Dimes, and the Southeast Asia Digital Library. About NIU Founded in 1895 as a normal school, Northern Illinois University is a Carnegie Foundation designated R2 ("High Research Activity") institution serving approximately 16,000 students, 56% of whom are first‑generation college and 80% of whom receive merit scholarships. NIU’s 765‑acre main campus in DeKalb is an eclectic mix of architecture and beautiful natural spaces located within 60 miles of Chicago. Find out more about NIU and the NIU Libraries at niu.edu and library.niu.edu. Position Summary The Metadata Librarian will take the lead on creating original metadata for analog and digital resources in all languages and formats, coordinate metadata outsourcing and batch loading, set department metadata policies and best practices, and develop metadata creation and remediation workflows. As the manager of the Metadata Unit, the Metadata Librarian supervises two full‑time staff members. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Supervises two staff members whose primary responsibilities include copy cataloging, data entry, and catalog maintenance. Assigns tasks and sets goals. Performs original cataloging, as needed, for materials in multiple languages and formats. Evaluates vendor supplied bibliographic records and coordinates batch loading those records into the library services platform and discovery layer. Participates in non‑MARC metadata creation and remediation for digital collections and the institutional repository, including Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs). Develops and documents projects and workflows as well as community‑of‑practice‑aligned metadata standards. Reviews and evaluates existing metadata workflows to increase efficiencies. Ensures that the libraries’ cataloging and metadata practices remain current with innovations in automation tools (e.g. vendor record services, Artificial Intelligence). Uses emerging technologies to identify, enrich, and remediate metadata/data to enhance the discovery and delivery of library content. Pursues opportunities to improve existing metadata to create a more accurate, equitable, and welcoming experience for library patrons. Participates in professional activities and development, and scholarly research and publication. Represents the library in consortial partnerships and professional committees to advance metadata services and ensure consistency across institutions. Minimum Required Qualifications Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS, MSLS, MLIS, etc.) from an ALA‑accredited or equivalent program. Demonstrated ability to perform original cataloging for materials in multiple formats and languages using a variety of metadata standards and controlled vocabularies. Evidence of ability to meet university standards for research, publication, and professional service. Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect in the workplace. Preferred Qualifications Prior supervisory, project management, or leadership experience. Interest in Southeast Asia or American popular literature, including science fiction, juvenile series books, or dime novels. Experience using Ex Libris’ Alma library management system and Primo discovery service. Experience with batch loading records. Experience designing and implementing metadata application profiles for non‑MARC systems. Experience automating repetitive data manipulation and normalization routines through tools and techniques such as MarcEdit or Open Refine. Experience with reparative description that seeks to make metadata more accurate, inclusive, and community‑centered. Physical Demands Summary For physical demands and requirements please see human resources policies and protocols. Appointment and Compensation Details Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 04/16/2026 Staff Year: 1.00 Standard Hours Per Week: 37.50 Salary: Faculty salaries are guided by a CBA, starting at $70,000. NIU offers a robust benefits package. Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range: $2,916.67 – $3,125.00 Application Procedure Applications received by December 1, 2025 will be given first consideration. Anticipated start date is April 16, 2026. Applicants must apply online at Metadata Librarian/Assistant Professor and upload the following materials: Cover Letter that discusses your qualifications and describes how you have contributed to or supported inclusive excellence—such as fostering belonging, accessibility, collaboration, or student and community success—in previous roles or academic settings. If you have not yet had such opportunities, please share how you would support NIU’s ongoing commitment to an inclusive and welcoming academic community. List of three current references with contact information. Transcripts (unofficial, with official required at hire). Although priority review will commence after December 1st, the search committee will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis; therefore applications submitted after December 1st are strongly welcomed. Equal Opportunity Statement In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action. Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator Health Services Building Room 230 TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu 815-753-5560 Verification of Eligibility In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. ADA Accommodation NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form. For further assistance, please contact the office of affirmative action and equal opportunity (AAEO) at ada@niu.edu. Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). #J-18808-Ljbffr Apply tot his job Apply To this Job