Metadata Specialist

Location: Boston Spa
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time (36 hours)
Grade: C
Salary: £28,152 per annum
This is the starting salary for this role unless the successful candidate is able to evidence being in receipt of a higher salary in which case this may be reviewed

About the role
We are seeking three Metadata Specialists to join the British Library’s Metadata department. This is a key professional role focused on the creation, management and enhancement of high‑quality bibliographic metadata that enables discovery of the British Library’s collections for research, innovation and public engagement.

Working collaboratively with colleagues, stakeholders and national and international partners, you will apply professional judgement and expertise to describe, analyse and index collection items in accordance with recognised standards and best practice.

This is an evolving role, suited to someone who is adaptable, curious, and motivated to develop their professional skills in a changing technological and organisational environment. If you are passionate about metadata, collaboration, and enabling access to collections at a national and international level, we would be delighted to hear from you.

For one of the posts, language expertise to degree level in French and/or German is essential; for the other two posts it is desirable.

About us
We are the national library of the UK and we are here for everyone. Our shelves hold over 170 million items – a living collection that gets bigger every day. Although our roots extend back centuries, we aim to collect everything published in the UK today, tomorrow and far into the future. Our trusted experts care for this collection and open it up for everyone to spark new discoveries, ideas and to help people do incredible things.

What we can offer you
- 25 days’ holiday plus 2.5 privilege days.
- Access to a defined benefit Civil Service pension scheme.
- Flexible working arrangements, including flexi-time.
- Full details of employee benefits can be found on our Careers: Benefits

Things you need to know
- We are unable to provide sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker visa for this role.
- Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check (DBS check).
- Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn.
- We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian, Mixed Race and other ethnically diverse candidates and disabled candidates. Creating an inclusive workplace is the core of our business and a way to engage the diversity of thought that is essential to achieve our aims.

Closing at 23:59 on Monday 11 May 2026

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]