[metadataLibrarians] metadata or cataloging?

[Joanna Burgess]

Hi Anne,

In theory I agree with everything that was said about the importance  
of cataloging, but for on the ground job searching (you did ask about  
saleability) I would opt for the metadata course. And not just in  
terms of getting an edge in your job search - since it sounds like you  
have a fairly competetive skill set already - but also to enable you  
to hit the ground running if you really do want to get involved in  
digital/metadata librarianship. It's fine to say that you can train on  
the job, but you also need to get your foot in the door, and be able  
to quickly identify areas for growth & professional development.

I completed my MLIS a year ago this Spring: I took an introductory  
knowledge organization course, which provided an overview of basic  
cataloging & metadata concepts, then subsequently took an introductory  
cataloging class. I also did practicum and work study projects  
involving metadata schema design, and application of metadata  
utilizing digital assets management software. I secured  a  
digital/metadata library position within about a month of getting my  
MLIS, and I'm confident that my (albeit limited) experience with  
metadata concepts & applications was much more of a factor than my  
(also limited) cataloging knowledge. That said, I'm primarily working  
with visual and multimedia resources. If you envision focusing on  
metadata for bibliographic resources, I assume familiarity with AACR2  
& MARC would be critical.

I think whatever you decide, you'll be in pretty good shape. ...but I  
did want to make a plug for the metadata course! Best of luck whatever  
you decide :)

Joanna Burgess
Digital Assets Librarian
Reed College Library
503-517-7629