Associate Data/Metadata Analyst

Together we make breakthroughs possible. At OCLC, we build technology with a purpose: to connect libraries and make knowledge accessible worldwide, because we believe that what is known must be shared. Our teams work with complex global datasets, AI and machine learning, hybrid cloud solutions, and other technologies that connect people and organizations to the information they need. We value the power of unique perspectives and experiences to unlock innovation. At OCLC, your ideas matter, whether you have two years of experience or 20. You’ll learn, create, and problem-solve with technologists, product developers, librarians, researchers, marketing pros, and support teams around the world. Why join OCLC? OCLC is consistently recognized as a best place to work by several independent programs. We recognize and reward people and results with a comprehensive Total Rewards package. This means competitive compensation that reflects your unique contributions—performance, experience, and skills—along with exceptional benefits, including best-in-class health coverage, retirement plans with generous company contributions, and a commitment to your overall well-being. We know the best ideas don’t always happen at a desk. Take a walking meeting around our 100-acre campus or enjoy lunch on the patio. We’re committed to your success—both personally and professionally.

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The job details are as follows: The Associate Data Analyst/Metadata Specialist manages the lifecycle of bibliographic and holdings data, ensuring accuracy and integrity through evaluation, transformation, and maintenance. This entry-level role combines metadata expertise with developing technical skills in scripting, automation, and AI-assisted workflows. Working under regular supervision, the Associate will transition from executing well-defined tasks to taking ownership of complex data projects. This is an opportunity to develop expertise at the intersection of library data, modern data engineering, and emerging AI — in a team that invests in the growth of its people.

Responsibilities: Data

Operations & Quality Data Lifecycle Management: Perform data ingest, normalization, enrichment, and matching according to established standards (e.g., MARC, KBART).

Quality Assessment: Profile incoming data to identify and resolve structural issues, encoding errors, and tagging discrepancies.

Troubleshooting: Investigate and resolve data quality issues, escalating complex problems to senior staff as needed.

Vendor Communication: Coordinate with external data providers and partner institutions regarding routine data specifications and quality issues.

Technical Solutions & Automation Pipeline Support: Apply existing scripts and automated workflows to process data; identify inefficiencies and suggest process improvements.

Data Visualization: Use and interpret dashboards (e.g., Power BI) to monitor data quality trends and communicate findings.

AI Integration: Utilize AI-assisted tools for record matching and field mapping; contribute structured feedback that helps improve AI model accuracy over time.

Collaboration & Documentation Knowledge Management: Document data source profiles, processing decisions, and technical workflows to ensure team-wide knowledge sharing.

Team Support: Execute foundational tasks to support senior analysts and participate in platform improvement projects. Minimum Required Knowledge,

Skills and Experience: Bachelor's degree in computer science, math, statistics, or related field and internship experience with data analysis or creation of library data. Entry-level analytical and communication skills, with attention to data quality while working under regular supervision. Preferred Knowledge,

Skills and Experience: Metadata

Standards: Foundational knowledge of MARC, Dublin Core, KBART, or BIBFRAME.

Technical Tools: Exposure to scripting languages (Python, SQL, or XSLT) and data transfer protocols (SFTP, APIs, or AWS S3).

Data Platforms: Conceptual familiarity with cloud data stores (e.g., Snowflake) and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Streamlit).

Emerging Tech: Interest in applying AI and linked data concepts (e.g., Schema.org) to library data challenges.

Working Conditions: Normal office environment.

ADA/EAA: The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties. Don't see a role that fits just yet? Send your resume to our Talent Acquisition Team for future opportunities!

Who we are: We are a non-profit global technology company that develops innovative services for libraries. Together with member libraries, we connect people to the resources they need to learn and grow, and ultimately, to transform the world. We connect libraries to other libraries, making their work more efficient and effective. Our large-scale, high-performance cloud computing services enable libraries to share data, work, and resources to save money and better serve their communities.

What we do: We are dedicated and passionate about libraries—and helping them change lives. Our goal is to provide innovative technologies for every library to help them meet the demands of a rapidly changing digital world. Our success depends on our ability to deliver new, high-quality features and stable, scalable solutions for libraries.

Live our values: New ideas. Open dialog. Hard work. Recognition. Purpose. We offer a dynamic, fulfilling work environment that is productive, collaborative, innovative—and fun. We are consistently rated among the top employers within Central Ohio and across the IT landscape. There is a strong, team-based culture where everyone is appreciated and focused on common goals. You will make a difference. OCLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. If you are interested in applying for employment with OCLC and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, contact our Human Resources Department at +1-614-764-6000 or email at hr@oclc.org