Overview

Reporting to the Music Librarian for Metadata and Acquisitions, the Music Metadata Librarian supports the descriptive metadata needs for a broad spectrum of materials in Yale Library in a variety of languages. This includes original and complex copy cataloging for scores, sound recordings, audiovisual media, and books; authority work; entity management work; and management of special cataloging projects. Working with the Music Librarian for Metadata and Acquisitions, the Music Metadata Librarian contributes to department goalsetting, and will also participate in the development and documentation of descriptive practices and workflows for resources Yale Library. This work may occasionally involve training and revising the work of librarians, bibliographic assistants, and students. They seek opportunities to contribute to the Yale University Library through participation in committees, task forces, working groups, and projects. The Music Metadata Librarian is active professionally in external organizations such as the Music Library Association, Music OCLC Users Group, or other relevant groups.

Descriptive cataloging for music resources is performed on bibliographic utilities in accordance with national standards and is managed in Yales library services platform. Subject analysis and classification follow Library of Congress standards and local practice. Authority records follow NACO standards and are contributed to the national authority file.

This position will be assigned a rank of Librarian 3.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Qualified individuals new to the library profession are welcome to apply. Ability to read music notation, as well as a broad knowledge of music history, theory, and musical genres. Familiarity with music research methods.

2. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Comfort working with materials in languages other than English, particularly French, German, Italian, and/or Spanish.

3. Knowledge of RDA, LC-PCC PS, MLA-BP, MARC, LCSH, and LCC standards and good understanding of authority control. Familiarity with current trends and best practices in cataloging and metadata services, and developments in metadata (Linked Data, BIBFRAME, entity management, etc.).

4. Excellent computer skills. Experience with cataloging software such as OCLC Connexion or WorldShare Record Manager. Proficient in Microsoft Office suite.

5. Demonstrated ability to succeed in a collaborative, team-based environment. Ability to set priorities and adhere to deadlines in a fast-paced work environment. Commitment to a high level of service to faculty, staff and students.

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills

1. Experience with tools and coding for batch-related metadata transformation. Experience with project management.

2. Experience with authority control processes for music materials, i.e. participation in the NACO Music Project.

3. Knowledge of entity management practices

Principal Responsibilities

1. Provides original cataloging/creates metadata for materials in all formats and subject areas. Applies descriptive standards (RDA, AACR2, DCRM, DACS, or VRC, etc.), structural standards (MARC, MODS, METS or EAD, etc.), and controlled vocabularies (LCNAF, or LCSH, etc,). Creates authority records applying standards and best practices, and assigns call numbers using Library of Congress Classification system. 2. Provides intellectual and physical management of ORBIS and other library databases. This may include authority control, record loading, ingesting objects, quality assurance processes, and working with stakeholders throughout the library community. 3. Analyzes bibliographic and metadata problems, recommends policies, develops processes and best practices, and creates documentation. 4. Engages with cataloging and technical service staff, other librarians, curators, and collection managers in an effort to meet their needs, and the needs of our users. 5. Researches, plans and oversees special projects. 6. May manage vendor services and relationships. 7. Trains and revises the work of students, assistants and other librarians. 8. Participates in national metadata/cataloging initiatives, i.e. the Program for Cooperative Cataloging programs (BIBCO, NACO, SACO). 9. Participates in the library's management, assessment, training and development programs. 10. Keeps abreast of national and international developments including new metadata standards, technologies, trends, and techniques. 11. Establishes a record of service to the Library, the University and the profession. 12. May be required to assist with disaster recovery efforts. 13. May perform other duties as assigned. Required Education and Experience 1. Master's degree from an American Library Association accredited library school. In selective cases a graduate degree in a related subject field may be substituted. 2. Demonstrated knowledge of current national cataloging/metadata content and structural standards. Knowledge of subject analysis and classification systems. 3. If supervision of professional and/or support staff is a principal responsibility, supervisory experience is required. 4. Experience designing projects and bringing them to conclusion in a timely fashion. 5. Demonstrated excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications; analytical ability; accuracy and attention to detail. 6. Ability to initiate and adapt to change. 7. Experience working collegially and cooperatively within and across organizations. 8. Experience working collaboratively and independently with varied groups within a complex organization and rapidly changing, team environment.

Job Posting Date

07/27/2026

Job Category

Professional

Bargaining Unit

NON

Compensation Grade

Library

Compensation Grade Profile

(LIB)

Salary Range

$68,000.00 - $145,250.00

Time Type

Full time

Duration Type

Staff

Work Model

Hybrid