Job Abstract

The George Washington University (GW) is the largest research university in the nation’s capital. Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., GW offers undergraduate and graduate programs in many disciplines including medicine, health sciences, public health, and nursing. Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library (Himmelfarb) serves the students, staff, and faculty of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS), Milken Institute School of Public Health (GWSPH), and School of Nursing (GW Nursing). Himmelfarb’s collections consist of over 6,700 electronic texts, 6,500 journals, and 125+ databases in addition to print collections of approximately 75,000 items. Visit Working at Himmelfarb to learn more about Himmelfarb!

The George Washington University’s Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library seeks a dynamic, collaborative information professional to provide leadership and expertise in scholarly communications, copyright, open access, data management, and research impact. This position also manages Himmelfarb’s cataloging and oversees the organization and management of the library’s catalog and institutional repository. The Scholarly Communications and Metadata Librarian reports to the Associate Director, Library Operations, and is a collaborative member of the Library Operations team. The Scholarly Communications and Metadata Librarian supervises the Metadata Specialist (a full-time staff position).

1. Organizes initiatives that support the scholarly publishing lifecycle and provides support to SMHS, GWSPH, and GW Nursing authors by providing consultation on scholarly communications and publishing-related topics and issues.

2. Develops and creates metadata for Himmelfarb Library’s institutional repository (IR). Supports GW’s Open Access policy by collaborating with SMHS, GWSPH, and GW Nursing departments to identify scholarly output to archive in the IR.

3. Performs original cataloging and oversees copy cataloging using WorldShare Record Manager, RDA, MeSH, and LC classification. Maintains authority records/files including MeSH, LC name, and series to ensure an accurate reflection of collection titles in the catalog.

4. Collaborates with, trains, and supervises the Metadata Specialist in copy cataloging and IR responsibilities.

5. Chairs Himmelfarb’s Scholarly Communications Committee and guides the committee’s initiatives (i.e. video tutorial series and Author Services).

6. Maintains current knowledge of the development of cataloging, metadata, and linked data standards.

7. Creates and maintains documentation of scholarly publishing and metadata-related policies, procedures, and workflows.

8. Collaborates with librarians from GW’s Libraries & Academic Innovation (I.e. Gelman Library) on projects related to data management and scholarly communications.

9. Serves as Himmelfarb Library representative on the Washington Research Library Consortium (WRLC) Metadata Committee. Participates in library-wide committees.

10. Participates in the library liaison program and has selector responsibilities for assigned liaison departments.

11. Participates in the Library’s instructional program as a Librarian Instructor, partnered with a Clinical Instructor with first and second-year medical students.

12. Other duties may be assigned to reflect candidate strengths and interests and/or unit needs, and after discussion with the supervisor.

The comprehensive benefits package includes 22 days/year paid annual leave; 12 days/year paid sick leave; paid winter break and 7 other holidays; medical, dental, and vision; 401(A) retirement plan, 4% base, and GW will match 150% of the first 4% of your 403(B) contributions, up to a maximum of 6% of your eligible compensation; tuition assistance; and paid parental leave. For benefits details, please visit GW Benefits.

This position is eligible for a partial hybrid on-campus/remote work schedule.

The rank of the successful candidate will depend on the candidate’s skills and experience. Possible ranks include Librarian I and Librarian II.

To be considered for this position, please complete an online application and upload a cover letter that highlights your experiences, including transferable skills, that address the job responsibilities, and demonstrate your ability to thrive in this position, a current CV, or a resume, and provide the names and complete contact information for at least three (3) professional references. Review of applications will begin on May 15, 2024, and continue until the position is filled. Only complete applications will be considered.