Digital Production and Metadata Librarian, Boston Athenaeum, Boston, MA

Posted May 1, 2024

JOB SUMMARY
Reporting to the N. E. H. Chief Technical Services Librarian, the Digital Production and Metadata Librarian produces quality digital images of rare materials, performs post-capture enhancements, and ingests the digital images and accompanying metadata into the Boston Athenaeum’s digital repository (CONTENTdm). Other major responsibilities include documenting projects and processes, metadata creation, stakeholder communications, and maintaining the organization of digital files. The Athenaeum has been reevaluating this mission critical role. Consequently, the chosen candidate will be a thought partner for the Chief Technical Services Librarian in shaping the contours of the position and working collaboratively on setting departmental operations. The position provides an ideal opportunity for the right candidate to grow their skill set and apply their imagination to achieve the Boston Athenaeum Technical Services Department’s long-standing goals of preserving and improving access to the library’s collections.

RESPONSIBLITIES
● Operate digital imaging equipment to produce high-resolution images of rare materials, including books, prints, photographs, manuscripts, and paintings.
● Make post-capture decisions using Adobe CreativeSuite software as to composition, cropping, color correction, and alignment in accordance with digitization best practices.
● Ingest digital images and accompanying metadata into the Athenaeum’s digital repository (CONTENTdm).
● Responsibly handle and safeguard rare materials during transport to and from Digital Lab and during the digitization process.
● Coordinate with cataloging staff to ensure the quality of descriptive and technical metadata for digital surrogates, augmenting metadata to national and local standards as needed.
● Consult with Conservation staff on the proper handling of collection materials as needed.
● Work the Chief Technical Services Librarian in identifying collection material for digitization, coordinating workflows with other departments, prioritizing projects, setting a method of digitization, and determining a timetable.
● Maintain organization of the digital images, following naming conventions of folders and digital files.
● Ingest digital surrogates and accompanying, quality metadata into external platforms such as the Internet Archive and Digital Commonwealth.
● Create documentation for new departmental procedures and keep existing documentation up-to-date.
● Fulfill specialized patron requests (rights and Reproductions); digitize desired collection material as necessary; and maintain communication with patrons; and document requests using the Aeon system tracking software.
● Maintains current knowledge of digitization technologies and best practices.
● Serve a weekly shift as monitor of the Athenaeum’s rare book reading room.
● Additional job duties as assigned based on individual knowledge, skills, and abilities.
● Fulfill specialized patron requests (rights and Reproductions); digitize desired collection material as necessary; and maintain communication with patrons; and document requests using the Aeon system tracking software.
● Maintains current knowledge of digitization technologies and best practices.
● Serve a weekly shift as monitor of the Athenaeum’s rare book reading room.
● Additional job duties as assigned based on individual knowledge, skills, and abilities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
● Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution required.
● Demonstrated ability in operating digital imaging equipment (DSLR camera, scanner hardware, and lighting techniques) required.
● Experience using Adobe CreativeSuite (Photoshop, Lightroom, and Bridge) for post capture digital image editing and enhancement required.
● Knowledge of digital asset management systems required (CONTENTdm preferred).
● Knowledge of content and cataloging standards (RDA, Dublin Core, and MARC) required.
● Ability to accurately carry out detailed procedures with minimal supervision required.
● Ability to plan and prioritize job responsibilities and tasks required.
● Effective written and oral communication skills required.
● Demonstrated ability to work in a team-based setting in a manner of collaboration, flexibility, and cooperation required.
● Commitment to fostering a workplace culture of diversity, and inclusion required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
● Experience handling rare and fragile art objects and paper-based materials preferred.
● Knowledge of current trends and best practices in digitization (e.g. FADGI, IIIF) preferred.
● Coding capabilities preferred.
● Experience with tab-delimited files preferred.
● Knowledge of rights management and copyright issues related to digital surrogates preferred.

Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job description describes you, then please apply for this role.

Salary $55,000-$59,000

Why work at the Boston Athenaeum?
Beyond the opportunity to work amongst the collections at one of the most distinguished libraries in the nation alongside a passionate and welcoming team, working at the Boston Athenaeum comes with plenty of other perks. Some of our benefits include:

○ Paid time off and sick days
○ Competitive 401k package
○ Paid parental leave
○ Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
○ Life Insurance
○ Commuter benefits

How to Apply:

Please submit a cover letter and resume using the following link: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=0c2172f4-dddf-44f5-9300-133cc1de3cd2&ccId=19000101_000001&type=JS&lang=en_US