Title: Cataloging and Metadata Librarian #00181

State Role Title: Library Specialist II

Hiring Range: $60,000-$70,000

Pay Band: 4

Agency: The Library of Virginia

Location: The Library of Virginia

Agency Website: 

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Library of Virginia seeks an innovative, user-centered Cataloging and Metadata Librarian to join the Acquisitions and Access Management Department. This position performs advanced original and complex copy cataloging across diverse formats, including rare books, special collections, visual and graphic materials, archival records, print volumes, and born-digital resources. Grounded in a commitment to discoverability and access, the role creates, enhances, and maintains standards-compliant bibliographic data and descriptive metadata across the Library’s general, distinctive, and digital collections.

Reporting to the Director of Collections, the Acquisitions and Access Management Department oversees the lifecycle management of published materials—including acquisition, cataloging, reformatting, and physical processing. The department ensures the integrity and discoverability of records within the integrated library system, supports access to rare collections, maintains the congressionally designated Federal Depository Library collection, and administers the State Publications Depository Program.

Minimum Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of RDA, DCRMR, AACR2, MARC 21, LCSH, LC Classification, and Dublin Core; familiarity with emerging linked data models (e.g., BIBFRAME).

• High proficiency with OCLC Connexion, MarcEdit, Classification Web, and a Library Services Platform (such as Ex Libris Alma/Primo).

• Strong analytical and research capabilities for authority verification, subject analysis, and resolving complex bibliographic anomalies.

• Demonstrated ability to document procedures clearly, advise staff for whom cataloging is a collateral duty, and collaborate effectively within a team environment.

• Meticulous attention to detail with an aptitude for high-volume, precision-oriented technical work.

• Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited program, or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

• Demonstrated professional or paraprofessional experience in cataloging, metadata creation, and authority control.

Additional Considerations

• Documented experience cataloging rare books, special collections, or visual materials.

• Direct experience managing metadata and reporting in Ex Libris products (Alma, Primo, Rosetta).

• Conversant with the emerging applications, limitations, and ethical considerations of AI and large language models within descriptive technical services.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

State employees who have been affected by Policy 1.3 Layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card) must submit the card BEFORE the closing date for this position. The card may be scanned and attached to the application or faxed to (804) 371-7401. Please include your name and the position number of the fax cover sheet. Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities during the application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please call 804-225-2131 for assistance.

State applications will only be accepted as submitted online by 11:55 pm on the closing date through the Recruitment Management System (RMS). Applications submitted via email, postal mail, fax, or in person will not be considered. Applicants are expected to fully represent qualifications and work history on the State applications and or in resumes. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided in the application, resume, or other relevant documents provided; therefore, it is essential for applicants to supply detailed information. Submitting an incomplete state application/resume, or a state application/resume lacking in detail, may impact your interview eligibility. This website will provide confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your RMS Account to check the status of your application for this position.

All applicants are subject to a background investigation. The investigation may include: fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification; verification of education (relevant to employment); credit checks; and other checks requested by the hiring authority.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Contact Information

Name: Debbie Howe

Phone: (804) 292-6497

Email: deborah.howe@dhrm.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.