Digital Collections Librarian
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond
Located in culturally diverse, historic, and dynamic Richmond, Virginia,
convenient to the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the recreation
destinations of the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia
Commonwealth University is one of Virginia's largest universities and among
the nation's leading research institutions. The VCU Libraries, one of
Virginia's outstanding research library systems, advances the University's
teaching, research, service, and patient care mission with 2.5 million
volumes, 61,000 serials, 600,000 e-books, and nationally prominent collections
in the health and biological sciences, social work, the arts, the history of
medicine, and comic and book arts.
The Virginia Commonwealth University Libraries invites applications and
nominations for the position of Digital Collections Librarian. The Digital
Collections Librarian will take a lead role in the advancement of VCU
Libraries digital collections, institutional repository, and publishing
efforts. Working with current and future digital asset management systems, the
Digital Collections Librarian develops and supervises standards-based
workflows for the entire lifecycle of digital and digitized objects. The
successful candidate will join a culturally and academically diverse faculty
of the highest caliber.
Responsibilities
Reporting to the Digital Collections Systems Librarian, the Digital
Collections Librarian provides innovative and sustainable solutions for the
maintenance and presentation of VCU Libraries digital assets. Working in a
team environment across departments, the incumbent will be responsible for
supervising, evaluating and optimizing digitization procedures, including
capture, presentation, and preservation. The Digital Collections Librarian
will manage the Digital Production Unit, which consists of one full-time staff
member and student workers. The successful candidate will efficiently leverage
digital asset management, institutional repository, and publishing systems to
encourage discovery and use of digital assets by both the university and the
larger scholarly community. He or she will promote state-of-the-art services
through continuous innovation and awareness of national trends and best
practices. The Digital Collections Librarian is expected to be active
professionally and to contribute to developments in the field. Faculty with
the VCU Libraries are evaluated, and promoted, on the basis of job
performance, scholarship, and professional development and service.
Qualifications
Although experience in certain areas is desirable, this is an entry-level
position in which candidates who demonstrate excellent promise and a passion
for developing digital library systems will be given the most serious
consideration.
Required: ALA-accredited graduate degree or accredited graduate degree in
another appropriate discipline. Demonstrated experience working in and
fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to
do so as a faculty member at VCU.
Preferred: Working knowledge of technologies and standards needed to manage
digitization activities including capture (for still and moving images, text,
audio, and born-digital formats), ingest and presentation (into digital asset
management and institutional repository systems), metadata creation, and
preservation. Understanding of and experience with enterprise digital library
applications and their role in higher education (e.g. Digital Commons,
CONTENTdm, Omeka, DSpace, etc.). Experience with digital imaging file formats,
conversion, and software such as Adobe Photoshop CS. Exposure to research
libraries with knowledge of public and technical services operations, as well
as library standards (Dublin Core, OAI-PMH, EAD, etc.). Experience with
programming languages such as PHP, XSLT, PERL. Strong analytical,
troubleshooting, time management, and project management skills. Ability to
learn and apply new technologies independently. Excellent oral and written
communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with a diverse
group of clients and staff. Ability to work successfully with external vendor
support and documentation. Availability and willingness to work a flexible
schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays. Demonstrated
experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student
environment or commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU.
Virginia Commonwealth University and the VCU Libraries
Virginia Commonwealth University is Virginia's largest research university,
enrolling nearly 32,000 students. Located in Richmond, Virginia
(http://www.vcu.edu/richmond/), VCU offers 41 doctoral, 74 masters, 3
professional, and 64 baccalaureate degree programs. Thirty-two of VCU's
graduate, professional programs are ranked by U.S. News World Report as
among the best in the nation, with 19
