The American Institute of Physics (AIP) is a federation of 10 Member Societies which in turn have more than 130,000 members across the globe. AIP was founded in 1931 in an effort to alleviate societal and economic turmoil and to better humanity through science. Today, almost 100 years later, we further our positive impact through our mission: to advance, promote, and serve the physical sciences for the benefit of humanity. We want you to become a part of this mission!

Who we are:

The Niels Bohr Library & Archives is a repository and clearinghouse for information in the history of physics, astronomy, geophysics and many others. As AIP’s pride and joy, the Library holds thousands of publications, oral histories, photographs, and archival collections referenced by researchers and scholars alike.

As an outstanding resource for information, the Niels Bohr Library & Archives exists to collect, preserve, and present critical pieces of information that can be used by physics researchers and historians of today and tomorrow. 

Who you are:

AIP is seeking a full-time Metadata Librarian to help support the operations of the esteemed Niels Bohr Library & Archives. As Metadata Librarian you will manage the bulk of the library’s original and copy cataloging, classifying and shelving of library materials. Additionally, you’ll play a key role in serials cataloging, space planning, cataloging clean-up and enrichment. collection assessments, and cross-collecitons metadata work with a focus on library materials. The Niels Bohr Library & Archives team embraces a flexible working environment. Because the Metadata Librarian will be working primarily with physical items, this role will be on-site, but will allow for remote work as needed.

Bring your passion and connect with all corners of the physical sciences, get an inside look at one of the most robust resources for physics related information. This is an amazing opportunity to join a dynamic team of passionate professionals who love what they do.

What you’ll do:

• Manage Library’s cataloging, both original and copy-cataloging, including rare books. Download book catalog records from OCLC; assign NBLA call numbers and shelve materials.
• Assist Associate Director of Library Collections & Services with arrangement of donations by checking book donations and proposed donation lists against the library catalog for duplicates.
• Renew annual journal subscriptions, coordinate claims and review with Associate Director, Library Collections and Services for retention; maintain holdings in offsite storage. Maintain serials collections.
• Cataloging and checking in all periodicals, claiming and locating missing journals, and shelving. Maintain adequate spaces for the journal collections, this may include shifting existing collections and moving collections to off-site storage.
• Collaborate with Digital Collections Manager, Digital Archivist, and other archives staff members to maintain and update digital collection records, initially prioritizing digitized books with the potential to expand work into other collection areas. Contribute to ongoing digital collections metadata standardization, and batch metadata creation with a focus on library material.

What you’ll bring:

• A Bachelor's degree in Library Science or relevant field is required. A Master’s degree is preferred.
• Basic familiarity with library systems and procedures.
• Basic familiarity with library standards and practices like AACR2, RDA, MARC, OCLC Connexion, and Horizon ILS and OPACs and some knowledge of VIAF, FAST, or related Linked Data initiatives.
• Ability to work with computer software (particularly MS Access, Outlook, Word and Excel).
• Ability to operate office machines, such as copiers and a variety of scanners.
• Experience cataloging or working with rare books and materials is preferred.
• Existing knowledge of (or an ability to learn) appropriate methods and techniques for the handling, storage, and preservation of library and archival materials is preferred.

Why join us:

AIP embraces a flexible hybrid work environment to balance in-person collaborative work with remote work. The Niels Bohr Library team relies heavily on in-person collaboration to operate, so this role will report to our offices in College Park, Maryland. Employees are required to reside in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC.

We offer comprehensive benefits, including generous paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, an annual retirement contribution of 10% of base pay, tuition assistance, commuter benefits, and more.

Your colleagues at AIP are welcoming, gracious, and eager to help each other succeed. With our commitment to community service, institute-wide social opportunities, and ongoing learning and development, AIP is a rewarding place to work.
 

To Apply:

Include a resume, and a cover letter. We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a full match with the position description; we will consider people from a variety of backgrounds and career experiences.
 

About AIP:

The American Institute of Physics is a dynamic, forward-thinking 501(c)(3) membership corporation of scientific societies. Our mission is to advance, promote, and serve the physical sciences for the benefit of humanity. AIP is a trusted and reliable source of information and analysis and is a center of excellence that advances the physical sciences enterprise through research and analysis aimed at improving the understanding of our heritage and promoting future progress.

Diversity welcome! Diversity is integral to our mission and is engrained in everything that we do at AIP. We encourage and invite people of all backgrounds to apply and join our team. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, creed, marital status, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, personal appearance, national origin, ancestry, protected veteran status, or physical or mental disability. Click here to view AIP’s Diversity Statement