The Hill Museum & Manuscript Library (HMML) at Saint John's University invites applications for the full-time, benefit eligible position of Islamic and Christian Arabic Metadata Librarian. This is a grant-funded position for up to 36 months with possibility of extension contingent upon available funding.
The Hill Museum & Manuscript Library holds the world's largest archive of manuscript photographs in both microfilm and digital format. HMML identifies manuscript collections around the world that need photographic preservation and its archives now contain more than 200,000 complete manuscripts, ranging in size from large codices of hundreds of folios to brief documents consisting of just a few leaves.
The Islamic and Christian Arabic Metadata Librarian will create metadata in collaboration with HMML catalogers for HMML's Eastern Christian and Islamic collections for records entered into HMML's digital platform, vHMML Reading Room. This metadata librarian will be responsible for creating metadata for authors and titles not found in VIAF or Library of Congress authority files according to Library of Congress standards, as well as using known LC and VIAF authority files in line with some local practices used at HMML. The metadata librarian will work with HMML staff to maintain the metadata in the database, including periodic audits and corrections. The Metadata Librarian will participate in the further development of HMML's online platforms and their links to digital humanities projects at other institutions. The Metadata Librarian will report to the Coordinator of Digital Humanities Projects.
Qualifications
Required:
- Earned Master in Library/Information Science (MLIS), with a strong background in the humanities, or substantial demonstrated experience with metadata control and management.
- Previous experience in establishing names and titles in Arabic, with transferable experience to Syriac and other Eastern languages.
- Familiarity with NACO and NACO procedures.
- Excellent knowledge of Arabic.
- Knowledge of computer databases and familiarity with best practices for database management.
- Interest and awareness of technological issues and developments relevant to HMML's mission, specifically an interest in digital humanities projects.
- Experience with digital library standards, particularly metadata standards from LC and VIAF authority files.
- Familiarity with current digital issues of importance for libraries, museums, and cultural institutions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred:
- Knowledge of Syriac, Armenian, Turkish, Persian, and/or Ge'ez.
- Experience with Excel and Excel formulas.
- Experience with JSON
- Experience with MySQL or similar databases.
- Familiarity with general cataloging practices and standards, such as MARC, RDA, etc.
No closing date posted. Job posted May 10, 2019.