Media Preservation Engineer, Audio

The New York Public Library•New York, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The New York Public Library seeks an audio engineer to join our in-house Audio and Moving Image (AMI) digitization program. The AMI Preservation program (AMIP) is charged with preserving and providing access to the Research Libraries’ extensive collection of audiovisual materials—including historical recordings and at-risk 20th-century media formats—through digitization and stringent preservation standards. Reporting to the Manager of Audio and Moving Image Preservation, the Engineer will oversee the operation of one of two AMIP audio digitization labs, ensuring that daily audio digitization operations and quality standards are met while maintaining a robust pipeline of preservation work. The ideal candidate is highly skilled in audio digitization and preservation, organized, and efficient. While located at the Library for the Performing Arts, the Engineer will carry out the preservation assessment, treatment, and reformatting of recordings held across the Research Libraries. They will also be responsible for equipment calibration and maintenance, and provide input and feedback on technology and workflow development. The position will advise on media preservation issues, and participate in quality assurance, and program documentation. We are looking for someone we can count on to: Own : The operation of one of two AMIP audio digitization labs, including preparation and treatment of media, digitization, file editing and post-production, and equipment care and calibration Pre- and post-digitization logistics for this audio lab, ensuring timely and accurate completion of audio digitization projects from physical media handling to post-digitization validation processes The tracking of key performance metrics for the audio lab to demonstrate progress and maintain accountability for projects Teach : Lab staff and cross-functional teams about evolving audio digitization practices, quality assurance, and equipment care Colleagues about emerging trends in audio preservation and the tools/software that support them Learn: The unique content, formats, and preservation requirements of the Library’s extensive and diverse audio collections The audio lab’s digitization workflows, including in-house scripts to assist with efficient file processing and metadata organization New technologies, software, and digitization strategies in order to scale and continuously improve audio lab processes Improve : Communication channels and reporting mechanisms so that AMI lab managers have insight into audio digitization timelines and overall lab productivity Technical workflows and documentation to enhance efficiency, standardization, and quality control outcomes across audio preservation projects Digitization and equipment operation knowledge by engaging in robust professional development and field-specific training Some expectations for this role are that within: 1 month , this person will: Have a working understanding of NYPL digitization specifications and lab equipment capabilities 3 months , this person will: Have full understanding and ability to execute specifications and workflows 6 months and beyond , this person will: Have the expertise and ability to represent all specifications and procedures to external parties Contribute to program and division specifications, workflow, and strategy discussions

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, or degree in Audio Engineering, Library/Information Science, Music Technology, Electrical Engineering, or a related field preferred
2-5 years of demonstrated experience in audio preservation, including media identification; physical treatment; playback, signal extraction, and analog-to-digital conversion; production and specification of preservation master files, digital derivatives, and metadata
Demonstrated experience in the preservation reformatting of legacy analog formats (open-reel tape, cassettes, and grooved discs)
Demonstrated experience in the preservation and reformatting of physical digital formats (such as DAT, ADAT, etc.)
Hands-on experience with at least one professional digital audio workstation software.
Working understanding of the audio preservation standards and best practice documents developed by IASA and AES
Ability to perform basic maintenance and calibration of current and obsolete audio playback equipment
Experience in the preservation reformatting of full range of obsolete to current audio formats, to include cylinders, wires, dictation formats, and optical media
Experience with file analysis, digital asset packaging, and command-line scripting
Comprehensive knowledge of audio preservation engineering, including the calibration of legacy playback systems and the principles of high-fidelity signal extraction and A/D conversion
Excellent critical listening/viewing skills and evaluation of typical issues in reformatting legacy media
Excellent skills in evaluating and handling rare, fragile, or damaged media
Excellent judgment, problem-solving skills and strong commitment to high quality and productivity
Excellent organizational skills, high attention to detail, with the ability to set priorities and complete work under pressure of production deadlines
Awareness of leading trends in digitization, and an eagerness to expand the scope of digitization possibilities at NYPL

Responsibilities

Perform preservation treatment and reformatting for the full range of obsolete, still-in-use, and emerging audio formats, from analog to digital (discs, cylinders, tape, etc)
Create preservation master, production, service, and metadata files according to AMIP specifications
Use a wide range of software, scripts and other tools to perform this work.
Calibrate and maintain current and obsolete equipment
Perform quality assurance activities
Assess and recommend new tools and equipment
Quality control of deliverables and preparation of digital assets for repository ingest.
Participate in overall program and workflow development
Participate in Library-wide activities such as disaster response and recovery, and education and outreach activities
Stay abreast of new technology and emerging best practices in the field, and pays attention to developments in professional organizations such as AES, IASA, ARSC.
Perform other duties as assigned