Moving Image Digitization Specialist

Description

The Moving Image Digitization Specialist will, under the supervision of the Manager of the Stanford Media Preservation Lab, contribute to the preservation and provision of access to moving image material in Stanford University Libraries collections. He/she may contribute to all steps in the production workflow, including materials selection, preparation, metadata creation, media digitization, quality control and preparation of files for online access and repository preservation. The Moving Image Digitization Specialist will participate in the daily operations of media reformatting projects, including file creation and management, troubleshooting, exception handling, and coordination of tasks, working closely with a variety of team members, including but not limited to: the lab manager, project manager(s), archivists and curators, outside vendors, and fellow lab staff. The Moving Image Digitization Specialist will also help maintain project documentation, issue status reports, and track periodic progress.

This is a 100% FTE position (40 hours per week) for a fixed term of 36 months, with a possibility of extension.

An internal candidate has been identified for this position.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate video digitization workstations in order to reformat video recordings according to archival standards for historic moving image collections. (65%)
• Evaluate and prepare materials for digitization (including item treatment as needed), perform data entry related to the digitization process, conduct quality control, and manage digital files. (25%)
• Work with other lab staff to plan and execute digital projects related to audiovisual media. This may involve: communication with librarians, collectors, and digital library staff; planning the transport of materials to and from the reformatting lab; using online tools to track all steps in the project workflow; drafting production estimates, and issuing status reports on project progress to project stakeholders. (10%)
• Other duties as assigned may include:
• Provide support in the planning and installation of video lab components and tools
• Re-house and prepare original moving image materials for long-term storage
• Identify problems with archival media and recommend solutions, especially in connection with preservation issues
• Clean and maintain playback equipment
• Order supplies
• Working with vendors for outsourced projects
• Working with archival audio recordings.

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree in a related field, or demonstrated training in video engineering
• At least 1 year experience in an audiovisual archive, library, or similar organization, or equivalent experience
• In-depth knowledge of analog and digital video formats, including historic and contemporary recording formats and codecs
• Knowledge of motion picture film elements and formats
• Experience using video playback equipment
• Understanding of preservation issues and standards pertaining to video, film, and audio
• Strong knowledge of systems and software applications for media editing, production and delivery, including Final Cut Pro, Avid, QuickTime, and Flash / H.264 streaming
• Proficiency with Macintosh and Microsoft Windows operating systems
• Strong general computing skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, email, and collaborative tools (e.g., wikis)
• Ability to work independently, exercise good judgment, discretion, and initiative
• Maintain accurate work at a steady pace
• Work collegially with supervisor, peers, other staff, and outside clientele
• Strong administrative aptitude with excellent record-keeping skills
• Highly-developed organizational skills, with great attention to detail, and ability to coordinate numerous activities
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including spelling, grammar, and composition skills
• Ability to lift 30 lbs, and to handle a fully loaded cart.

Desirable Experience And Skills

• Basic computer programming, such as Perl
• Unix computing and the ability to install, configure and run command-line software tools
• Foreign language skills.