Senior Library Metadata Classification Specialist

Job Title: Senior Library Metadata Classification Specialist

Location: United Arab Emirates (Remote)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Work Arrangement: 100% Remote — Work From Home

Level: Senior

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Library Metadata Classification Specialist to manage and enhance digital cataloguing, bibliographic classification, metadata quality, and information organization across library and knowledge management collections. The role focuses on improving metadata consistency, applying established classification and cataloguing standards, maintaining digital bibliographic records, and supporting effective resource discovery.

The successful candidate will collaborate remotely with librarians, archivists, digital repository teams, researchers, and information management professionals to ensure that collections are accurately described, classified, searchable, and maintained.

Key Responsibilities

• Create, review, and maintain bibliographic metadata records for books, journals, electronic publications, audiovisual materials, and digital resources.
• Classify library materials using established systems such as Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) and Library of Congress Classification (LCC), as applicable.
• Apply cataloguing standards, including Resource Description and Access (RDA), MARC 21, and relevant metadata frameworks.
• Review subject headings, authority records, classification numbers, and descriptive metadata for accuracy and consistency.
• Maintain controlled vocabularies, taxonomy structures, and subject access points.
• Perform metadata normalization, deduplication, enrichment, and record reconciliation.
• Review imported bibliographic records and identify incomplete, inconsistent, or incorrectly assigned metadata fields.
• Support metadata mapping and crosswalk development between different cataloguing systems and digital repositories.
• Coordinate metadata migration, conversion, and integration activities across library management platforms.
• Evaluate digital collection records to improve indexing, discoverability, and search functionality.
• Maintain authority control for names, titles, subjects, organizations, and other bibliographic access points.
• Develop metadata quality guidelines, cataloguing procedures, and classification documentation.
• Conduct periodic audits of bibliographic databases and digital catalogue records.
• Support the implementation and maintenance of library management systems and institutional repositories.
• Collaborate with subject librarians and collection specialists to resolve complex classification and cataloguing questions.
• Review metadata requirements for digitized collections, research outputs, institutional publications, and archival descriptions.
• Monitor developments in library science, metadata standards, linked data, and digital information management.
• Prepare metadata quality reports, classification statistics, and collection management summaries.
• Recommend improvements to cataloguing workflows, metadata governance, and digital resource discovery.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Library and Information Science, Information Management, Knowledge Management, or a related discipline.
• A postgraduate qualification in Library and Information Science or Digital Information Management is an advantage.
• Typically 5–8 years of experience in library cataloguing, bibliographic classification, metadata management, or digital repository administration.
• Strong knowledge of DDC, LCC, RDA, MARC 21, and established subject classification practices.
• Experience creating, editing, validating, and maintaining bibliographic metadata records.
• Familiarity with controlled vocabularies, authority control, subject headings, and taxonomy management.
• Understanding of metadata schemas such as Dublin Core, MODS, and other relevant descriptive frameworks.
• Experience with integrated library systems, digital repositories, and electronic catalogue platforms.
• Knowledge of metadata harvesting, crosswalks, data conversion, and bibliographic record interoperability.
• Familiarity with digital preservation metadata and linked data concepts is an advantage.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to resolve complex cataloguing inconsistencies.
• Proficiency in spreadsheet applications, database tools, and metadata quality analysis.
• Excellent written communication, documentation, and analytical skills.
• Ability to coordinate with multidisciplinary library and information management teams.
• Ability to manage independent assignments and meet deadlines in a fully remote environment.

What We Offer

• A fully remote, work-from-home position based in the UAE.
• Competitive compensation aligned with qualifications and professional experience.
• Opportunities to support digital library development and information accessibility.
• Collaboration with librarians, archivists, researchers, and digital knowledge management professionals.
• Professional development in metadata standards, digital cataloguing, and information organization.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit an updated CV highlighting their experience in library cataloguing, metadata classification, bibliographic standards, and digital repository management.

Application Subject: Application – Senior Library Metadata Classification Specialist (UAE Remote)

Candidates should confirm applicable employment arrangements, residency requirements, and work authorization before accepting an offer.

Role Scope: This position is fully remote and focuses on digital cataloguing, metadata analysis, bibliographic record review, and classification governance. Physical collection handling, shelving, labelling, archival material processing, physical inventory checks, and on-site library operations must be performed by local personnel. Formal institutional classification policies, restricted archival access decisions, and official records governance approvals must be made by appropriately authorized institutional professionals.