New York Public Library is seeking Metadata Specialist II applicants for two position openings. The application deadline is April 26, 2026.
Overview
The New York Public Library (NYPL) is one of the world's great public research libraries. Its research centers provide opportunities for engagement with in-depth and unique collections, inspirational reading rooms, exhibitions, programs, and a range of research services. Collections and Research Services encompasses several departments focused on managing the ongoing development of our exceptional research collections, advancing unified discovery and expanded access, both in-person and online, and ensuring stewardship of the collections at every stage of the collections lifecycle. Within the Digital Collections Operations department, the Metadata Services Unit (MSU) supports access and discovery of the Library's digital assets through the creation and management of descriptive metadata, strengthening data interoperability across the Library, and guiding its metadata strategy.
The New York Public Library (NYPL) is one of the world's great public research libraries. Its research centers provide opportunities for engagement with in-depth and unique collections, inspirational reading rooms, exhibitions, programs, and a range of research services. Collections and Research Services encompasses several departments focused on managing the ongoing development of our exceptional research collections, advancing unified discovery and expanded access, both in-person and online, and ensuring stewardship of the collections at every stage of the collections lifecycle. Within the Digital Collections Operations department, the Metadata Services Unit (MSU) supports access and discovery of the Library's digital assets through the creation and management of descriptive metadata, strengthening data interoperability across the Library, and guiding its metadata strategy.
Reporting to the Manager, Metadata Services, the Metadata Specialist II contributes to metadata initiatives focused on describing digitized and born-digital research collections made available through NYPL Digital Collections. Strong interpersonal skills and attention to detail are crucial for ensuring quality metadata creation, approvals, and remediation within our collaborative team, which manages over 2.5 million records. This is an ideal opportunity for a proactive individual who can quickly synthesize complex information and is dedicated to making unique, historically significant collections accessible to the public.
Note: We are filling two openings. Each position will liaise with a combination of 4–6 divisions of the Humanities and Social Sciences Research Library located at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building that will be determined by subject expertise and interest. Collections supported may include manuscripts, archives, rare books, maps, prints, photography, image clippings, and/or reference works about art and architecture.
Responsibilities
Reporting to the Manager, Metadata Services, the Metadata Specialist II will:
Reporting to the Manager, Metadata Services, the Metadata Specialist II will:
- Serve as the Metadata Services Unit's primary liaison for 4–6 divisions of the Humanities and Social Sciences Research Library located at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
- Actively contribute to the creation, approval, and enhancement of descriptive metadata for corresponding digital collections
- Provide consultation for division staff and metadata partners through planning, training, and guidance on metadata standards and local practices
- Participate in large-scale remediation, reparative description, targeted enhancement, and migration projects to improve discovery and access of digital assets, including an upcoming system migration to a new Digital Asset Management System (DAMS)
- Work closely with Library colleagues involved in digitization, digital asset management, and description including rights clearance, permissions, digital imaging, cataloging, archival processing, exhibitions, et al.
- Keep current with emerging standards, trends, and technologies in the field
- Perform other related duties as necessary
Required Education, Experience & Skills
Required Education & Certifications
Master's degree in a relevant discipline such as library and information science, archival studies, information management, data science, and/or public history
Required Experience
Master's degree in a relevant discipline such as library and information science, archival studies, information management, data science, and/or public history
Required Experience
- Experience with metadata creation, remediation, reconciliation, and/or enhancement in the context of libraries, archives, museums, or other collecting institutions (can include coursework or internships)
- Experience working with manuscripts, archives, rare books, maps, prints, photographs, image clippings, and/or art and architecture reference collections (can include coursework or internships)
Required Skills
- Demonstrated competency with metadata schemas and standards (MODS, Dublin Core, METS, VRA Core, MARC/RDA, EAD/DACS, etc.), controlled vocabularies (Library of Congress, Getty Vocabularies, Wikidata, etc.), and data formats (XML, JSON, etc.)
- Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
- Ability to work both collaboratively and independently on complex projects that involve diverse stakeholders
- Capacity to manage a large volume of work across simultaneous projects while maintaining a consistently high degree of accuracy
- Comfort with problem solving and rapidly synthesizing new information and workflows
- Willingness to experiment and incorporate new tools and practices (e.g., linked data, entity management, IIIF, etc.) to enhance services and complete tasks more efficiently
Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities
N/A
More...
Core Values
All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:
All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:
- Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
- Be Resourceful in solving problems
- Be Curious in all aspects of your work
- Be Welcoming and Inclusive
Work Environment
- Office setting
- Hybrid schedule, with a minimum of 3 days onsite and 2 days remote
Physical Duties
- May require travel within NYC
Pre-Placement Physical Required?
No
Union/Non Union
Local 1930
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Schedule
No
Union/Non Union
Local 1930
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Schedule
35 hours/week, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.
The New York Public Library Salary Statement
This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.
The New York Public Library Salary Statement
At the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors such, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate's specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies.
Union Salaries are determined by collective bargaining agreement(s).
About The New York Public Library
The New York Public Library is a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With 92 locations—including research and branch libraries—throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars, and has seen record numbers of attendance and circulation in recent years. The New York Public Library serves more than 18 million patrons who come through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at www.nypl.org.
To Apply:
