Digital Collections Manager

Description

Mid-Continent Public Library (MCPL) and the Midwest Genealogy Center (MGC) are launching an ambitious new initiative to reimagine how personal and community histories are preserved, interpreted, and shared in the digital age. Central to this initiative is the Digital Collections Manager, who will combine strategic planning with hands-on execution to build and grow MGC’s new digitization department. Though based at MGC, this role is designed to create a digital presence that serves not only genealogists and researchers but also the broader public, enhancing MCPL’s leadership in digital access and historical engagement.

This is a unique opportunity to develop a program from the ground up, one that blends digital preservation and curation with creative public engagement and cutting-edge technology. The Digital Collections Manager will lead the creation of digital collections, oversee digitization initiatives, and implement sustainable workflows, systems, and policies that ensure long-term access, discoverability, and community relevance.

The position requires technical expertise in digital archiving, metadata standards, and library systems, as well as an understanding of digital storytelling and inclusive community engagement. It also involves the exploration and application of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, interactive platforms, and immersive tools, to expand access, elevate underrepresented voices, and create virtual exhibitions that share newly curated collections in compelling and innovative ways. These efforts support MCPL’s broader goal of connecting people to history through both personal and collective narratives.

The Digital Collections Manager plays a central role in shaping MCPL’s evolving digital presence. The position requires the ability to balance creativity with structure, long-term strategy with day-to-day implementation, and innovation with sustainability to ensure that historical collections and community stories are preserved, accessible, and impactful for future generations.

Essential Functions:

Department Development & Implementation

• Leads the planning and launch of the digitization department, including equipment selection, workflow development, and policy creation.
• Develops and implements best practices for digital preservation, digitization workflows, and metadata standards.
• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to align the department’s mission with the broader goals of MGC and MCPL.
• Designs and curates virtual exhibitions that creatively showcase newly digitized and curated collections.
• Supports the development of inclusive digital initiatives that reflect diverse community experiences and local histories.
• Assesses evolving technology trends and industry best practices to ensure the Department remains innovative and effective.
• Manages and supervises staff designated to work in the Digital Collections department

Digital Preservation & Collection Management

• Manages and maintains the library's local digital access management system.
• Work closely with the Midwest Genealogy Center Director to identify, acquire, and develop digital collections, digitization initiatives, and community archiving projects.
• Oversees digitization projects, ensuring adherence to best practices for digital preservation, metadata creation, and access.
• Develops and implements policies for digitization, digital asset management, and rights management.
• Ensures compliance with copyright laws, licensing agreements, and ethical considerations related to digital collections.
• Manages digital repositories and platforms, ensuring long-term accessibility and usability of digital assets.
• Compiles and interprets statistics and produces narrative reports. 

• Works closely with the Archivist-Special Collections Librarian to ensure seamless integration between physical and digital collections.
• Identifies archival materials for digitization and determines preservation priorities.
• Aligns metadata practices to maintain consistency across physical and digital collections.
• Coordinates donor relations when materials are accepted for both physical and digital preservation.
• Develops strategies to enhance accessibility, preservation, and the overall research experience for customers.

Technology & Infrastructure

• Selects, implements, and maintains software and hardware for digitization and digital preservation.
• Explores and integrates emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and interactive platforms to enhance digital content creation, discoverability, and engagement.
• Stays informed about emerging technologies and industry trends to enhance digital initiatives.
• Provides technical expertise and troubleshooting support for digital projects.

Staff & Volunteer Coordination

• Trains and supervises staff and volunteers involved in digitization and digital archiving projects.
• Develops documentation and training materials for digital preservation workflows.

Non-Essential Functions

• Acts as liaison to regional, statewide, and national digitization and preservation initiatives. 
• Advocates for the role of digital preservation in genealogy and historical research.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 
• This position could be assigned as a shift lead in the absence of a manager.

Education and Experience:

Required:

• Master's degree in Library and Information Science, Digital Humanities, Museum Studies, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years of experience in digital librarianship, digital archiving, digital asset management, or a related field.
• Familiarity with digital platforms such as CONTENTdm, Preservica, Omeka, or similar digital asset management systems.

Preferred:

• Experience in an archives, library, museum, or special collections setting.
• Experience with grant writing and securing funding for digital projects.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

All successful leaders at MCPL should demonstrate:

• Advanced verbal, written, and discreet communication skills with management, coworkers, and the public in a clear, timely, and proactive manner.
• Ability to collaborate with Library leadership to effectively develop, adhere to, and work within the constraints of the library’s budget.
• Advanced ability to maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with multiple stakeholders.
• Reliable, punctual, and flexible with scheduling.
• Advanced knowledge of a public library's mission and purpose, ability to provide clear expectations and direction, to manage competing priorities, to evaluate quality of work, and provide feedback and accountability.
• Advanced knowledge of department processes and procedures, expert knowledge of Library Professional Ethics, advanced knowledge of the impact of decision-making on MCPL, and demonstrated mature judgment to make department-level/system level decisions.
• Advanced proficiency in customer service skills through polite, professional, and collaborative interactions with internal and external customers.
• An advanced understanding of the role of MCPL leaders at all levels in creating a welcoming and respectful workplace and library for all.

Additionally, this position requires:

• Job Knowledge
  • Strong understanding of digital archiving, metadata creation, and preservation standards, including Dublin Core, METS, MODS, and PREMIS.
  • Knowledge of genealogy and historical research methodologies, as well as archival principles related to digitization and digital asset management.
  • Familiarity with copyright law, intellectual property rights, and privacy issues related to digital collections and online access.
  • Understanding of physical and digital collection development, including the selection, appraisal, and curation of archival and genealogical materials.
  • Experience managing projects, developing workflows, and implementing policies related to digital collections.
• Technology (including specific applications, hardware, and coding languages)
  • Proficiency with digital repository platforms (e.g., CONTENTdm, Preservica, Omeka) and scanning software for document and image digitization.
  • Experience working with digital imaging hardware (flatbed scanners, overhead scanners, and audiovisual digitization equipment) and ensuring adherence to preservation-quality standards.
  • Knowledge of OCR (Optical Character Recognition) software and its application in making historical documents searchable and accessible.
  • Familiarity with digital asset management (DAM) systems and cloud-based storage solutions for long-term preservation.
  • Knowledge of emerging technologies and trends, including artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and other interactive digital tools, and their potential applications in digital storytelling, access, and community engagement.
  • Ability to troubleshoot technical issues related to digitization workflows, file formats, metadata schemas, and system integration.
  • Proficiency in Office 365 or similar software.
  • Audio/video production and editing skills to support the development of multimedia content.
• Communication
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop clear policies, workflows, and instructional materials for staff, volunteers, and the public.
  • Ability to present technical concepts in an accessible manner to a variety of audiences, including staff, community partners, and customers.
• Financial/Mathematical
  • Experience with grant writing and budget management related to digital projects and preservation initiatives.
  • Ability to assess and recommend cost-effective technology solutions while maintaining high standards for digital preservation.

Age Requirement:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.