(Hybrid) Library Data Technician - Libraries

The department of Libraries at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Library Data Technician.

About the Opportunity

Reporting to the Head of Metadata Services at the WVU Libraries, this position provides support for the analysis and visualization of library collections data, including creation of metadata for digital collections and traditional library materials. It is responsible for the execution, optimization, and documentation of scheduled reports as well as the entry of complex library metadata, and for contributions as assigned to the projects and goals of the Metadata Unit, KARM Department, and Libraries.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
  
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
  
• 15 annual leave (vacation) days per year or more based on years of service (employee leave)
  
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
  
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
  
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
  
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

Library Collection Analysis Support

• At the direction of the Unit Head, optimize, schedule, execute, and visualize data analyses and reports on library collections data. Use database and spreadsheet applications, query or scripting languages, and data transformation tools such as MARCEdit and OpenRefine across multiple data sources and metadata schemas.
• Extract and normalize data as necessary prior to analysis including machine readable cataloging (MARC) metadata from the cloud-based Library Management System, WorldShare Management Services (WMS), Dublin Core (DC) metadata from institutional repositories, encoded archival description (EAD) metadata, and vendor provided or open access metadata.
• Prepare technical documentation, including interpretation of database, library or content management system structures and metadata schemas, to contextualize reports and analyses. Use flow charts, logic diagrams, and code as appropriate.

Metadata Creation for Digital Projects

• In collaboration with the Unit Head and/or Institutional Repository Coordinator, create and/or transform metadata for digital projects for loading to the Research Repository (RR), Library Management System, or other Libraries platforms or for migration between platforms
• Participate in project initiation and planning activities to understand project specifications, tasks, and milestones

Metadata Creation for the Library Catalog

• Identify records for library use in the OCLC cooperative bibliographic database
• Perform original and descriptive cataloging, subject analysis, and classification under the direction of the Head of Metadata or Metadata Librarian when records aren't available in the OCLC cooperative bibliographic database
• Update records in the OCLC cooperative bibliographic database as necessary to meet national cataloging standards
• Derive serial records in the OCLC cooperative bibliographic database as necessary to correctly identify unique serial items
• Create and set holdings as needed within library management system
• Communicate with library stakeholders about the progress of projects and backlogs or local procedures and practices

Library Operations

• Participate in departmental and library wide meetings and training sessions
• Serve on appropriate interdepartmental committees as a KARM representative
• Identify and participate in training opportunities specific to the position
• Prepare technical documentation for use on the staff intranet or other shared documentation platform
• Provide statistics for annual reporting
• Assist student workers with metadata questions and projects as needed
• Complete physical processing of library materials
• Assist in Departmental projects as assigned
• Analyze library, department, and unit needs and make recommendations to improve workflows and projects or enhance access to materials

• Bachelor's degree in computer or information science.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Expert knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or other spreadsheet applications
• Basic knowledge of relational database management systems
• Ability to use videoconferencing and other teleconferencing technology
• Experience with data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau, Google Charts)
• Experience with mark-up, semi-structured, and structured data (HTML, XML, JSON)
• Experience with scripting and querying languages (SQL, R, VBA, Python)
• Familiarity with data transformation tools like OpenRefine or MARCEdit
• Familiarity with metadata standards (Dublin Core, MARC, EAD, OAI-PMH, KBART)
• Familiarity with identity management and authority control in databases
• Familiarity with linked data mark-up and querying languages (RDF, RDFa, SPARQL) or willingness to learn
• Strong organizational, problem solving, and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and library users
• Ability to manage multiple resource workflows at one time

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with the academic library environment
• Experience with linked data and semantic web applications
• Experience with digital or institutional repositories
• Familiarity with content or library management systems

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.