Metadata Specialist

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Housed in the Riddell Library and Learning Centre, the University Library is an integral part of the MRU experience. The services, facilities, programming and expertise available in the Library support innovative teaching, learning, and scholarship across campus. 

The Library includes the Archives and Special Collections, and specialized and technology-enriched teaching and learning spaces, including information literacy classrooms, a Maker Studio, audio production rooms, and a range of visualization, simulation, and immersive spaces.  The Library team consists of approximately 60 employees. The Library values a healthy inclusive workplace, encourages a culture of innovation and teamwork, and provides support for professional development.  

Reporting to the Manager, Collections & Content, the Metadata Specialist contributes to the development of metadata guidelines, projects and initiatives in support of the Library’s Strategic Directions. They will proactively identify opportunities for adjustments to library initiatives and processes for metadata, cataloguing, and resource discovery and propose solutions or directions in consultation with the Manager and the Collections Services team. This position leverages a high level of understanding of the collections and scholarly communications lifecycle in an academic environment in order to complete tasks and identify opportunities to contribute to projects and initiatives in the unit and across the Library. The successful candidate will take a collaborative and innovative approach to metadata work, ensuring that library collections are supporting the teaching and research needs of the campus community.

This position is full-time (35 hours per week, working Monday to Friday), based primarily on campus The role is eligible for MRU’s hybrid work program, allowing for up to one remote workday per week, depending on operational needs. 

• Metadata Strategy, Optimization, and Workflows: Recommends and implements changes to metadata and cataloguing practices and systems configurations to ensure greater integration, discoverability and usability of library resources.

• Advancement of Ethical Metadata Practices: Supports development and implementation of inclusive metadata practices to support Indigenous reconciliation, and advances diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and accessibility through metadata remediation and description strategies.

• Fostering Metadata Capacity: Provides guidance, coaching, and mentorship to colleagues on metadata standards and best practices. Acts as a resource and internal consultant on metadata-related issues, contributing to the development of shared expertise within the Collections Services team and across the Library.

• Cross-Project Collaboration: Collaborates with library faculty and staff to support cross-unit projects, including discovery tools, digital collections, and the Institutional Repository.

• Cataloguing Library Materials: Catalogues and classifies materials in various formats (including open access and electronic resources) according to current standards and guidelines, and engages in regional and national conversations around emerging best practices and technologies.

• Support Collections Access and Maintenance: Collaborates with colleagues to log and resolve e-resource access issues; contributes to the ongoing review and maintenance of electronic and physical collections.

• A bachelor Degree or equivalent is required, in addition to EITHER a Master of Library and Information Science (or equivalent) OR a Library Information Technology (or equivalent) diploma.

• 3-5 years experience in an academic Library with experience working with collections and metadata.

• Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to take initiative and work independently and collaboratively.

• Advanced knowledge of current and emerging MARC and non-MARC metadata standards and schema (e.g., RDA, Dublin Core, OAI, MODS, BIBFRAME/RDF, linked data).

• Knowledge of equity, diversity, and inclusion practices to enhance descriptive cataloguing. 

• Experience in training or mentoring colleagues in new skills/processes.

• Experience working with cataloguing and electronic resource management functions in both a library systems platform and an institutional repository.

Previous work experience with Alma library systems platform and Primo discovery layer are assets. 

Salary:              $ 60,571- $ 76,640 per annum.

Closing Date :   June 17, 2025

To Apply: Please Visit Our Career Opportunities Page. A cover letter and resume should be submitted in one .pdf document. Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Last Name], [Requisition Number], [Document Title].pdf (ex. Smith, 999999, CV.pdf).

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. After the close date, you can check on the status of your application through your Career Centre. New career opportunities arise frequently and are posted as they become available. Please check back often to view our latest postings on our Career Opportunities page. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Mount Royal University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to fostering diversity as a source of excellence, intellectual and cultural enrichment, and social strength. We welcome applications from those who would contribute to the further diversification of our staff, faculty and their scholarship including but not limited to Indigenous Peoples, women, persons with disabilities and persons of any sexual or gender identity, ethnic, national or socio-economic background, religion or age.