Digitization Archivist

Description

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The archival collections at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library (papers, oral histories, photographs, sound recordings, and moving image materials) are owned and administered by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).  In 2005, the Kennedy Library and NARA leadership partnered with the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation to develop a strategic plan for the systematic digitization of the Library’s core archival holdings related to the life and career of John F. Kennedy. The Library’s digitization program was formally launched in 2007 with generous financial and in-kind support from the Foundation, private donors, and corporate partners. Since that time, the archives digitization team has facilitated online access to a rich and broad spectrum of key archival holdings in all formats.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Digitization Archivist is responsible for digitizing, ingesting into DAMS storage, preserving, describing, and publishing online the Archives’ holdings in all formats. This position involves participation in both short- and long-term digitization projects of varying size and scope, including grant- and donor-funded projects. Whether the project is in-house, in-sourced, or out-sourced, the Digitization Archivist will develop project timelines; perform imaging, ingest, and metadata work; ensure that project benchmarks are met; and complete project reporting requirements.  The primary goal is to plan the approach and creation of appropriate metadata that will describe and facilitate access to digital images created from physical records in support of digital initiatives.  This individual will report to the Library’s Deputy Director.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

●       Create metadata to support digitization projects, establish intellectual control over digitized resources, and prepare resources and metadata for submission to other systems. 

●       Assign subject headings and keywords, perform basic authority work, search databases and compile and/or verify existing descriptive information, resolve basic indexing problems, and undertake any special indexing/metadata projects and requirements.

●       Work on large-scale imaging production projects, but may also perform metadata creation, and data entry for a range of other projects, including digitization for social media, online exhibits, routine imaging, special requests, and other moderately complex digitization projects in support of the Library and Foundation.

●       Operate scanning devices to capture raster image files of a range of materials, including loose and bound paper documents of all sizes and photographic prints, audio tracks and film. 

●       Perform ongoing checks of their work as well as the work of others to confirm standards are being maintained, including management of metadata workflow, participation in quality control, editing, and database maintenance of metadata records. 

●       Assist less experienced staff carry out their duties by providing guidance and informal training.

●       Follow and update all policies, procedures, standards, and workflows related to digitization and description (i.e., scanning, quality control, ingest, metadata creation, preservation, and online access).

●       Perform work independently with moderate to minimal guidance, and collaborate successfully with coworkers on large projects. Demonstrate customer-service skills through interaction with a wide variety of personnel such as archivists, administrators, and specialists, as well as interact with vendors and contractors. 

●       In support of larger digitization projects, contribute to/assist in developing project plans and workflows that take into account resource levels and timelines, and assist in contributing to reports and other documentation.  Monitor and draft progress report(s) on the project against milestones. 

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

●       Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Library Science with an archives concentration, Archives Management, public history, etc.).

●       Working knowledge and familiarity with different types of metadata, library and archival metadata standards, use and implementation of subject headings, access points, and/or controlled vocabularies in a library/archival context, and document indexing techniques.

●       Experience working with file types across archival media and with all phases of digital content production.

●       Knowledge of quality control procedures, relating to the creation and review of descriptive metadata, and technical/structural metadata, which describes archival records in the context of digital imaging projects.

●       Practical knowledge of online databases, data entry procedures, automated systems/software applications for indexing records and collections, XML editors, networked applications, digital asset management applications, and file directory structures, maintenance, organization, and storage.

●       Knowledge of archives administration, security, preservation, and digitization practices

●       Working knowledge required of the arrangement and description of archival records.

●       Understanding of copyright and rights management issues.

●       Ability to organize work, setting and maintaining priorities in a production environment, and meeting quality and quantity standards.

●       Ability to perform assigned tasks with accuracy and attention to detail.  Excellent customer service and communication skills are required.

●       Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.

●       Ability to improve processes by assessing procedures and developing and implementing changes as appropriate; contributing to development of indexing and metadata creation practices for digital projects.

LOCATION, COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Salary range: $48,000 - $54,000

KENNEDY LIBRARY FOUNDATION BACKGROUND:

The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization founded in 1984 to provide financial support, staffing, and creative resources for the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, a presidential library administered by the National Archives and Records Administration. The Kennedy Presidential Library and the Kennedy Library Foundation seek to promote, through educational and community programs, a greater appreciation and understanding of American politics, history, and culture, the process of governing and the importance of public service.  The Foundation seeks to carry forward President Kennedy’s legacy.   www.JFKLibrary.org

The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity toward all communities and individuals who may seek our services, for all employees, qualified applicants and volunteers, in every area of employment, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy (and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, genetic disposition or carrier status, marital status, familial status, status as a victim of domestic violence, military or veteran status or any other category protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

We strongly encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.

Interested and qualified candidates are asked to send a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to:

John F. Kennedy Library Foundation

Columbia Point

Boston, Massachusetts 02125

E-mail:  HR@JFKLFoundation.org

No phone calls, please.

The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.