Library Metadata Assistant

Department: Internet Archive UK
Reports to: European Digitisation Manager / Records Specialist
Location: Remote / London UK
Employment Type: Full-Time 12 Month Contract (with the possibility of extension)
Compensation: £14.00 per hour (40 hours per week, paid breaks) – Flexible schedule
Application Deadline: 27th October 2025

Our metadata team is expanding! Library Metadata Assistant with Internet Archive is a unique opportunity to affect both the creation and use of millions of digital books and periodicals. The main purpose of this role will be to undertake the research and construction of metadata as part of our ongoing project to digitize serials. This position requires exceptional attention to detail, good linguistic ability and excellent communication skills.

The primary focus of the position is to write succinct collection descriptions, the successful candidate will be able to glean varied metadata from many sources, consolidate information into standardized fields with the aim to provide better access to our print collections for our patrons. The applicant must love a research challenge and be a competent proof reader. Internet Archive processes are unique, so a love of learning new skills and concepts is a plus.

Key Responsibilities:

Metadata Entry & Management

Create, edit, and maintain metadata records for digital assets in accordance with established standards.
Ensure consistency, accuracy, and completeness of metadata across various digital collections.
Assist in enhancing metadata for discoverability and access.
Work with controlled vocabularies and authority records to standardize descriptions.
Maintain metadata records for print serials, ensuring proper cataloging and linking between collections.
Use IA Metadata Management System to digitally amend and move records in bulk.
Proof read and edit descriptive content

Research & Data Validation

Conduct research to verify bibliographic and authority metadata, resolving inconsistencies and inaccuracies.
Assist in gathering and analyzing metadata for special projects.
Collaborate with various members of the metadata team to provide support where needed.
Quality Assurance & compliance.

Identify and correct errors, irregularities, and outdated metadata records.

Experience:

Relevant:

Educated to degree level or equivalent experience.

Evidence of research abilities, as well as work inputting/using data sets.
Understanding of book and serial metadata schemas.
Knowledge of the basic concepts of book digitization, photography or working with digital books.
Experience with Library automated systems, Library classification systems such as Library of Congress (LC) subject headings or the Dewey Decimal system.
Familiarity with aspects of quality assurance.
Computer skills must include experience with and love of the Internet, working in a Database environment, as well as knowledge of MS Excel or other spreadsheet tools.

Skills that will set you apart in this role:

Planning and organizational skills: You should be able to plan your time accordingly and organize activities to ensure the efficiency and execution of your tasks effectively.
Effective communication: You should be able to communicate your findings to the team, as well as make workable recommendations to management.
Interpersonal skills: You should be able to establish a good working relationship with the direct and wider team members.
Flexibility: although primarily working on improving collection metadata, there are often a variety of projects on the go, including other teams that need assistance; you should be willing and able to dive into new projects rapidly and be a self-starter.
Problem solving skills: Your eye for detail should be such that you can pick out minor flaws in metadata and find ways to fix/report issues effectively.
Teamwork: Although this is a remote position and you will primarily be working through tasks alone, you will be part of a wider team and should be able to help support colleagues at all times.
Professionalism: this role requires professionalism at the highest level. The approach to this role should be that of getting the job done in no time, as well as ensuring that jobs are carried out with little or no margin for errors.

This position will be based remotely however you may be required on occasion to visit our UK digitisation centre based in London.

Please send your CV and a short covering letter demonstrating your relevant experience and suitability for the role to sophie@archive.org no later than:

11:59pm 27th October 2025

Interviews to be held week commencing 3rd November 2025

Start Date: ASAP

Internet Archive UK is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression; and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and perspectives to apply.

Unfortunately we cannot sponsor any UK visa applications.