Discovery and Metadata Librarian

About Auburn University and the Libraries

Auburn University is one of the nation's premier public land-grant institutions, ranked 47th among public universities by U.S. News and World Report. With an enrollment of over 34,000 students, the University is nationally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, research activity, and a positive work environment. The Auburn University Libraries, a member of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and other major academic organizations, operates in alignment with the University's Strategic Plan 2035.

The Libraries are situated in Auburn, Alabama, a thriving community recognized as one of the "best small towns in America." Located along the I-85 corridor between Atlanta and Montgomery, the area offers a moderate climate, excellent public schools, and easy access to major cities and recreational facilities. Auburn University is deeply committed to the family needs of its faculty, including support for dual-career couples.

About the Role

The Discovery and Metadata Librarian serves as a vital link between the library's collections and its users, managing Web scale discovery and coordinating metadata operations for monographic materials. Reporting to the Head of the Collections, Discovery, and Resource Sharing (CDR) Department, this role is central to the Libraries' transition from its legacy Voyager integrated library system to a modern Library Services Platform (LSP) in 2026.

As a supervisor and professional librarian within the Discovery Services Unit, you will lead a team of three staff members while contributing to the ongoing evolution of metadata strategy and best practices. The position involves a blend of high-level strategic planning and hands-on technical work, including the organization of workflows for copy and adaptive cataloging, original MARC-based descriptive cataloging, and the assessment of discovery tools. You will collaborate closely with the Department Head, Metadata Librarians, and various units across the Libraries to ensure seamless cataloging and collection management.

This is a twelve-month tenure-track position that requires a balance of professional and scholarly activity, alongside service on library and university committees. The role offers the opportunity to make a life-changing impact through research, instruction, and outreach, shaping the future of higher education at a top-tier institution.

Hiring Process

Application review begins June 11, 2026, and continues until a qualified candidate is selected. A complete application must include:

A letter of interest
A resume or curriculum vitae
The names and contact information (mailing address, email, and telephone number) of three current professional references

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States at the time of appointment. For questions regarding the search, please contact the search committee chair, Tim Dodge, at dodgeti@auburn.edu.

Equal Opportunity

Auburn University is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged. It is the University's policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law.

Work location

Work model: On-site

Stonegate Mobile Homes, Stonegate, Auburn, Lee County, Alabama, 36832, United States

Auburn, Alabama

Key Responsibilities

check_circleManage Web scale discovery services such as EBSCO Discovery Service
check_circlePerform original and enhanced MARC-based descriptive cataloging of library materials
check_circleDevelop and maintain policies, procedures, and documentation for the unit
check_circleConduct annual and ongoing performance reviews for three staff members
check_circleManage cataloging processes for approval plans through vendors like GOBI and Brodart
check_circleOrganize and assess workflows for routine cataloging of books and e-books
check_circleAssist with troubleshooting access issues for electronic resources involving metadata
check_circleAssess, develop, and implement metadata strategies for special projects
check_circleSupervise three staff members in the Discovery Services Unit

Requirements

verifiedMaster of Library and Information Science degree or equivalent from an ALA-accredited program
verifiedKnowledge of Web scale discovery tools
verifiedKnowledge and experience in metadata and/or cataloging
verifiedGeneral understanding of electronic resources management tools
verifiedDemonstrated supervisory experience
verifiedDemonstrated knowledge of RDA and AACR2
verifiedDemonstrated knowledge of MARC
verifiedDemonstrated knowledge of library service platforms (LSP), integrated library systems (ILS), and MARC editing tools
verifiedAbility to meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States

Nice to Have

Experience with Web scale discovery services such as Primo VE, EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS), OCLC WorldCat Discovery, or tools with similar functionality. Experience in managing electronic resources such as databases, online journals, e-books, and streaming media. Demonstrated knowledge of cataloging standards such as the Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC), CONSER, NACO, and SACO. Demonstrated knowledge of cataloging created using OCLC tools and vendor supplied cataloging. Supervisory experience in academic, public, or special libraries. Demonstrated knowledge of metadata content and structural standards such as Dublin Core. Familiarity with GOBI, OASIS, MOSAIC, or similar software used to order books and e-books. Familiarity with discovery tools such as VuFind. Experience with Microsoft Excel and Access. General knowledge of linked data, AI, and other advances in the development and use of metadata. Reading knowledge of at least one foreign language. Record of scholarly and professional activity.

Benefits & Perks

check_circle20 days of vacation leave and 12 days of sick leave per yearcheck_circleParticipation in State Teachers' Retirement System (mandatory)check_circleAdditional voluntary retirement plans availablecheck_circleHealth, dental, life, and disability insurance

Skills, education and keywords

Skills: Web Scale Discovery, Ebsco Discovery Service, Metadata, Cataloging, Marc, Rda, Aacr2, Dublin Core, Openurl Resolvers, Proxy Systems.

Education: Master of Library and Information Science degree required.

Frequently asked questions about Discovery and Metadata Librarian at McCrary Institute for Cyber & Critical Infrastructure Security

What does a Discovery and Metadata Librarian at McCrary Institute for Cyber & Critical Infrastructure Security do?expand_more

Day-to-day, the Discovery and Metadata Librarian at McCrary Institute for Cyber & Critical Infrastructure Security will manage web scale discovery services such as ebsco discovery service; perform original and enhanced marc-based descriptive cataloging of library materials; develop and maintain policies, procedures, and documentation for the unit; and conduct annual and ongoing performance reviews for three staff members.

What are the requirements for this Discovery and Metadata Librarian role?expand_more

McCrary Institute for Cyber & Critical Infrastructure Security is looking for candidates who meet the following requirements: Master of Library and Information Science degree or equivalent from an ALA-accredited program; Knowledge of Web scale discovery tools; Knowledge and experience in metadata and/or cataloging; General understanding of electronic resources management tools; Demonstrated supervisory experience; and Demonstrated knowledge of RDA and AACR2.

Where is the Discovery and Metadata Librarian role at McCrary Institute for Cyber & Critical Infrastructure Security located?expand_more

Discovery and Metadata Librarian at McCrary Institute for Cyber & Critical Infrastructure Security is based in Stonegate Mobile Homes, Stonegate, Auburn, Lee County, Alabama, 36832, United States. This is a on-site role.

Is this Discovery and Metadata Librarian job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more

McCrary Institute for Cyber & Critical Infrastructure Security has listed this Discovery and Metadata Librarian role as on-site.

How much experience is required for this Discovery and Metadata Librarian role?expand_more

Candidates for Discovery and Metadata Librarian at McCrary Institute for Cyber & Critical Infrastructure Security should have mid level.

What skills do you need for the Discovery and Metadata Librarian role at McCrary Institute for Cyber & Critical Infrastructure Security?expand_more

Key skills for Discovery and Metadata Librarian at McCrary Institute for Cyber & Critical Infrastructure Security include Web Scale Discovery; Ebsco Discovery Service; Metadata; Cataloging; Marc; Rda; Aacr2; and Dublin Core.

What education is required for Discovery and Metadata Librarian at McCrary Institute for Cyber & Critical Infrastructure Security?expand_more

Educational requirements for this role: Master of Library and Information Science degree required.

What category does the Discovery and Metadata Librarian role belong to?expand_more

Discovery and Metadata Librarian at McCrary Institute for Cyber & Critical Infrastructure Security is part of the admin job category on Recrutus.