Digital Archivist

JOB TITLE: Digital Archivist  

DEPARTMENT: Research Library, Archives & Collections Information 

REPORTS TO: Director, Research Library, Archives & Collections Information 

CLASSIFICATION: Temporary, Full-Time 

REMOTE WORK ELIGIBILITY: Museum-Based 

GENERAL SUMMARY  

Under the supervision of the Director, Research Library, Archives & Collections Information, the Project Digital Archivist is responsible for coordinating efforts in support of a grant-funded digitization project to produce, manage and preserve digital surrogates of archival materials from the first 60 years of DIA history, 1885-1945. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS  

• Implement plan to convert archival materials into digital formats and to ensure proper metadata creation, access and long-term preservation.
• Coordinate efforts with Research Library, Archives & Collections Information team to facilitate access and discoverability of digitized assets through internal and external platforms.
• Develop and maintain documentation on workflows and progress of the project.
• Refine workflows via quality control, process, and feedback from team members.
• Administer project tasks to graduate interns and practicum students.
• Apply DIA values to interactions to support a culture of belonging among internal and external stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.  

QUALIFICATIONS  

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE   

Master’s degree from an ALA accredited institution in Library or Information Science. Certificate in Archival Administration, Digital Curation, or Information Management preferred. Five (5) years of relevant experience working with digital assets in a library or archives environment. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES  

•  Demonstrated collaboration skills to work across departments and divisions internally and with diverse stakeholders externally.
• Demonstrated knowledge of strategies and professional standards for digitization, ingest, management, and discovery of digitized archival materials.
• Strong background in archives theory and best practices particular to standards for digitizing archival materials, metadata standards, and digital preservation.
• Experience applying standards to digitization workflows, metadata creation and intellectual property best practices as applied to archival materials and cultural heritage institutions.
• Demonstrated experience handling fragile and delicate historic materials, including paper, photographs (bound and unbound) and scrapbooks.
• Working knowledge and experience with photographic processes preferred.
• Working knowledge of art history and Detroit history preferred.
• Working knowledge of metadata and data structure standards relevant to the archival control of digital materials, to include but not limited to EAD, Dublin Core, METS, MODS, PREMIS, XML/XSL, and OAIS reference model.
• Basic knowledge of coding scripts (Python, XML, JavaScript) for automating tasks.
• Ability to provide information, ideas, and instructions clearly, effectively, and professionally through talking or writing. 
• Demonstrated organizational skills to plan, manage, prioritize, and complete multiple on-going projects to meet deadlines and goals.
• Must have demonstrated active listening and communication skills and an ability to communicate clearly and professionally.Must be proficient in the latest version of Office 365. 
• Must have proficiency in the use of remote work technology such as scheduling with, connecting to, and using digital collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Teams.
• Must be able to establish and maintain professional, productive, and courteous interactions that promote positive teamwork.  This encompasses going beyond giving and receiving instructions and includes but is not limited to (a) performing work activities requiring interacting or speaking with others; and (b) responding appropriately to constructive feedback or suggestions for improvement from a supervisor.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Upon receiving notice, reasonable accommodations may be made, if possible, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.   

Physical ability includes occasional heavy work with typical weight lifted or force exerted up to 40 lbs. Regular lifting, carrying, pushing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, handling, and grasping. Managing archival records may involve handling records and other material containing mold, dust, and insects. Appropriate protective measures may be required for those with sensitivity or allergic reaction to those substances. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate and exchange accurate information using various methods including in-person, telephone and email.   

This job description describes the general nature of the duties and requirements of this job.  It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or to limit the supervisor’s ability to modify work assignments as appropriate.  

THE DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.