Digital Projects Specialist

UIOWA•Iowa City, IA

8d•$50,000 - $62,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The University of Iowa Libraries is looking to hire a Digital Projects Specialist (Library Specialist classification PLC3/4A) in the Cataloging, Metadata, and Digitization department. The Digital Projects Specialist digitizes material including rare books, manuscript collections, scrapbooks, and photographic prints and negatives. Reporting to the Digital Processing Coordinator Librarian, this position will manage digitization projects, photographs material requiring professional handling, and ensures the creation of quality digital files for UI Libraries digital collections. Key Areas of Responsibilities and Specific Job Tasks Acquire, Organize, Digitize, Preserve, and Provide Information Resources and Services Digitizes collection material to fulfill specialized patron requests and complete programmatic project goals. Operates digital imaging equipment to produce high-resolution images making decisions regarding image composition, cropping, and alignment in accordance with digitization best practice. Coordinates workflows for assigned projects including communication with stakeholders and logistics of material transfer between digitization and the repository. Performs digitization readiness assessments to inform planning of future digitization projects. Collaborates with staff in Conservation & Collections Care on issues related to conservation treatment before and after digitization and on proper care and handling of collections during digitization. Collaborates with metadata staff to capture descriptive and technical metadata for digital objects in preparation for repository ingest. Coordinates outsourced digitization projects with external vendors as needed; inventories and prepares materials for shipment. Leadership/Staff and Resource Management/Financial Responsibility Actively supports the University Libraries’ commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful workplace environment. Participates in and contributes to relevant library and University-wide activities and committees. Continuous Learning and Skills Development Keeps abreast of developments in digitization best practices and trends, applying new rules, interpretations, and techniques as appropriate. May participate in relevant professional activities advancing academic libraries or librarianship. Additional job duties as assigned based on individual knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Requirements

Master’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Minimum of two years related experience is required.
Experience digitizing material types typically found in libraries and archives.
Demonstrated ability to work in a team-based setting where consultation, flexibility, collaboration, and cooperation are essential.
Demonstrated ability to support a welcoming and respectful environment in a job-related experience, an academic setting, and/or the community.
Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

A graduate degree in library and information science, archival studies, or related field.
Experience with software used in the department including one or more of the following: Adobe Creative Suite (Acrobat, Bridge, Photoshop), ABBYY FineReader.
Experience with Phase One cameras and software including Capture One.
Familiarity with digitization project planning including awareness of copyright and ethical considerations.
Familiarity with photography concepts and terminology.
Demonstrated ability to inspect library items for completeness and condition.
Work experience in a research library setting.

Responsibilities

Digitizes collection material to fulfill specialized patron requests and complete programmatic project goals.
Operates digital imaging equipment to produce high-resolution images making decisions regarding image composition, cropping, and alignment in accordance with digitization best practice.
Coordinates workflows for assigned projects including communication with stakeholders and logistics of material transfer between digitization and the repository.
Performs digitization readiness assessments to inform planning of future digitization projects.
Collaborates with staff in Conservation & Collections Care on issues related to conservation treatment before and after digitization and on proper care and handling of collections during digitization.
Collaborates with metadata staff to capture descriptive and technical metadata for digital objects in preparation for repository ingest.
Coordinates outsourced digitization projects with external vendors as needed; inventories and prepares materials for shipment.
Actively supports the University Libraries’ commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful workplace environment.
Participates in and contributes to relevant library and University-wide activities and committees.
Keeps abreast of developments in digitization best practices and trends, applying new rules, interpretations, and techniques as appropriate.
May participate in relevant professional activities advancing academic libraries or librarianship.
Additional job duties as assigned based on individual knowledge, skills, and abilities.