Digital Preservation Librarian (Assistant Librarian)

Description

The Digital Preservation Librarian will lead the development of an active and comprehensive digital preservation program at the Texas A&M University Libraries. This Assistant Librarian will be responsible for the ongoing implementation of systems, strategies, and policies for the long-term preservation of digital content containing both digitized and born-digital materials. The Digital Preservation Librarian is expected to be accurate and precise in their work, as this charge includes stewardship or management of a considerable number of digital files, storage spaces, inventories, and processes. The selected candidate will be required to collaborate with fellow librarians, library professionals, and information technology specialists across the University Libraries working on digital projects, workflows, and repositories. The position falls within the Digital Services section of the Libraries’ Preservation Department and reports directly to the Director of Preservation.

Responsibilities: 

• Administers Digital Preservation Systems: Design, implement, and maintain workflows that facilitate accurate and efficient use of existing digital preservation systems, tools, and storage spaces to ensure long-term protection of and access to the Libraries’ digital content. Perform regular fixity checks to ensure file integrity of the Libraries’ preserved content. Manage and operate all production and testing instances of the Libraries’ digital preservation solutions such as Archivematica and DuraCloud.
• Manages Digital Preservation Program: Develop effective strategies and feasible solutions for ensuring the long-term viability of all the Libraries’ digital collections. Document the program’s developing policies, strategies, objectives, procedures, and activities in compliance with accepted standards and best practices in the field. Stay current on new and updated technologies, guidelines, and practices in digital preservation and related fields. Provide liaison and advisory support to Libraries’ and campus stakeholders for digital preservation projects and preserved collections content.
• Conducts Digital Preservation Assessment, Audits, and Planning: Assess the Libraries’ digital preservation program using the NDSA’s Levels of Digital Preservation V2.0 Matrix, and update that assessment as the program continues to develop and improve. Maintain and/or review inventories, databases, and manifests to ensure accuracy of digital preservation records and metadata. Conduct file-management tasks and gauge digital storage assets in support of digital preservation workflows. Develop and update a digital preservation plan for all extant file formats within the Libraries’ digital collections and assorted media materials.
• Participates in Professional Service: Represent the University Libraries while participating in associations, consortia, conferences, and professional development activities. Serve on library and campus committees as able and appropriate. Also may serve with regional or national working groups on topics applicable to the field of digital preservation.

Requirements

Required Education and Experience: 

Master’s degree in Library Science or equivalent combination of education and experience in digital preservation librarianship
 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing
• Ability to interact with patrons, colleagues, and administrators positively and professionally
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills with a keen attention to detail
• Working knowledge of computer software and online programs
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to workplace changes, challenges, and delays
• Must be able to travel independently to other locations for preservation-related conferences by driving and/or flying on commercial airlines
• This position may require work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends
   

Preferred Education and Experience: 

• Master’s degree in Library or Information Science from an ALA accredited college or university
• 2 years of related digital preservation or digital curation experience
   

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Demonstrated knowledge of digital preservation activities, strategies, standards, and best practices
• Demonstrated proficiency using various MS Office applications and services.
• Experience or familiarity with the following:
• At least one enterprise-level digital preservation system and storage solution
• Digital preservation metadata standards
• National/International collaborative digital preservation efforts
• Digital format registries and format identification tools
• Markup languages such as HTML and/or XML
• Project management and/or digitization efforts