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Ascension is seeking a Metadata Quality Control Specialist to support a potential Library of Congress metadata creation and cataloging support effort. The ideal candidate will be a detail-oriented cataloging and metadata quality professional who can review bibliographic and authority-related records for accuracy, completeness, consistency, and compliance with applicable cataloging standards.

This role is designed for a professional who understands that metadata quality directly affects discoverability, access, catalog integrity, and downstream use by libraries and researchers. The successful candidate will support quality review of English-language Cataloging in Publication records in a virtual workflow environment. The Library of Congress requirement focuses on cataloging services for English-language materials in the CIP workflow, including BIBCO-level cataloging, full description according to RDA, name authority record creation and updating in the LC/NACO Name Authority File, and assignment of Library of Congress Classification, Library of Congress Subject Headings, and Sears Subject Headings. Work is expected to occur virtually in PrePub Book Link.

Summary of the Contractor Role

The Metadata Quality Control Specialist will review metadata and cataloging records to confirm that records are accurate, complete, standards-compliant, and ready for submission or final processing within the CIP workflow. This role will support quality assurance across descriptive metadata, subject analysis, classification, authority work, controlled vocabulary application, MARC field structure, and internal consistency.

The ideal candidate should bring strong attention to detail, sound professional judgment, and the ability to identify and document cataloging issues without slowing production unnecessarily. The role requires someone who can work independently in a remote environment, apply standards consistently, communicate findings clearly, and support continuous improvement in cataloging quality. The position is especially important because the CIP Program creates pre-publication metadata that supports the nation’s libraries and contributes to Library of Congress acquisition and discovery workflows.

Anticipated Day-to-Day Activities

The Metadata Quality Control Specialist will be expected to:

• Review English-language CIP metadata records for accuracy, completeness, and consistency with applicable cataloging standards.
• Validate descriptive cataloging elements against RDA, BIBCO-level expectations, MARC formatting, and local Library of Congress guidance.
• Check name authority work for consistency with the LC/NACO Name Authority File and flag records requiring creation, update, or additional review.
• Assess subject headings and classification assignments for alignment with Library of Congress Subject Headings, Library of Congress Classification, and Sears Subject Headings, as applicable.
• Verify that bibliographic records include required access points, descriptive elements, identifiers, notes, and coded data fields.
• Identify errors, omissions, inconsistencies, duplicate data, incomplete fields, or questionable cataloging decisions.
• Document quality findings in a clear, professional, and actionable manner for catalogers, leads, or project management staff.
• Coordinate with cataloging staff and senior metadata personnel to resolve recurring quality issues and clarify standards interpretation.
• Support sampling-based or full-review quality control activities, depending on production volume and customer direction.
• Track record review status, QC outcomes, recurring error types, and corrective action items.
• Recommend process improvements, job aids, checklist updates, or review criteria to strengthen production quality.
• Maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and consistency when working within government-furnished systems or remote workflow platforms.
• Apply customer-specific procedures, production priorities, and workflow guidance, including review of the oldest materials in the workflow when assigned.