Position Description
The George Washington University Libraries invites applications for a Digital Services Manager to plan, implement and lead a full service digital projects program to support the Libraries’ growing need for managing strategic digitization and digital assets management.
The position is located within Special Collections and Archives, an area of strategic priority for the University Libraries, and reports to the Associate University Librarian for Special Collections and Archives. Working in close collaboration with appropriate individuals and units across the Libraries and the University, the Digital Services Manager coordinates the Libraries digitization program and projects, assists in preparation of grant proposals with significant digitization components, and consults with colleagues in metadata and digital preservation to develop effective workflows and implement appropriate standards.
As scholarly and administrative products are increasingly born digital, the Digital Services Manager will help to lead the development of strategies for preserving and providing access to the university community’s digital scholarly and institutional assets. The Manager works closely with colleagues in repository development, interface development and user testing to create and sustain an infrastructure and user experience that will support GW’s digital scholarship long term.
Duties & Responsibilities
The Digital Services Manager:
- oversees the digital conversion of print, photographic, oversize, audio and video materials
- supervises two FTE technicians and student workers
- works with key stakeholders to develop policies, procedures, workflows and a sustainable approach to support a robust program
- works closely with colleagues to develop a process for setting digitization priorities that support the strategic goals of the Libraries
- collaborates with Libraries stakeholders including content specialists, metadata librarians, and members of the Libraries Scholarly Technology Group
- collaborates with the Scholarly Technology Group to plan and make decisions regarding digital preservation and repository development
- advises patrons and stakeholders within the libraries and across campus on options and best practices for digitizing institutional assets and adhering to digital formats that can be sustained and preserved
- manages outsourcing of digitization projects to external vendors as appropriate
- provides cost estimates to support grant proposals and solicitation of gifts
recommends system upgrades or upgrades to hardware and software
keeps abreast of industry standards and current libraries trends and technologies in the field of digital imaging and digital projects
represents the Libraries at conferences and working groups pertaining to digitization, relevant tools and projects and user experience - contributes to the profession through service, writing, and presentations.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- ALA-accredited Masters degree in Library/Information Science or an advanced degree with relevant experience and continuing education
- A minimum one year experience working in an academic library or other research institution
- Excellent supervisory abilities
- Strong leadership abilities
- Familiarity with digital photography
- Experience working with archives and manuscript materials in a variety of formats
- Familiarity with a wide range of digital library standards and practices, such as digitization, digital preservation, standards for media content, metadata, controlled authorities, and user experience
- Demonstrated project management skills, including but not limited to the ability to:
- devise and achieve agreed-upon completion dates for projects
- multitask and keep priorities aligned to objectives
- identify and analyze problems in the context of special collections technology initiatives, especially in the context of technology initiatives that are specific to academic libraries and special collections
- Strong commitment to customer service
- Well-developed interpersonal skills
- Demonstrated abilities to work collegially with staff, researchers, and colleagues.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Familiarity with intellectual property rights and Fair Use as applied to libraries
- Familiarity with one or more major digital content management systems appropriate for repositories
- Experience developing grant proposals or running grant-funded digitization initiatives
- Excellent analytical, oral, and written communication skills, especially the ability to convey and explain to non-technical audiences the importance and impact of technology trends and issues relevant to the George Washington University Libraries’ mission.
Salary & Benefits
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package includes 22 days/year paid annual leave plus 12 days per year paid sick leave; medical; TIAA/CREF; tuition assistance.
To Apply
To be considered, please complete an online faculty application at http://www.gwu.jobs/postings/25462 and upload a CV and a cover letter that includes an assessment of skills related to basic qualifications. Review of applications will begin on February 9, 2015 and continue until the position is filled. Only complete applications will be considered. Employment offers are contingent on the satisfactory outcome of a standard background screening: Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, Sex Offender Registry Search, and Prior Employment Verification. Some positions may require additional background screening.
The University and department have a strong commitment to achieving diversity among librarians and staff. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from members of underrepresented groups and strongly encourage women and persons of color to apply for this position.
Posting Number: Fac/Lib000690
Title: Digital Services Manager
Discipline: Libraries
Specialty: Digitization and Digital Assets Management
Contract Type: Renewable Appointment (initial appt period)
Proposed Start Date: 04/13/2015
Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
Open Until Filled: Yes
The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.
