The Biblioteca Berenson is currently accepting applications for the position of Metadata and Discovery Librarian. This position reports to the Head of the Biblioteca Berenson and works closely with other members of the technical services team in acquisitions, cataloging, data and workflow analysis and optimization.
This is a full-time position, with a one-year fixed-term contract with the possibility of subsequent confirmation. Salary based on qualifications and experience. Applicants should be eligible to work in the European Union.
Applicants should provide a cover letter, a resume, and the names and contact information of three referees. Applications will be accepted until May 28, 2026. For additional information, contact Caroline Duroselle-Melish, Head of the Biblioteca Berenson, at cdmelish[at]itatti.harvard.edu
Responsibilities:
Responsible for metadata reporting, analysis, and quality control of bibliographical description and support for library software applications (ca. 55% of position):
- Designs and runs reports in Alma Analytics and DV.
- Performs data analysis, manipulation and reconciliation with secondary datasets using OpenRefine, APIs and other tools.
- Acts as liaison with Harvard Library Technology Services (LTS) on all aspects of the Alma system including the configuration of new collections, fulfillment policies, and changes to the local configuration.
- Acts as liaison with Harvard LTS and Information and Technical Services (ITS) for issues relating to shared bibliographic data.
- Runs batch jobs in Alma to update holdings and items, when large numbers of items are in need of modification.
- Creates one-off scripts for specific purposes.
- Prepares proposals and collaborations with colleagues on bibliographic data remediation, enhancement and enrichment to improve user and staff experience of Alma and Primo/Hollis systems.
- Maintains knowledge of, and engages in, continuous professional development to keep up with developments in relevant library technologies and protocols, standards for collections metadata and discovery.
- Works with other colleagues within and beyond the library on digital and discovery-oriented projects.
Responsible for the acquisitions, cataloging, and end processing of journals (ca.30% of position):
- Orders, processes invoices, maintains collective holdings records for journals as well as bibliographic records and holdings for monographic issues.
- Provides original and copy cataloging metadata of new journals, subject analysis, descriptive metadata, call number classification according to current standards.
- Works closely with Library Assistant for the end processing and the binding of journals.
Along with other library staff, provides public service and reference assistance to library users (ca.15% of position). Is part of the reshelving team.
Basic qualifications:
- A Master of Library and Information Science or equivalent required.
- A minimum of 3 years’ experience with original and adaptive cataloging in a variety of formats (print, non-print, digital) in an academic or research library.
- Experience with current standards for bibliographic and authority data MARC2, RDA and DCRM, LCSH, LCC, and application of other library metadata standards. Knowledge of authority control processes.
- Knowledge of basic programming concepts and experience using at least one language, e.g. SQL, Python, or data representation format relevant for querying and transforming datasets, e.g. JSON, XML.
- Demonstrated fluency in both English and Italian.
Additional qualifications:
- Experience with the Alma/Primo integrated library system (or similar) and associated tools, including OCLC Connexion, RDA toolkit and Cataloger’s Desktop programs.
- Ability to handle multiple projects and priorities, meet deadlines, and work with meticulous attention to detail.
- Outstanding team orientation, flexibility, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Interest in automation and optimization of library workflows.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Reading knowledge of one or more Western European languages in addition to English and Italian.
- Knowledge of medieval/early modern subject areas (art, history, literature) and related research material.
I Tatti
Located in Florence, Italy, the Biblioteca Berenson is the library of I Tatti, one of the world’s leading institutions for advanced research in all aspects of late-medieval and early modern Italy and its place in the larger world. It is among nearly seventy libraries and collections that make up the Harvard Library. The Berenson Library’s rich collections of over 200,000 books, periodicals, and musical scores, and a growing archive of personal and institutional papers, and rare books collection, offer outstanding resources in all disciplines for the study of Renaissance Italy, its links with the larger early modern world and its resonance in more recent times. The library serves a residential community of several dozen scholars at any one time and welcomes a large number of other local and international researchers.