ISD LLC is a leading distributor of scholarly and specialist publications, and they are seeking a Metadata Strategist to oversee the creation, management, and quality control of bibliographic and digital metadata. The role involves ensuring compliance with industry standards, enhancing metadata quality, and collaborating with over 110 international publishers to improve discoverability and distribution.
Responsibilities
• Manage and maintain bibliographic metadata across internal title management systems
• Review, validate, and process ONIX records, ensuring compliance with industry standards and ISD requirements
• Oversee metadata onboarding for new publishers and new title lists
• Ensure consistency and accuracy of bibliographic data across print and digital formats
• Identify and remediate metadata errors and implement quality control procedures
• Manage high volumes of metadata during peak seasons and onboarding periods with accuracy and efficiency
• Coordinate metadata updates across internal systems and distribution partners
• Develop, refine, and optimize ISD’s metadata intake, workflow, and output processes to improve efficiency, accuracy, and discoverability
• Actively collaborate with publishers to enhance metadata quality, completeness, and discoverability
• Monitor recurring metadata issues and proactively work with publishers to implement long-term improvements
• Identify gaps in publisher metadata submissions and follow up to ensure timely and complete updates
• Initiate larger metadata improvement projects where needed (e.g., backlist cleanups, subject revisions, keyword enhancements, ONIX upgrades)
• Contribute to publisher-facing education initiatives, including blog posts, best-practice documentation, webinars, and other materials that promote strong metadata standards
• Liaise with departments across ISD, including Digital Content, Sales & Marketing, Finance, Customer Service, and Warehouse Operations, to ensure metadata supports operational needs and business objectives
• Understand how metadata impacts discoverability, ordering, invoicing, fulfillment, reporting, and customer experience, and tailor metadata workflows accordingly
• Stay current on industry standards and best practices related to bibliographic metadata, ONIX, discoverability, and distribution requirements
Skills
• Demonstrated experience managing bibliographic metadata in a publishing or book distribution environment
• Strong working knowledge of ONIX standards
• Experience with title management systems
• Strong understanding of discoverability, metadata quality control, and industry best practices
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines under pressure
• Strong communication skills and experience working directly with publishers
• Initiative and the ability to work independently while contributing strategically to broader organizational goals
Company Overview
• The IPG is the leading membership body representing independent publishers The IPG supports around 600 members who make enormous contributions to creative excellence and innovation in the UK. It was founded in 1962, and is headquartered in Whitland, GB, with a workforce of 2-10 employees. Its website is https://www.independentpublishersguild.com/.
Apply Now
Apply Now