Digital Archivist

Description

The University of Colorado Boulder Libraries invites applications from innovative and creative individuals for the position of Digital Archivist. This is a tenure-stream faculty position reporting to the Director of Archives & Special Collections (ASC). Duties for this critical position include leading efforts to preserve, describe, and provide access to born-digital archival and special collections materials; developing processes for archiving and preserving born-digital materials including email, Web sites, social media, and other digital primary materials acquired on a variety of current or legacy formats such as tape, floppy disks, hard drives, and mobile devices; acquiring and maintaining legacy hardware and software that may be necessary for providing access to digital materials; developing and documenting procedures (and building infrastructure) for the acquisition of born-digital collections and electronic records and for the routine migration of materials to maintain formatting compatibility with Libraries IT software and hardware; providing digital program development, guidance in best practices for data management, training and development for library personnel and campus departments as needed; and delivering born-digital content to external discovery and delivery mechanisms in collaboration with specialists in cataloging and metadata, information technology, and scholarly communications. The digital archivist will serve as an expert in assessing digital content storage needs and will implement appropriate tools and procedures to accomplish these aims. The successful candidate will assist with the research and implementation of information architecture, coding standards, and emerging technologies as well as participate in the development of controlled vocabulary, metadata structures, and crosswalk of metadata to ArchivesSpace.

The position includes significant responsibilities for research, creative work, and service in keeping with the tenure standards of the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Requirements

• Please address each of these qualifications in your application materials:
• Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution or equivalent advanced degree;
• Strong knowledge of forensic technologies utilized by the archival or cultural heritage communities for harvesting, managing, and preserving born-digital archival and manuscript material;
• Demonstrated problem solving skills;
• Knowledge of legal and ethical issues affecting digital archival and special collections objects;
• Knowledge of current trends, tools, and protocols in digital archiving and preservation;
• Understanding of principles and techniques for archiving of websites, email, social media, and other online primary sources;
• Familiarity with metadata standards relevant to the archival control of digital collection materials such as EAD, Dublin Core, MODS and PREMIS;
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively;
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to plan, coordinate, and implement complex projects;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Potential for research, scholarly work, and professional achievement.

Desirable qualifications

• At least two years of relevant experience in an archival repository or similar cultural setting, including working with born digital materials;
• Strong knowledge of XML and related technologies (especially XSLT, XSL-FO) and one or more relevant programming languages (Ruby, Python, Perl, etc.);
• Familiarity with OAIS standards, TRAC principles, and best practices in assessment of needs and development of workflows in digital preservation strategies;
• Familiarity with experimental media and/or digital humanities;
• Demonstrated supervisory success.

Appointment and Salary:
The successful candidate will be appointed as a full-time (12 month), tenure-stream faculty member. Depending upon professional experience and demonstrated accomplishments in scholarly activity, creative work, and service, appointment may be made at the senior instructor or assistant professor level. Benefits include 22 working days of vacation; 10 paid holidays; liberal sick leave; excellent University group health care plans; group life insurance; a variety of retirement/annuity plans; and support for scholarly/professional activities. Tenured faculty members are eligible for sabbatical leave.

Application Process:
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. It is recommended that applications be submitted by July 15, 2013 in order to receive full consideration. Application must be made online at http://www.jobsatcu.com/postings/67062, and must include a letter of application specifically addressing qualifications for the position; CV or resume; and names with postal addresses, email, and telephone numbers of three references. Questions may be directed to Dylan Wiersma, Search Coordinator, at Dylan.Wiersma@Colorado.EDU. The full position description can be viewed at http://ucblibraries.colorado.edu/about/jobDigitalArchivist.