Digital Collections Librarian, Boston University, MA

Posted October 11, 2023

Description:

The Boston University Libraries seek a Digital Collections Librarian who will work with the Boston University research community to support scholarly projects and initiatives through digitization and digital collections. Reporting to the Director of Digital Ventures, the Digital Collections Librarian develops programming and services that connect scholars with tools and resources for facilitating data-informed research, digital projects creation, and digital collections management. This individual will collaboratively work with the Digital Ventures team and other library staff, students, and faculty members to plan and implement projects that digitize collections or reformat born-digital collections that will: 1) promote the strategic directions of the university and its library system, including and especially those that enhance the discovery and use of library collections; 2) connect with faculty and student research projects; 3) support learning at BU in the classroom and beyond; and 4) advance and responsibly increase the representation of all persons and voices present through the Libraries’ collections. This position will also be responsible for the day-to-day management of our first ever digital collections repository, which is separate from our already established institutional repository, OpenBU.

The Digital Collections Librarian will:

Lead the development and management of digital projects and preparation of digital collections and exhibitions in collaboration with the Digital Ventures team and other library staff. Bridge technical and non-technical communities, so that project goals, timelines, and deliverables are clearly understood by all.
Provide project management support for the entire digital project lifecycle.
Develop and implement processes aligned with library practices and capacity to describe, ingest, publish, manage, migrate, and preserve digitized and born-digital objects.
Manage the digital collections repository and ensure compliance with standards and best practices for digital objects and digital collections.
Ensure compliance with community standards and recommended practices for digital collections preparation and access.
Seek and build partnerships across the BU community, proactively engaging with faculty, students and staff at the university, working with them to identify and develop collaborative library support projects that engaged with digital and digitized library material.
Work with partners across the libraries, supporting metadata creation, content migration, digital project consulting, and outreach to create new digital collections.
Provide support for promoting digital collections through community outreach, exhibits and displays, and communication in collaboration with project partners and libraries staff.
Contribute to regional, national, and international communities of practice where appropriate.

Required Skills

Master’s degree in library and information science or related field.
One to three years of related experience in information science, digital curation, library science; OR any equivalent combination of experience and training.
Familiarity with requirements for developing and managing successful digital collections projects, including the ability to structure and plan work effectively to meet deadlines.
Familiarity with digital repository platforms, and general knowledge of digital collections repository platforms, concepts, strategies, standards, tools, and best practices.
Ability to work well both independently and collaboratively to inspire a shared vision with colleagues and students in a rapidly changing and diverse campus environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience conducting library outreach with research partners and ability to develop and maintain successful partnerships and relationships with staff, faculty, researchers, and other stakeholders.
Working knowledge of the variety of metadata standards used in digital collections like EAD, MODS, METS, VRA Core and Dublin Core.
Experience managing a digital repository platform.
Experience managing digital projects.
Understanding of copyright laws and rights management issues in a digital environment.
Knowledge of digitization standards and techniques.
Experience supporting grant funded projects.

For consideration, please submit a cover letter, CV, and list of professional references. Applications received by November 3, 2023 will receive priority consideration. This position will remain open until filled.

How to Apply:

For more information about this position, visit: Digital Collections Librarian