Digital Archivist, Emerson College, Boston, MA
Posted March 3, 2017
Job Objective
The Digital Archivist implements ongoing digital preservation and digitization projects in the Emerson College Archives and Special Collections. Core responsibilities include collaborating with the Archivist & Records Coordinator to acquire, appraise, describe, preserve, and provide access to both digitized and born-digital records. The digital archivist also works with the Head of Archives & Special Collections and Digital Initiatives Librarian to plan and execute workflows for the digitization of analog records. He/she will also monitor the activities of interns and work study students.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Education
- ALA accredited master’s degree in library/information science with course work in archives, digital curation, or digital preservation.
- Comprehensive knowledge of current trends in digital preservation theory and standards and technologies that enable effective preservation of permanent digital records.
- Communication skills and customer service orientation including the ability to work with all academic levels, including administrators, staff, students, faculty, and external donors.
- Demonstrated experience with digital repository platforms (open source or commercial).
- Knowledge of various methods of digital preservation, including the use of file packing formats and comprehensive software programs, as well as the OAIS reference model.
- Ability to plan, coordinate, and implement effective programs, complex projects, and service.
- Experience generating checksums, preservation metadata, and working with tools that verify file authenticity and tools that identify potentially restricted content.
- Knowledge of metadata schemas such as Dublin Core, METS, MODS, PREMIS, VRA core, and TEI
- Basic knowledge of HTML/CSS/Javascript/other coding languages
Preferred Knowledge and Skills
- Graphic/web/user experience design expertise
- Experience with one or more of the following technologies: Preservica, AtoM, Omeka, WordPress, Drupal, BagIt, and Adobe editing software
- Experience using open access formats and technologies
- Knowledge of electronic records management techniques and best practices
- Knowledge of current best practices related to copyright issues for digital collections
- Basic knowledge of digital forensics technologies
- Knowledge of best practices for the preservation and digitization of AV materials
Required Previous Work Experience
One or more years working with digital archives.
Preferred Previous Work Experience
Experience in overseeing a digital archives program in an academic setting
Job Duties
Collaborate with the Archivist & Records Coordinator to implement and manage the necessary workflows for acquisition, ingestion, description, maintenance, preservation, and intellectual access to/of digital content in all digital repository platforms. This includes processing, creating finding aids, and generating item-level metadata for digital collections. Assist in the creation and updating of policies and procedures for these activities.
Implement and manage workflows for the digitization of analog materials identified as being in need of preservation, including the use of preservation formats, creation of item-level metadata, and post-digitization preservation activities. Assists in the identification of materials to be digitized in collaboration with the Digital Initiatives Librarian and Head of Archives & Special Collections.
In conjunction with the Head of Archives & Special Collections, Archivist & Records Coordinator, and college departments, develop and implement policies and procedures concerning the creation, maintenance, and preservation of departmental digital assets and related metadata. Provide training for college staff, faculty, and student organizations regarding these subjects.
Provides access to born-digital and digitized materials by creating digital collections and exhibits. This includes editing digital multimedia and web content. Develop and maintain a strategy for providing universal access using a Preservica Universal Access website or other digital platform. Contribute to planning future projects as well as creating and updating related policies and procedures.
Supports the Digital Initiatives Librarian by assisting with project coordination and grant writing as needed.
Applications
Please apply online at https://emerson.peopleadmin.com/postings/14024