An opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Librarian on permanent basis on MTUs Bishopstown campus.
Apply fast, check the full description by scrolling below to find out the full requirements for this role.
The University Library seeks a forward-thinking Metadata and Research Data Management Assistant Librarian to work closely with the Digital Scholarship Librarian on the ongoing development and delivery of a dynamic suite of library research services, partnerships and programmes in support of the universitys research strategy and objectives.
The Metadata and Research Data Management Librarian provides expertise and support to MTU Library and the broader University community on metadata and related matters during every phase of the research data cycle, particularly in the context of Research Integrity and Open Science initiatives.
These will include, but are not limited to research data management, data repository and storage platforms, and service activity reporting.
They will play a crucial role in securing the quality of research data in all its manifestations, across multiple disciplines, in this way enabling optimal use and reuse of the data.
The Assistant Librarian role oversees the creation, maintenance, and enrichment of metadata representing the Library's physical and digital collections.
The successful candidate will manage the ongoing work of the Cataloguing team and is responsible for the cataloguing of materials in all formats.
The position will involve working closely with colleagues to evaluate and document policies, procedures and workflows for cataloguing and repository maintenance/development and non-MARC metadata creation within the Library.
Working alongside members of the Senior Library Management Team, the Assistant Librarian is expected to assist with day-to-day operations as required to support the efficient delivery of library and information services.
This post will be based in the Bishopstown Cork Campus but involves some travel between all campuses.
The successful candidate will be reporting to the Head Librarian.
This line management arrangement may be amended as MTUs organisational structure evolves over time.
Main duties and responsibilities will include but not limited to: 1.
Contribute to the implementation and assessment of metadata services that support research efforts across the University; monitor, measure, and review the success of these services.
Provide consultation and guidance for individual faculty or research centres/groups managing data.
For example, advising on discipline specific or general research data repositories.
2.
Develop training materials and documentation for the Universitys research community and deliver guidance, support, and training in the application of Metadata Standards and Research Data Management planning, incorporating good practice such as data protection, integrity and confidentiality.
3.
Maintain oversight of research funder mandates and publisher policies as they apply to research data management ensuring key developments are disseminated to the research community and reflected in University policies.
4.
Assist in collecting, managing and sustainably storing and/or publishing research data, ensuring careful administration of the data meets relevant rules and legislation.
5.
Advise researchers on the quality and protection of the (meta)data, help in advising on the improvement of the data architecture and assist in implementing improvements or expansions where necessary.
6.
Consult and recommend potential metadata integration points, metadata elements and schemas, controlled vocabularies and digital identifiers to be leveraged across multiple campus and Library systems.
7.
Oversee daily work of the cataloguing team including original cataloguing, copy cataloguing, metadata creation, and database/repository maintenance; supervise and train library staff.
8.
Create original bibliographic and non-MARC metadata records following RDA, AACR2, Library of Congress Classification Schedules and subject headings and other non-MARC metadata related formats (e.g., Dublin Core).
9.
Liaise with Systems Librarian in identifying and creating record format specifications and developing procedures for importing/exporting, batch data processing, publishing, and integrating records from multiple sources in MARC and non-MARC schemas.
10.
Develop training materials and documentation for library staff in the application of metadata standards and cataloguing policy and procedures.
11.
Serve as liaison and lead efforts between internal and external partners on collaborative cataloguing and metadata projects such as interdisciplinary data sets, department collections etc.
12.
Maintain knowledge of and engage in continuous professional development to keep up with current and developing standards and practices for metadata and cataloguing.
13.
Represent the University library at conferences and participate in the organisation of events hosted by MTU Library.
14.
Serve on Library and University committees, including the Universitys Human Research Ethics Committee and Animal Research and Education Ethics Committee.
15.
Liaise with the Research Integrity & Compliance Officer, Research Office, and School of Graduate Research on research data management matters, where appropriate.
16.
Carry out any other duties which are appropriate to the post as may be requested by the Head Librarian.
The successful candidate will have minimum academic qualifications and experience as follows: Essential: A degree and a recognised postgraduate qualification in Librarianship/Information Studies or a related discipline.
Broad knowledge of current and emerging cataloguing and metadata workflows and best practices.
Demonstrated knowledge of one or more of the following cataloguing standards, conceptual models, classification systems and related tools: RDA, Legacy AACR2, LCC, LCSH, MARC21, FRBR/IFLA LRM, OCLC WorldCat, or OCLC Connexion.
Demonstrated knowledge of one or more non-MARC metadata schemes, practices and standards such as Datacite, Dublin Core, EAD, METS, MODS, etc.
Knowledge of current practices for persistent identifiers, such as ORCiD and DOI.
Demonstrated ability to apply metadata schemas and emerging standards of practice.
Knowledge of research data management lifecycle, the FAIR principles and the broader Open Science landscape, requirements and resources.
Knowledge of discovery tools and metadata practices supporting discovery, specifically in both a library and research context.
Experience in training small or large groups.
Proven capability for managing a variety of tasks and multiple priorities.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and independently in a team environment.
Demonstrated initiative and proven ability to learn new technologies and adapt to changes in the profession.
Excellent analytical, time management, organisational, and creative problem-solving skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work in a highly collaborative, inclusive and multi-faceted research environment.
Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
Demonstrate forward thinking, flexible and strong service orientation.
Desirable: Minimum of 2 years experience working in a third level academic library setting.
Knowledge of current practices for digital preservation, including preservation metadata schemas and practices, such as PREMIS.
Knowledge of RDF and Linked Data.
Knowledge of research data management supports and toolkits such as DMPonline and Argos.
Applied knowledge of data repositories and of the registry of research data repositories.
Familiarity with Git and Github for version control of data.
Knowledge of SQL for querying data.
Experience of Openrefine and MARC edit for data cleaning.
Awareness of packages such as R and Python for data manipulation, statistical analytics and visualisation.
Experience with repository technologies.
Ability to work collaboratively with programmers and web developers.
Terms of the Appointment: Salary Scale Grade VI: €57,897.00
- €70,733.00 per annum (including two long service increments) Permanent, whole-time position 35 hours per week Annual leave: 27 days per annum Candidates will be required to give a ten-minute PowerPoint presentation titled: Growing and supporting a culture of best practice in research data management for Munster Technological University.
Important Notes: a.
Screening and short-listing only takes place on the basis of information submitted on the application.
In addition to the minimum criteria, it may be necessary to introduce further shortlisting criteria.
Candidates should note that they may be called for more than one interview.
b.
Please ensure that full information is given on qualifications and that the information is accurate and corresponds to the original transcript of qualifications.
c.
Please ensure that those you nominate as referees are contacted by you and will be able to supply a reference, if requested.
d.
The University regrets that it cannot pay expenses for candidates attending interviews for this post or for taking up the position, if appointed.
e.
Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
f.
Appointments will be subject to Garda vetting.
g.
Candidates should note that eligibility to compete for posts is open to citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) or to non-EEA nationals with a valid work permit.
The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, United Kingdom along with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
Swiss citizens under EU agreements may also apply.
It is an offence under the Employment Permits Acts 2003 and 2006 for both an employer and an employee if a non-EEA National is in employment without an appropriate employment permit.
Employment permit holders can only work for the employer named on the permit.
Application Process: Applications by MTU eRecruitment system only.
Applications will not be accepted in any other format.
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The information given in this document is of a general information nature only and should not be taken as contractual. xsokbrc
Closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1.00 pm on Wednesday, 15 April 2026.
MTU is an equal opportunities employer.
Skills: Appropriate Qualifications relevant to the role Knowledge of cataloguing standards Excellent analytical & problem solving skills
