Digitization Specialist

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Job Type:

FLSA Status:

Summary:

Under the supervision of the Digitization Coordinator the Digitization Specialist is a full-time production assistant and scanner operator working on the digitization of paper-based documents and ephemeral items rare books audio-visual and photographic holdings from Archives and Special Collections based on unit priorities and digitization-on-demand requests. The incumbent also performs basic preservation measures assessment of analog materials maintain statistics enhances metadata participates in planning activities supports digital projects performs post-processing and quality control tasks and handles the proper storage and naming of digitized files. The incumbent helps prepare materials for vendor outsourcing. Additionally the incumbent assists in the supervision of hourly student assistants to perform digitization work and quality control files.

Essential Functions:

• Digitize paper-based documents and ephemeral items rare books audio-visual and photographic holdings from Archives and Special Collections based on unit priorities and digitization-on-demand requests. Operate several styles of scanners. Work with student employees to assist with digitization on 2-person scanners. Ensure proper handling of archival materials. Perform basic preservation triage and adjust scanning requirements and conditions based on needs. Capture and enhance metadata during the digitization process. Accurately name files manage large volumes of digital files and store digital files based on set policies and procedures. Maintain accurate statistics related to digital output. Complete digitization project documentation. Complete digitization and digital projects according to deadlines priorities policies and procedures.

• Perform post-processing and quality control tasks on in-house and outsourced digitized and born-digital material which may include renaming rotating straightening cropping stitching redacting color-correcting and generating derivative files. Utilize scanner software and Adobe suite. Identify candidates for rescans. Flag problems for Digitization Coordinator.

• Assist Digitization Coordinator in digitization project planning. Identify preservation or content risks. Assist with inventory projects. Assist in preparing materials to be outsourced for vendor digitization. Support digital projects within Archives and Special Collections including but not limited to digital exhibitions transcription projects and social media.

• Assist the Digitization Coordinator with supervising part-time employees.

• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• Assists with hourly student employee oversight under guidance of Digitization Coordinator.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Full-time.

• 35 hours per week.

• Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm.

• Work modality: Hybrid 01 (on campus 3 - 4 days per week) after probationary period or sooner as determined by the department director based on progress towards understanding core job functions.

• This position is union eligible.

Salary Range:

• $22.86 - $29.44 per hour.

Required Education and Experience:

• Associates degree or equivalent.

• Less than 1 year of relevant experience.

• Advanced computer skills and experience troubleshooting technology issues.

• Experience working with the Adobe Creative Suite including Photoshop.

• Experience working with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft apps.

• Able to learn and adapt to new technologies.

• Experience handling paper-based photographic rare and audio-visual items.

• Familiarity with archives and/or special collections repositories.

• Ability to follow detailed instructions and maintain documentation.

• Experience with data entry tasks.

• Experience working with a team to complete common objectives and ability to work collaboratively with colleagues to create results-driven and positive environment.

• Strong customer service skills including the ability to be responsive to service needs of constituents in a courteous and consistent manner.

• Strong ability to prioritize and multi-task including the ability to reprioritize tasks to resolve issues that arise.

• Strong attention to detail takes the time and effort to ensure that work is accurate and high quality and ability to work independently under minimal supervision.

• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues staff at all levels of the campus hierarchy a diverse community and vendors and other external partners.

• Excellent organization analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to present information clearly and concisely.

• Demonstrated ability to be flexible navigate ambiguity and adapt to change in a dynamic environment.

• Evidence of a strong commitment to diversity and a mentality that is ethical transparent and inclusive.

• Reliable and responsive to communications in a timely manner.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Bachelors degree or equivalent.

• 1 - 3 years of relevant experience.

• Experience digitizing paper-based photographic books and audio-visual materials.

• Knowledge of photography.

• Familiarity with born digital materials.

• Demonstrated knowledge of current practices trends standards and research in archival special collections and imaging.

• Experience with the use of digital technologies metadata schemas and technology applications relevant to digital imaging and reformatting.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Moderate physical activity. Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 50 pounds and standing walking and bending.

• Must be able to lift items up to 50 pounds and retrieve materials from shelves that are seven feet high.

• Work requires frequent exposure to dust and potential exposure to mold.

• Work is performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

• Must be able to work in an office setting where the temperature is set to a constant 63⁰ F.

• Work is performed in an environment that doesnt permit food and open beverages.

Other Duties:

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package.Click here to learn about American Universitys unique benefit options.

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia Maryland or Virginia or perform work on-site at the university.

• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University please log intoWorkdayand select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site email.

American University is an equal opportunity affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race color national origin religion sex (including pregnancy) age sexual orientation disability marital status personal appearance gender identity and expression family responsibilities political affiliation source of income veteran status an individuals genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively Protected Bases) in its programs and activities.