Digitization Specialist

Library Systems & Services LLC•Hyattsville, MD

28m•$30 - $40•Onsite

About The Position

LAC Federal is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Digitization Specialist to support the digitization of archival photographic collections. This position plays a key role in preserving and improving online access to historically significant photographic records through high-resolution digital imaging, image post-processing, and metadata creation activities. The successful candidate will work on-site in Landover, Maryland, using professional digital imaging equipment and archival handling techniques to digitize photographic negatives, slides, and transparencies in accordance with established archival standards and protocols.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in library science, Archives, Museum Studies, Photography, Digital Humanities, History, Information Science, or a related field; equivalent professional experience may be considered
Minimum 2–4 years of experience supporting archival digitization, digital imaging, museum collections, libraries, archives, or cultural heritage organizations
Experience digitizing transmissive materials such as slides, negatives, transparencies, or photographic collections
Experience with digital photography workflows using copystands or overhead camera systems
Proficiency with Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Bridge, and Microsoft Excel
Experience generating descriptive and technical metadata
Demonstrated ability to handle fragile archival and museum collections carefully and accurately
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to work independently in a production-oriented environment
Ability to lift archival boxes and work at imaging workstations for extended periods

Nice To Haves

Coursework or background in archives, special collections, photography, museum studies, or preservation
Experience with digital asset management systems (DAMS), preferably OpenText Media Management
Familiarity with TIFF preservation imaging standards, color management, and image quality control
Experience working in federal, museum, library, or cultural heritage environments
Understanding of archival description and metadata standards

Responsibilities

Digitize archival slides, negatives, and transmissive materials using professional overhead camera systems and copystand photography workflows
Calibrate imaging equipment daily and maintain image quality standards throughout production activities
Handle fragile archival materials using proper preservation and conservation practices
Remove items from archival housings and sleeves and perform light dust removal prior to imaging
Perform image post-processing activities including cropping, color correction, skew adjustment, exposure balancing, and dust cleanup using Adobe Photoshop and related software
Produce preservation-quality TIFF files meeting Smithsonian technical specifications
Create and maintain technical and descriptive metadata records in Excel spreadsheets and collection systems
Apply standardized file naming conventions and metadata transcription procedures
Store and organize digital assets on designated network drives
Coordinate with Smithsonian staff regarding workflows, imaging priorities, quality control, and production schedules
Maintain accurate production statistics and timesheets