Manager, Metadata Services

Overview

The Metadata Services Unit (MSU) improves access and discovery of library resources and strengthens data interoperability across the library through metadata production services and software development support. Through production services, the MSU supports and engages staff in efficient metadata creation for digitization, offering staff training, development and documentation of local standards and practices, project consultation, and quality control. The MSU also supports the improvement and maintenance of our Metadata Management System (MMS) and online Digital Collections through data modeling, data mapping and enrichment, record assessment and cleanup, and staff user services. In addition, the MSU offers consultation, guidance, and leadership in metadata best practices across the organization and works to raise awareness and connect stakeholders across the New York Public Library around metadata issues. The Manager, Metadata Services Unit will oversee, guide, and collaborate interdepartmentally to set standards for the creation and use of metadata across the New York Public Library's digital initiatives. In particular, the Manager, Metadata Services Unit will represent stakeholder interests in the continued development of the Library's metadata repository and digital library infrastructure. This position will also be pivotal in developing new policies and practices for handling an expanding range of metadata types, sources, and interoperable frameworks, as well as participating as a thought leader in conversations about aspects of metadata lifecycle and evolution. The Library is looking for a strategic and tactical thinker who excels at building partnerships and empowering staff.

Principal Responsibilities

The Manager, Metadata Services:

• Directs metadata policy, maintains metadata application profiles, and documents best practices for digital object metadata
• Oversees the production of descriptive and structural metadata for in-house and external digitization through staff training, development and documentation of local standards and practices, project consultation, and quality control
• Supervises team of metadata specialists responsible for digital object metadata and serves as the main point of contact for all metadata-related inquiries
• Manages metadata workflows, especially automating and streamlining metadata creation, analysis, and management
• Provides embedded subject domain expertise on product development teams. Works closely with Digital team to support the ongoing improvement and maintenance of our staff- and patron-facing systems
• Works closely with the stakeholders across the Library to ensure appropriate metadata standards are employed by the Library’s metadata management system, digital repository, and other digital library tools/platforms
• Devises strategies for the management and coordination of metadata for digital collection initiatives and mass digitization activities in concert with stakeholders including curatorial divisions, processing units, the Digital team, the Digital Imaging Unit, and Rights/Permissions
• Manages mappings to the metadata requirements of the DPLA MAP

Required Education & Experience

• ALA-accredited Master's Degree in Library or Information Science.
• Five or more years of with increasingly responsible leadership and supervisory experience in a library or related cultural heritage setting, including experience in optimizing metadata workflows
• Demonstrated leadership, innovative problem-solving, and a strong commitment to service excellence
• Experience with and understanding of museum and library databases, classifications, systems, and linked (open) data
• Experience creating descriptive metadata, metadata application profiles, data dictionaries
• Experience with mapping and transforming a range of metadata schemas and standards (MARC, EAD, MODS, RDF, etc.)
• Experience with controlled vocabularies (LC, Getty, etc.)
• Experience with metadata cleaning and repurposing (Python, Open Refine, XML, etc.)
• Experience with metadata discovery systems, with emphasis on application administration, batch metadata processing, and XML parsing
• Demonstrated success in introducing and managing change in metadata practices and staff workflows while maintaining productivity in complex environments
• Experience working on product teams with Agile-style project management

Minimum Qualifications

• A knowledge of information and technology management concepts including metadata (MODS, EAD, MARC, RDF, Dublin Core, etc.), data formats (JSON, XML, etc.), programming (Python, regular expressions, CLI, etc.), data analysis/assessment (Pandas), interoperable digital asset frameworks (IIIF), distributed version control (Git/GitHub), indexing (Solr) and data access via APIs
• Ability to create, edit, and execute transformations on XML data
• Knowledge of database structures and query syntax (SQL)
• Strong interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to establish and maintain close, collaborative, and productive working relationships across digital and research departments
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to present and communicate concepts, departmental work, and goals to technical and non-technical audiences
• Demonstrated ability and achievement in managing staff, including experience successfully navigating organizational change
• Ability and willingness to mentor staff, encourage professional growth, and strengthen cross-departmental collaborations
• Ability to articulate and promote an evolving vision of resource access and discovery
• Outstanding organizational and analytical skills to manage multiple projects with competing priorities
• Demonstrated ability to quickly synthesize new information and learn new technologies
• Participation in the metadata community through professional organizations, conference papers/presentations, metadata-related contributions to open source projects and initiatives, etc.
• Knowledge of Semantic Web, LODLAM and current trends in cultural heritage metadata

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ArchivesSpace

All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:

• Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
• Be Resourceful in solving problems
• Be Curious in all aspects of your work

Physical Duties

Limited physical effort is required May require travel within NYC

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