Digitization Services Specialist (DSS)

King Library: Digitization Services Specialist (DSS) oversees the processing and curation of the Bowden Postcard collection of over 650,000 items, which centers active learning and the student experience. The position will implement strategic plans to assess and continuously improve access and use of the collection, including creating and giving custom-designed instruction sessions to classes; using a range of scanning technologies and techniques to digitize a wide variety of special collection materials with a particular emphasis on postcard collection. The DSS is responsible for the development, stewardship, and promotion of the postcard collection and works as a part of a team to build and maintain the Libraries’ various digital collections.

Reporting to the Head of the Department of Steward and Sustain, the Digitization Services Specialist will collaborate with the University Archivist and Digital Collections Librarian and a varying number of student assistants to develop, document and implement workflows that will improve access to the collection and increase the value of these materials to research, teaching and learning. The DSS will also work with external digitization vendors and coordinate external scanning jobs; provide support and assistance with the Bowden Postcard Collection in the use of digitization equipment and software to faculty and staff; perform routine maintenance on various systems and equipment such as cameras, lighting systems, computers and digitization equipment; and train and supervise student assistants, as assigned; participate in library standing committees, contribute to the development of new library programs, such as digital initiatives and digital scholarship services, and may also participate in writing grants and funding proposals; oversee the development and maintenance of Postcard collections which include: AV material, artifacts, artwork, books, manuscripts, photographs, electronic and paper-based records, and digitized images; apply standardized practices for records appraisal, accessioning, and disposition of materials not suitable for preservation; apply standard archival practices to ensure efficient retrieval and preservation of collections; working with the Preservation librarian, develop and implement standards for environmental protection and preservation of archival materials, including proper storage systems, security, and basic conservation procedures; follow national standards for archival description, e.g. Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS); collaborate with the University Archivist on setting policy and best practices for processing and descriptive work; developing program goals and metrics to evaluate work; developing processing plans; and helping to plan and prioritize large-scale processing projects; collaborate with the Digital Collections Librarian to develop tools and workflows for the arrangement and description of digitized materials and workflows for the imaging and ingest of digitized  materials within existing collection holdings; complete other duties as assigned.

Required: Bachelor’s degree and familiarity with archival best practices for appraisal, arrangement, and description, and with national archival standards including EAD and DACS, gained through coursework or hands-on experience.

Consideration may be given to candidates with excellent problem-solving skills and ability to address ambiguity and complexity in archival arrangement; excellent oral and written communication skills.  Ability to work closely with colleagues and library users from diverse backgrounds; commitment to fostering an inclusive educational environment and workplace; commitment to professional growth.

Submit a cover letter and resume to https://jobs.miamioh.edu/cw/en-us/job/499587/digitization-services-specialist-dss.  Inquiries may be directed to William Modrow at modrowwm@miamioh.edu. Screening of applications will begin December 20, 2021 and continue until the position is filled.

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