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Survey of Cataloging & Metadata Librarians: Hiring & Personnel Plans

Publisher Primary Research Group
Published Oct 17, 2025
Length 73 Pages
SKU # PF20773202

Description

This comprehensive report provides an in-depth look at staffing levels, hiring expectations, recruitment challenges, outsourcing practices, and the evolving roles within cataloging and metadata departments across libraries.

The report is based on extensive survey data from a diverse range of institutions, offering actionable insights for library leaders, HR professionals, and policymakers. Readers will find detailed breakdowns by institution size, sector, tuition band, staff age, gender, and work function.

Five Key Findings from the Report
Severe Understaffing is Widespread: Over 70% of metadata departments report being below adequate staffing levels, with the problem most acute in large institutions and public libraries1.
Minimal Growth in Staffing: The past two years have seen little net gain in staff, with only isolated expansion at select private or research institutions. Most libraries report unchanged or reduced staffing1.
Recruitment Difficulty is High: 44% of respondents find recruitment difficult, citing budget constraints and limited institutional prioritization as the main barriers—not a lack of qualified candidates1.
Future Hiring Focuses on New Roles: The most anticipated hires are metadata specialists (44%), linked data/BIBFRAME experts (40%), digital catalogers (28%), and AI experts (26%), reflecting the field’s shift toward digital and data-driven expertise1.
Outsourcing Remains Limited: Two-thirds of libraries perform cataloging and metadata work in-house, with outsourcing expected to remain stable over the next two years

Table of Contents

73 Pages
Table 1.1 How would you describe the current staffing levels in your library’s metadata and cataloging department?
Table 2.1 By how many full time equivalent positions has your cataloging and metadata staff increased or decreased over the past two years? Indicate the number and if positive or negative.
Table 3.1 Over the next 2 years, do you expect the demand for labor in your metadata and cataloging department to:
Table 4 Which new positions or roles do you anticipate needing in your metadata and cataloging department in the near future? (Select all that apply)
Table 5.1 How difficult has it been to recruit qualified staff for metadata and cataloging positions in your library?
Table 6.1 To what extent does your library currently rely on outsourcing for metadata and cataloging tasks?
Table 7.1 Do you anticipate your library’s reliance on outsourcing for metadata and cataloging tasks will increase, decrease or remain about the same?
Table 8.1 Which tasks in your metadata and cataloging department are most likely to be automated or supported by AI in the near future? (Select all that apply)
Table 9.1 What is the main barrier to maintaining adequate staffing in your metadata and cataloging department? (Select up to two)

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