Head of Metadata and Cataloging
Smith College
Northampton, Massachusetts
Full-Time
$62,816
HybridDirector
If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.
Job Summary
The Head of Metadata and Cataloging provides administrative and operational leadership for metadata and cataloging services across Smith College Libraries. Reporting to the Director of Collections, Discovery, and Systems, this position is responsible for the planning, supervision, assessment, and ongoing direction of metadata and cataloging operations for general collections, with particular responsibility for batch loading, metadata remediation, metadata quality control, and the management of bibliographic, holdings, and inventory data in FOLIO and related metadata workflows. The Head works closely with the Cataloging Librarian, Electronic Resources staff, Discovery and Systems colleagues, and the East Asian Cataloging Librarian to ensure that library resources are represented accurately and function reliably across systems used for management and discovery. The position collaborates with the Head of Collection Strategies and other managers on unit priorities, policies, and cross-functional initiatives. In a small-team environment, the Head balances substantive hands-on technical work with managerial responsibility, policy and workflow development, documentation, change management, and continuous improvement.
Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.
Essential Functions
Metadata and Cataloging Operations (35%)
Lead batch loading, record import, bulk update, and metadata cleanup workflows for library resources.
Analyze, correct, and maintain bibliographic, holdings, item, and related metadata to improve access, discoverability, and data consistency.
Develop, implement, document, and refine workflows, policies, and procedures for metadata maintenance, record processing, and data quality review.
Monitor recurring metadata and data quality issues and recommend practical improvements to workflows and practices.
Maintain current knowledge of metadata standards, descriptive practices, and tools used in metadata creation and management.
Ensure that metadata and cataloging practices support accurate representation, discoverability, and long-term stewardship of library resources.
Metadata Workflows and Data Quality Support (25%)
Oversee meta>BOTHa current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application.
Review of applications will begin
July 9, 2026Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu.
As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.