Digital Conversion Specialist

Description

The American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress has just posted an announcement for a Digital Conversion Specialist. Applications close January 3, 2019. More information on usajobs: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/519974400

Responsibilities
Works on specific/selected phases of the design, implementation, and evaluation of multi-format digital conversion/digital processing programs and projects, including communicating issues and coordinating activities within the American Folklife Center and the Library. Under the direction of the Head of the Archive, prepares portions of digital projects planning documents, and provides support for conversion workflow, selection, preparation, production and technical design, and estimating server storage space required for digital files. Tracks project workflows using computer software tools - schedules scanning and other activities required to move digital projects to the Library's Web site, as appropriate. Prepares draft reports and documentation for projects and division digital work. Helps assure that all digital activities and plans conform to (or enhance) current division and Library practices and that they make optimum use of resources and staff expertise.

Assists in coordinating audiovisual digitization of selected materials and performs post-processing functions to assure uniform treatment of materials. The incumbent drafts preliminary work plans, intake specifications, and scanning specifications and instructions for assigned portions of projects involving image, text, audio, and/or video. The incumbent reviews digital material for quality issues requiring reworking (for digital reformatted material) or resubmission (for digital originals) and makes recommendations. As assigned, the incumbent assists during pilot testing and throughout the project in evaluating quality and adherence to LC specifications for digital files.

Reviews electronic files for technical correctness of style, format, and design. Participates in evaluation and selection of digital originals to be collected or non-digital collections for conversion to online resources. Makes preliminary determinations, subject to review, of the processing and technical design approach for a portion of a project. Planning and digital project design takes into consideration access concerns including techniques (bibliographic records, finding aids, etc.) and level (item metadata, collection metadata, content, etc.). Incumbent is given specific assignments to review the status of processing and access aids and gathers information regarding restrictions and copyright. Participates in planning the approach to digital intake or digitization for assigned project and develops limited portion of the methods and resource plans; makes preliminary reviews of digital file formats for capture, presentation, and archiving.