Northwestern University
Digitization Assistant
Position available to Non-librarians
Digitizes materials in various formats conforming to quality objectives and national guidelines. Develops workflows which may involve scripting, analysis and research. Conducts quality control and participates in quality management. Consults on equipment purchases and work estimates. Maintains and monitors digitization equipment. Maintains procedures and tracks performance data. May serve as project manager on background, internal, or small-scale projects. Some bibliographic searching may be required. This position is not eligible for remote work but is eligible for flexible hours or a compressed workweek.
First consideration given to applications received by January 02, 2023.
Please Note: The target budgeted minimum starting salary for this position is $21.45 hourly. Offers will be based on candidate experience and education, as well as equity within Northwestern University. This position is in a bargaining unit represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Local 73.
General Information
Position Title: Digitization Assistant
Job Title: Digitization Assistant
Department: Repository & Digital Curation
Full Time
Job Status: Open
Available positions: 1
Posted: 11/7/2022
Job Details
Responsibilities:
Effectively carries out digitization of library materials according to quality objectives and national guidelines (FADGI, IASA) using various capture hardware and software. Performs evaluation, post-processing and correction after digitization using dedicated software and cultural heritage tools. Does initial ingest of work into repository. Provides work estimates and may be called on to provide advice concerning best capture methods and file formats
Will conduct quality control (QC) of digitized content using specialized software and scripts to ensure that works conforms to quality objectives and national guidelines. Will also conduct quality assurance (QA) activities to make sure workflows and processes function correctly. The QA work may also involve testing of systems. Responsible for reporting non-conformities (problems, issues, errors) and assisting in troubleshooting
Responsible for setup, testing, calibration, and monitoring of assigned capture equipment to ensure that it's operating satisfactorily. Researches and keeps up to date on latest capture software/hardware. Advises on purchases and maintenance for equipment and software in RDC. Also available for consulting for other workgroups. Provides feedback on lifecycle and maintenance schedule for equipment and software
Responsible for recording hours worked on projects/jobs and recording status of work in a timely manner. Will write and update procedures and document workflows as assigned. Assists in the creation of personal performance and development goals and will participate in annual SWOT analysis of Team. Will report out on research, conference/workshops attended and digitization related listservs
Serves as resident AV expert providing training and consulting for internal staff concerning time-based media digitization. Keeps up to date on best practices and is consulted for recommended capture techniques for non-standard materials. May be asked to do initial work on project to determine best methods for digitization. Maintains AV digitization procedures. Uses Python scripts for automation of AV processes. Works in coordination with team members and the Development team to make sure scripts conform to work processes and internal practices for scripting
May be asked to manage basic digitization or internal projects as needed
Miscellaneous
Performs other duties as assigned or required
Required Qualifications:
Successful completion of a full 2-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to an associate's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
Training in handling and digitization of time-based media
Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)
Working knowledge of capture hardware and software for imaging and audio-visual digitization
Communication – Communicates effectively one-to-one, in small groups and in public speaking contexts; writes precise, well-organized emails, letters and proposals while using appropriate vocabulary and grammar
Computer Proficiency - Successfully uses multiple software programs independently. Software will include Photoshop, Microsoft Office, applications such as Word, Excel, and Access, e-mail, web browsers. Mac/PC/Linux operating systems. Familiarity with Python
Conceptual Ability - Deals effectively, not just with concrete tangible issues, but also abstract conceptual matters
Coachability - Being receptive to feedback, willing to learn, embracing continuous improvement
Organization – Plans, organizes, and schedules in an efficient, productive manner; anticipates contingencies and pays attention to detail; targets projects or initiatives that require special attention and focuses on key tasks when faced with limited time and/or resources
Efficiency/Dependability – Effectively performs duties and responsibilities; displays attention to detail; supports organizational policies; anticipates demands/pressures of assignments and adjusts accordingly
Analytical skills - Ability to assess and organize information to clearly communicate work needs and best approaches
Problem Solving – Formulates realistic plans and contingencies and establishes appropriate measurements of anticipated results
Preferred Qualifications:
Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelors or higher degree
Previous museum or academic or research library experience
Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)
Innovation/Creativity – Explores alternatives to existing products and services; identifies opportunities to improve procedures and practices; shows imagination
Knowledge of digitization best practices and guidelines, such as the IASA (International Association of Sound and Audiovisual Archives) technical publications and familiarity with audio-visual materials and digitization practices relating to the preservation of them
Working knowledge of A/V file formats and codecs
Experience with command line and scripting
Information for Applicants
Job ID: 46373
Location: Evanston
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