Metadata Systems Librarian for Non-Latin Script Resources

University of Virginia•Charlottesville, VA

13d•$75,000 - $95,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The UVA Library is seeking a Metadata Systems Librarian for Non-Latin Script Resources in the Metadata and Discovery Services (MDS) department. This position develops, implements, and advances computational and semi-automated approaches for creating and enhancing bibliographic metadata for non‑Latin script resources, in alignment with the strategic priorities of the Scholarly Resource & Content Strategy (SRCS) division and the University of Virginia Library. This role collaborates closely with Library Information Technology professionals to design and support algorithmic workflows for transliteration, translation, and normalization of bibliographic titles in Arabic, Indic, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean (CJK), and other non-Latin scripts. The Metadata Systems Librarian bridges Metadata librarianship and technical development, contributing to scalable and sustainable solutions for multilingual Metadata creation and discovery. The incumbent serves as a developer-adjacent metadata systems specialist, working across cataloging, metadata, and software development domains. This position develops and maintains expertise in cataloging principles, including MARC21, RDA, authority control, and parallel script representation, ensuring that computational approaches align with established bibliographic standards. In addition, this role demonstrates readiness for linked data and semantic metadata practices (e.g., RDF, BIBFRAME), supporting the library’s transition toward interoperable, web-based data environments. About the University of Virginia Library: The University of Virginia Library is here to ensure that the University community has the information it needs for teaching, research, and enrichment. Regularly ranked in the top quartile of ARL libraries, UVA Library has six locations, more than 220 staff members, and more than 100 student employees. Additionally, as a major research institution, the library regularly collaborates with professional organizations such as the Virtual Library of Virginia (VIVA), Virginia Library Association, Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), and others. The University of Virginia Library is committed to a culture of mutual respect, civility, cooperation, mindfulness, accountability, and acceptance of individual differences. Departments and individuals are expected to work together in both professional collaborations and in creating a workplace where all can thrive.

Requirements

Master’s degree in library science from an ALA-accredited program or relevant graduate degree. Experience equivalency substitution (per Department of Labor Equivalency Guidelines): Bachelor’s degree plus 4 years of relevant experience.
Experience: 4–9 years of post-degree/professional experience equivalency (for Librarian II profile).
Master’s degree in library science from an ALA-accredited program or relevant graduate degree. Experience equivalency substitution (per Department of Labor Equivalency Guidelines): Bachelor’s degree plus 4 years of relevant experience.
Experience: 9+ years of professional experience (for Librarian III profile).

Nice To Haves

Experience with library metadata and descriptive cataloging standards, systems, and tools (e.g., MARC and non-MARC schemas, RDA, OCLC Connexion), including original and complex cataloging of non-Latin script resources using LCSH and PCC standards.
Working knowledge of one or more non-Latin script languages (e.g., Arabic, Persian, or Indic) and experience with multilingual metadata, authority control, and transliteration/romanization standards.
Experience creating, enhancing, normalizing, and remediating metadata for non-Latin script resources acquired through diverse acquisition channels.
Curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace emerging technologies, applying them to enhance metadata quality, operational efficiency, and user discovery.
Knowledge of linked data and sematic web technologies (e.g., BIBFRAME, RDF, SPAROL, schema.org) and experience with automation and scripting tools (e.g., Python) to transform and analysis metadata.
The UVA Library welcomes candidates with a broad range of experiences, with particular interest in those possessing non-Latin language proficiency and encourages applications from individuals who may not meet all preferred qualifications.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with Library IT and development teams to design and support algorithms and semi-automated tools for generating and enhancing metadata for non‑Latin script resources.
Develop, implement, and maintain metadata workflows for transliteration, translation, normalization, and romanization standards for bibliographic titles across multiple non-Latin scripts to support metadata quality, authority control, linked data integration, and multilingual resource discovery.
Utilize scripting tools and software (e.g., Python) to process, transform, and analyze metadata
Support development of systems that align vernacular script data with Romanized or translated metadata fields.
Assist in testing and evaluating algorithmic outputs for accuracy, consistency, and alignment with cataloging standards.
Collaborate with cataloging and metadata staff to integrate machine-assisted metadata into bibliographic systems, including MARC21 records and non‑MARC schemas.
Apply cataloging principles, including MARC21 structure, RDA, and authority control, to computational workflows.
Assist in developing validation and quality control workflows for metadata creation
Support crosswalking, mapping, and normalization of metadata across systems.
Contribute to documentation of standards, workflows, and local practices.
Work closely with Cataloging Librarians, Metadata Librarians, and IT professionals to identify priorities for multilingual Metadata creation.
Provide expertise on non‑Latin scripts, transliteration standards (e.g., ALA‑LC Romanization), and multilingual discovery.
Participate in planning improvements to metadata workflows and discovery systems.
Communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and support collaborative problem-solving.
Engage in professional development related to metadata systems, multilingual processing, and digital libraries.
Contribute to experimental and pilot initiatives involving AI-assisted metadata generation
Participate in national and international practice communities.
Contribute documentation, presentations, or publications in relevant areas.