Digitization Specialist
Produces digital surrogates of books, manuscripts, audio, and moving image material from Library and other University holdings to meet Libraries’ goals for preserving collections and providing online resources. The Digitization Specialist will focus primarily on still image digitization (including but not limited to manuscripts, photographs, and negatives), but will also be trained on A/V digitization equipment and workflows.
Responsibilities
- Oversees management of individual digitization projects within the DPC, including: assessing materials to be digitized for condition and processing needs; providing estimates for project timelines; contributing to decisions about project implementation; collaborating with supervisor around the production schedule and project needs.
- Creates digital resources from a variety of source materials and media, following tiered FADGI guidelines for imaging, file sizes, and storage of digital objects; adheres to established file movement strategies to enable creation of metadata, access, and long-term archiving.
- Communicate with stakeholders, project partners, and vendors; when requested, represents DPC and still image digitization workflows in various working groups (whether formal or ad hoc), at standalone meetings, and for consultations with colleagues in the library as needed.
- Conducts tests to establish and document settings and benchmarks for still image capture projects; assesses the quality of digital still image files produced in the DPC; calibrates still image digitization equipment to maintain consistent output; ensures quality controls for digitizing still image are followed.
- Identifies potential conservation issues and consults with Conservation Services digitization liaison or members of that department regarding special handling requirements, intervention, and repairs; uses proper handling techniques to minimize damage during imaging.
- Contributes to the development of standards, policies, procedures, and documentation for all aspects of DPC operations.
- Helps maintain and troubleshoot a range of high-performance digitization equipment and tools, including imaging software, databases, scanners, lights, and cameras.
- Monitors channels for professional communication; networks with professionals outside the University; participates in activities to stay informed about trends in library digitization and audio reformatting.
- Assists visitors and others needing access to the Digital Production Center.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Qualifications
It is the expectation that all Duke University Libraries staff members will demonstrate exceptional workplace behaviors in the execution of their specific position responsibilities. These behaviors are customer focus, collaboration, creative problem solving, continuous learning and a commitment to creating a culture of inclusion that values and respects diversity of perspective, background, and experience.
Education
Required: BA/BS or higher (or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience).
Experience
Required: Two years of experience using professional level digitization equipment in a production environment; an understanding of still image capture in a cultural heritage environment; awareness of FADGI guidelines. Familiarity with digital image editing software, data management, and processing tools. Knowledge of calibration tools and techniques, and still image formats. Experience with operating, cleaning, and maintaining professional still image digitization equipment.
Must be detail-oriented, possess excellent organizational skills and be able to respond to changes in project goals or requirements; have strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, and an ability to work independently and effectively in a collaborative setting; demonstrated commitment to providing outstanding customer services.
Preferred: Demonstrated experience with Phase One, Zeutschel, Fujitsu, Hasselblad, Epson and Nikon capture devices, advance Photoshop scripting, color calibration technologies, and mass digitization in a cultural heritage environment. Demonstrated project management experience, with ability to manage projects, plan and execute workflows, track progress and meet deadlines and objectives. Experience working in a cultural heritage environment. Familiarity with standards for care and handling of rare and fragile materials. Familiarity or experience in A/V digitization best practices and principles.
Working Conditions
- Frequently moves library materials weighing up to and over 25 pounds
- Frequently works in an environment in which exposure to materials containing dust and mold is possible
- Must be able to tolerate camera and scanner lights
- Constantly positions self to reach high and low shelves
- Normal office environment
These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position. This description is subject to change at any time.
Salary and Benefits
Salary dependent on qualifications and experience; anticipated salary is $50,000+. Comprehensive benefits package includes 15 days vacation, 14 holidays, 12 days sick leave; health, dental, disability and life insurance and support for professional development and training.
Environment
Since its founding in 1924, Duke University has grown into one of the most prestigious private universities in the world and its medical center ranks annually among the top in the nation. The Duke University Libraries are the shared center of the university's intellectual life, connecting people and ideas. The Libraries consist of the Perkins Library, Bostock Library, Rubenstein Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Lilly Library, and Music Library, and the library at the Duke Marine Laboratory in Beaufort. Duke's library holdings of 6.2 million volumes are among the largest of private universities in the United States.
Duke is a diverse community committed to the principles of excellence, fairness, and respect for all people. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. We believe that when we understand, celebrate, and tap into our uniqueness to creatively solve problems and address shared goals, our possibilities are limitless. Duke University Libraries value diversity of thought, perspective, experience, and background and are actively committed to a culture of inclusion and respect.
Duke's hometown is Durham, North Carolina, a city with vibrant research, medical and arts communities, and numerous shops, restaurants and theaters. Durham is located in the Research Triangle, a growing metropolitan area of more than one million people that provides a wide range of cultural, recreational and educational opportunities. The Triangle is conveniently located just a few hours from the mountains and the coast, offers a moderate climate, and has been ranked among the best places to live and to do business.
Duke offers a comprehensive benefit package which includes both traditional benefits such as health insurance, leave time and retirement, as well as wide ranging work/life and cultural benefits. Details can be found at: http://www.hr.duke.edu/benefits/index.php.
Application
An electronic resume, cover letter, and list of 3 references should be submitted at https://careers.duke.edu/ - Search for Requisition ID # 211430. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Applications which are missing any of the components listed above will not be reviewed.<
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual’s age, color, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The Duke University Libraries have a strong commitment to Affirmative Action and is actively seeking to increase the racial and ethnic diversity of our staff.
Posted 10/17/22