Digitization Technician at Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan

Summary

The Bentley Historical Library seeks a detail-oriented and collaborative individual to join the Curation team as a Digitization Technician. Reporting to the Archivist for Digitization Services, this individual will primarily perform digital imaging onsite in alignment with existing guidelines and procedures. The majority of the digital imaging will be for increasing “on-demand” requests from researchers, donors, university units, and library staff. The Digitization Technician will digitize a variety of materials such as books, drawings, documents, photographs, maps, negatives, and newspapers that are connected to the histories of two great, intertwined institutions, the State of Michigan and the University of Michigan.  

The Curation team–one of seven highly collaborative teams at the Bentley–appraises, arranges and describes Bentley archival collections; digitizes them to enhance access and long-term preservation; conserves the material in them; and provides archival storage and ongoing collections management for them. As the Bentley’s largest team, Curation values the many skills and perspectives our team members bring to the table. The Curation team is committed to the principles and practices of diversity, equity and inclusion and the Bentley’s strategic plan is available online. The Bentley as a whole is dedicated to fostering professional growth and development.

Responsibilities*

• Performs onsite digital imaging assigned by the Archivist for Digitization Services
• Completes digital imaging in alignment with existing guidelines and procedures
• Communicates with the Archivist for Digitization Services about issues that impact timelines and workflows and helps with any troubleshooting
• Identifies materials that are in need of conservation work before or after digital imaging
• Transports boxes and oversize material to and from digital imaging area(s)
• Contributes to tracking the location and status of transactions using archives management software and project management tools
• Contributes to maintaining clean, orderly, and functional digital imaging workspace(s)
• Participates in assigned training related to digital imaging equipment and software
• Participates in meetings within the Curation team and across the library
• Performs other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and work experience
• Experience successfully performing repetitive work that requires high accuracy and attention to detail
• Experience successfully working independently while following established guidelines and procedures
• Experience successfully meeting individual deadlines and adapting to changing priorities
• Experience with Windows operating system and file management tasks (navigating within directory trees, moving files, renaming files, creating directories, etc.)
• Evidence of ability to safely handle potentially fragile materials, including books, documents, photographs, maps, negatives, and newspapers
• Evidence of ability, willingness, and desire to learn and apply new technical skills related to software and hardware
• Understands and values diversity and the importance of inclusion as demonstrated through a commitment to apply and incorporate the differences, complexities, and opportunities that diversity brings to an organization
• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time in low light settings
• Ability to move up to 40 pounds
•  

Desired Qualifications*

• Experience in a library, archive, museum, or other cultural heritage setting
• Experience digitizing materials, such as books, documents, photographs, maps, negatives, and newspapers
• Evidence of strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot issues
• Evidence of strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Evidence of ability to work in a dynamic, collaborative, and team-oriented environment

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.