Software Preservation Analyst, Yale University, New Haven, CT

Posted May 22, 2018

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Position Focus:

Reporting to the Software Preservation Program Manager, the Software Preservation Analyst leads department efforts in the planning and configuration of a library of emulated software applications for use in the Library’s emulation-as-a-service platform, a developing framework for access and use of preserved software and digital objects. Based on research and stakeholder input, the Analyst makes prioritization decisions and coordinates configuration according to project timelines and community needs. The Analyst is responsible for management of a growing collection of legacy computer hardware, installation media, and software applications. They create computer images of legacy equipment, using digital forensic tools and the command-line interface, for configuration and use in the emulation service. The Analyst manages the team of student workers tasked with configuration of the software library, overseeing hiring, training, supervision, quality control, and troubleshooting of configuration tasks. The Analyst is also responsible for the creation of guidelines and training materials for future users of the emulation service. As the service is implemented at multiple partner institutions, the Analyst will provide training and support resources to facilitate the onboarding of new users. The Analyst supports the ongoing expansion of emulation services through participation in requirements gathering exercises, documentation, and testing of new features during development.

1. Develop criteria and procedures for the development of YUL’s emulation service software library.
2. Conduct analysis and stakeholder outreach to gather information to inform software prioritization.
3. Identify and procure computing environments (e.g., operating systems, legacy computing hardware) for creation of new base computing environments.
4. Install operating systems on legacy equipment, troubleshoot technical issues of old computer hardware and operations, and image legacy computer drives.
5. Supervise students working on configuration of software and digital objects.
6. Develop end-user documentation for all aspects of the emulation-as-a-service platform, including installation, configuration, and access.
7. Troubleshoot issues and errors in software preservation and emulation workflows and systems.
8. Respond to user requests and inquiries related to software preservation and emulation services.
9. Generate training and support materials for emulation services and lead end-user training sessions.
10. Contribute to team publications and outreach activities.
11. Participate in requirements gathering and documentation efforts.
12. Test new features of emulation service throughout the development process.

Essential Duties

1. Performs expert functional support to staff and analyzes each application for technical, procedural and network related issues and recommends solutions to resolve problems.
2. Takes a leadership role with appropriate individuals, including software vendors or consultants, to implement system enhancements and updates and keeps staff informed of system developments.
3. Serves as project manager for application developments including coordinating user requests and outlining project feasibility and implementation requirements.
4. Makes recommendations to management and application functional owners for improvements to applications, including drafting specifications for new programs to customize or extend the functionality of key enterprise applications.
5. Prepares technical and end-user documentation and application training.
6. Analyzes and prepares database queries and statistical reports from enterprise level applications for further performance analysis of enterprise applications.
7. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and two years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Skill/Ability 1:

Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in digital preservation, software preservation, and/or computer science.

Required Skill/Ability 2:

Demonstrated knowledge of procedures and best practices for handling computer equipment and software and imaging digital storage media.

Required Skill/Ability 3:

Demonstrated ability to interact and communicate tactfully and effectively with a diverse range of people with varied support needs and levels of expertise.

Required Skill/Ability 4:

Demonstrated excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications and analytical ability.

Required Skill/Ability 5:

Demonstrated record of designing projects and bringing them to a conclusion in a timely fashion.

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills:

Masters degree in library science, computer science, digital humanities, or related field. Experience working with legacy computers, computing environments and software. Knowledge of computer history and technical details of legacy computer hardware and applications. Experience providing training and creating documentation. Experience working on infrastructure development projects.