Discovery Services Librarian

Overview:

Auburn University Libraries seeks an innovative, enthusiastic, and user-focused individual to serve as the Discovery Services Librarian. Reporting to the Head of the Collections, Discovery, and Resource Sharing (CDR) Department, this position is responsible for coordinating metadata operations, managing Web Scale discovery, and providing leadership for support staff in the Discovery Services Unit, including the organization and assessment of workflows related to the copy and adaptive cataloging of books, e-books, and streaming media. As needed, the Discovery Services Librarian will also create and maintain resource description for information resources in multiple formats. The individual for this position may perform original and enhanced MARC-based descriptive cataloging of library materials requiring the application of both RDA and AACR2 rules. Other responsibilities include assisting with the development and use of metadata for other information resources as assigned. As a supervisor and professional librarian in the Discovery Services Unit within the CDR Department, this position will be expected to contribute to ongoing improvements in overall metadata strategy and best practices that support the mission of Auburn University and its Libraries. This position will work with the rest of the department and Libraries to choose and implement the LSP to replace our Voyager ILS which reaches end of life in 2026. This position works closely with the Department Head, Metadata Librarians, and the Collections Unit in the CDR Department, as well as the other units in the Libraries on cataloging and managing collections. This twelve-month tenure-track position requires professional and scholarly activity as well as service on library and university committees. For more information about the Auburn University Libraries, visit https://www.lib.auburn.edu/.

Auburn University Libraries is a member of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), Association of Southeastern Research Libraries (ASERL), Hathi Trust, Coalition for Networked Information (CNI), and other organizations of academic institutions. The Libraries has completed its strategic plan in alignment with Auburn University’s Strategic Plan 2035.

Auburn University is one of the nation’s premier public land-grant institutions. In 2024, it was ranked 47th among public universities by U.S. News and World Report. Auburn maintains high levels of research activity and high standards for teaching excellence, offering Bachelor’s, Master’s, Educational Specialist, and Doctoral degrees and the professional degrees. Its 2024-2025 enrollment of 34,145 students includes 27,907 undergraduates and 6,238 graduate and professional students. The University is nationally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, its positive work environment, its student engagement, and its beautiful campus.

Auburn residents enjoy a thriving community, recognized as one of the “best small towns in America,” with moderate climate and easy access to major cities or to beach and mountain recreational facilities. Situated along the rapidly developing I-85 corridor between Atlanta, Georgia, and Montgomery, Alabama, the combined Auburn-Opelika-Columbus statistical area has a population of over 500,000, with excellent public-school systems and regional medical centers in the areas.

Auburn University is understanding of, and sensitive to the family needs of faculty, including dual-career couples. Additional information can be found on our website: https://www.auburn.edu/academic/provost/pdf/guidelines-dual-career-services.pdf

Salary / Benefits: Minimum salary of $60,000 for an Assistant Professor. Salary will be commensurate with experience/qualifications. This is a twelve-month tenure-track position. Benefits include 20 days of vacation leave/12 days of sick leave per year; participation in State Teachers’ Retirement System (mandatory); additional voluntary retirement plans available; health/dental/life/disability insurance.

Special Instructions:

Application review process begins March 20, 2026, and will continue until a qualified candidate is selected and recommended for appointment. A complete application must include a letter of interest, resume or curriculum vitae, and the names of three current professional references (please include mailing addresses, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers). The candidate selected for this position must be able to meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time when the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the proposed term of employment. For questions, contact the search committee chair, Tim Dodge at dodgeti@auburn.edu.

Responsibilities:

• Managing Web scale discovery services such as EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS)
• Supervising four staff members in the Discovery Services Unit of the CDR Department
• Organizing and assessing workflows related to the routine cataloging of books and e-books
• Managing cataloging processes for the Libraries’ approval plans through vendors such as GOBI and Brodart
• Assisting with troubleshooting problems with Web Scale Discovery and other discovery tools
• Assisting with troubleshooting access issues for electronic resources that involve descriptive metadata in collaboration with the E-Resources Team and Discovery Unit
• Original and enhanced MARC-based descriptive cataloging of information resources in all formats
• May also catalog materials using Dublin Core or other metadata schemas as needed
• Working individually and as part of a team in the assessment, development, and implementation of metadata strategies for special projects as assigned
• Conducting annual and ongoing performance reviews for the staff in the Discovery Services Unit
• Developing and maintaining policies, procedures, and other types of documentation as directed by the Head of Collections, Discovery, and Resource Sharing
• Maintaining current awareness of emerging trends and developments in metadata and cataloging
• Performing other duties and assisting with special projects as assigned

Qualifications:

Desired:

• Experience with Microsoft Excel and Access
• Demonstrated knowledge of cataloging standards such as the Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC), CONSER, NACO, and SACO
• Demonstrated knowledge of cataloging created using OCLC tools and vendor supplied cataloging
• Demonstrated knowledge of metadata content and structural standards such as Dublin Core
• Familiarity with Web scale discovery services such as EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS) or other major discovery services tied to whichever LSP we chose
• Familiarity with GOBI, OASIS, or similar software used to order books and e-books
• Familiarity with electronic resources tools such as OpenURL resolvers, proxy systems, knowledge bases, and ERM
• Familiarity with discovery tools such as VuFind.
• General knowledge of linked data, AI, and other advances in the development and use of metadata
• Reading knowledge of at least one foreign language
• Record of scholarly and professional activity

Pay Range: USD $60,000.00 - USD $70,000.00 /Yr. Why Work at Auburn?:

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence:We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You:Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama:The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement:

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit their website to learn more.