Digital Services Librarian

Description

LAC Federal is seeking a Digital Services Librarian to support a federal library in the Washington, D.C. area in managing and advancing digital library systems, data integration, and user-centered research platforms. This role supports initiatives to improve access, discoverability, and interoperability of agency research outputs across platforms such as digital repositories, research databases, and related systems. The selected candidate will work in a collaborative federal environment to enhance metadata workflows, validate APIs, improve user interfaces, and ensure compliance with federal mandates for public access, accessibility, and data transparency. This position is ideal for a librarian with strong technical skills and experience working at the intersection of metadata, digital systems, and research data.

This position may be performed remotely or onsite in Beltsville, Maryland, depending on project needs.

Responsibilities  

• Support integration of internal and external data sources into digital platforms (e.g., PubAg, Ag Data Commons, ORCID, ARIS)
• Develop and maintain metadata workflows to improve data quality, consistency, and discoverability
• Perform metadata mapping, normalization, and quality control using standards such as MARC21, Dublin Core, and MODS
• Test, validate, and troubleshoot APIs supporting access to publications, datasets, and analytics
• Collaborate with developers and stakeholders to improve system interoperability and data exchange
• Conduct user experience (UX) analysis to enhance search interfaces and submission workflows
• Support Section 508 accessibility compliance for digital content and user interfaces
• Develop dashboards and reports to track metadata quality, integration performance, and usage metrics
• Create documentation, SOPs, and training materials for library systems and workflows
• Participate in testing, validation, and continuous improvement of digital library tools and processes
• Provide support for automation of data pipelines and batch processing workflows
• Contribute to cross-platform collaboration and metadata harmonization initiatives

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited program, or related field (e.g., Information Science, Informatics, Computer Science) with equivalent library experience.
• Understanding of the use of metadata schema and tools (in particular MODS, MARC/MARCXML, PubMed and JATS/XML).
• Demonstrated experience with metadata standards (e.g., MARC21, Dublin Core, MODS)
• Experience working with integrated library systems (ILS) or library services platforms (e.g., Ex Libris Alma/Primo or similar)
• Advanced knowledge of library automation operations and digital library services platforms
• Experience supporting data integration, metadata workflows, or repository systems
• Familiarity with APIs, data exchange formats (JSON, XML), and system interoperability concepts
• Knowledge of utilizing computer technology and software (e.g., word processing, spreadsheet, and database software; web-based tools) to perform archival, records, or information management activities.
• Awareness of federal requirements for public access to scientific research results.
• Experience with Git version control and familiarity with GitHub or GitLab.
• Intermediate or advanced understanding of web standards, including HTTP(S), HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Effective time management to set, manage, and meet deadlines.
• Capacity for perpetual learning, research, and versatile problem-solving.
• Demonstrated ability to clearly communicate technical information to technical and non-technical audiences, both in writing and verbally.
• Experience presenting and reporting on efforts to effectively communicate to a diverse group of stakeholders across multiple organizations.
• Comfortability working both closely and professionally with others on a technical team and independently.
• Experience using data analysis or reporting tools (e.g., Excel, Tableau, Power BI, or similar)
• Knowledge of accessibility standards (Section 508 or WCAG)
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting federal libraries, research institutions, or scientific data      repositories 
• Experience with PubAg, Ag Data Commons, ORCID, or similar research data platforms 
• Familiarity with scripting or programming languages (e.g., Python, SQL) for data      processing or automation 
• Experience with metadata crosswalks and schema mapping across systems 
• Knowledge of controlled vocabularies (e.g., LCSH, MeSH, AGROVOC) 
• Experience conducting UX research or usability testing for digital platforms 
• Familiarity with repository platforms and digital preservation practices 
• Experience with ETL processes or data pipeline development 
• Experience creating technical documentation or training materials 
• Understanding of federal public access policies and open data initiatives

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer, including frequent use of multiple monitors, keyboarding, and mouse navigation to support data integration, metadata management, and system testing activities 
• Ability to view and analyze detailed digital records, metadata schemas, and system outputs with a high level of accuracy, including extended screen time and close visual focus 
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively in a virtual or onsite environment, including participation in meetings, presentations, and coordination with cross-functional teams

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long-Term Disability
• Training & Development

EEO Statement

The company and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate the population of differences and does not discriminate in its hiring/hiring practices, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Nothing in this job specification restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. 

Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. 

To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. 

Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.