Head of Digital, Reformatting & Vendor Services (DRVS) Preservation Department Yale University Library New Haven, CT Rank: Band III, Librarian II-III
http://www.yale.edu/jobs Fixed Duration: Three (3) years from date of hire, with possible continuation Schedule: Full-time (37.5 hours per week); Standard Work Week (M-F, 8:30-5:00)
Yale University offers exciting opportunities for achievement and growth in New Haven, Connecticut. Conveniently located between Boston and New York, New Haven is the creative capital of Connecticut with cultural resources that include two major art museums, a critically-acclaimed repertory theater, state-of-the-art concert hall, and world-renowned schools of Architecture, Art, Drama, and Music.
THE UNIVERSITY AND THE LIBRARY
The Yale University Library, as one of the world's leading research libraries, collects, organizes, preserves, and provides access to and services for a rich and unique record of human thought and creativity. It fosters intellectual growth and is a highly valued partner in the teaching and research missions of Yale University and scholarly communities worldwide. A distinctive strength is its rich spectrum of resources, including more than 12.5 million volumes and information in all media, ranging from ancient papyri to early printed books to electronic databases. The Library is engaged in numerous digital initiatives designed to provide access to a full array of scholarly information. Housed in the Sterling Memorial Library and twenty school and departmental libraries, it employs a dynamic, diverse, and innovative staff of over 500 who have the opportunity to work with the highest caliber of faculty and students, participate on committees, and are involved in other areas of staff development. For additional information on the Yale University Library, please visit the Library's web site at http://www.library.yale.edu/.
THE PRESERVATION DEPARTMENT
The Yale University Library Preservation Department, started in 1971, is one of the oldest in the country. Responsible for the long-term care of the rich and unique record of human thought and creativity contained in the Yale University Library collections, it has strong administrative support and has played a major role in the development of the preservation field. The Department consists of units covering special and general collections conservation and reformatting collections, with system wide responsibilities for: the treatment of rare and special collections materials and circulating materials; mass deacidification; and staff and user education and consultation on wide variety of preservation concerns. For more information, visit http://www.library.yale.edu/preservation/.
POSITION DESCRIPTION Under the diection of the Director, Preservation Department and Chief Preservation Officer, the Head of Digital, Reformatting & Vendor Services (DRVS) plans and directs the activities of DRVS, including, but not limited to: microfilming; scanning text and conversion of audio and visual materials; overseeing the monograph binding and mass deacidification operation; and is an integral and collaborative member of the Preservation Management Team (PMT).
RESPONSIBILITIES
Facilitates access and long-term preservation of materials for format conversion. Plans, manages, and oversees the planning and performing of format conversion activities. Sets format conversion priorities on the full range of library and archival materials, in conjunction with subject specialists/selectors and curators. Establishes vendor relations and negotiates contracts for the full range of format conversion activities, commercial binding, and mass deacidification contracts. Works in close collaboration with the Library’s information technology offices, Cataloging and Metadata Services, and members of the University’s Office of Digital Assets & Infrastructure (ODAI), in development of metadata, monitoring of digital preservation metadata trends, and the ongoing development and updating of technical specifications regarding digital information capture. Works with Preservation Management Team (PMT) members to provide information and recommendations to subject specialists/selectors and curators regarding preservation implications on the acquisition of fragile paper and multi-media items, commercial binding, and mass deacidification.
Trains and supervises a team of support Clerical & Technical (C&T) staff, students, and interns. Manages the Digital Reformatting & Vendor Services (DRVS) budget. Participates in library planning, committees, and task forces, and engages in campus, regional, and national professional organizations and collaborative activities. Expected to be professionally active and represents the Library and the University in the academic, scholarly, and professional community. Performs other duties as assigned. Assists in maintaining the emergency response plan and responds to emergencies and recovery efforts as needed. May be assigned to work at West Campus location in West Haven, CT.
QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s degree in computer science, arts and humanities, or from an ALA-accredited program for library and information science or a related field, and minimum of two years professional preservation experience, and demonstrated professional accomplishments appropriate to the rank; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Appointment to the Librarian III rank requires at least five years of professional preservation experience and demonstrated professional accomplishments appropriate to the rank; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Advance Certificate in Preservation may substitute for one year of professional experience. Experience supervising technical and/or professional staff, demonstrating increasing management and supervisory responsibilities. Experience in managing multiple projects. Advanced knowledge of preservation principles and procedures as relating to library materials. Thorough knowledge of national standards and best practices as related to a wide range of preservation format conversion and multi-media preservation. Thorough knowledge of appropriate procedures for preserving digital objects and web-based content. Thorough knowledge of current metadata schemes and evolving best practices and standards. Technical knowledge of a wide variety of media including text, music, still images, and audio and video. Demonstrated ability to analyze, assess, and find creative preservation and archiving solutions in a complex and dynamic academic environment. Thorough knowledge of organizational and administrative policies and procedures of libraries and archives. Well-developed organizational, research, oral and written communication, analytical, teaching, and supervisory skills. Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a diverse working environment. Demonstrated ability to work collegially and cooperatively within and across organizations. Ability to plan, manage, and coordinate complex projects; demonstrated record of devising and bringing projects to a conclusion in a timely fashion.
Preferred:
Minimum of two years experience in the management of digital preservation activities. Education in computer or information science and programming experience. Project management training. Familiarity with commercial binding and book structure. Familiarity with web design, database development and design, and content management systems.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
We invite you to discover the excitement, diversity, rewards and excellence of a career at Yale University. One of the country's great workplaces, Yale University offers exciting opportunities for meaningful accomplishment and true growth. Our benefits package is among the best anywhere, with extensive recreational facilities, and much more.
Applications consisting of a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information of three (3) professional references should be sent by creating an account and applying online at http://www.yale.edu/jobs for immediate consideration - the STARS req ID for this position is 12617BR. Please be sure to reference #12617BR in your cover letter.
BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENTS
All external candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. Internal candidates may be subject to a motor vehicle or credit check for this position based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent on successful completion of the required background check. Please visit http://www.yale.edu/hronline/careers/screening/faqs.html for additional information on the background check requirements and process.
Yale University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Yale values diversity in its faculty, staff, and students and strongly encourages applications from women and members of underrepresented minority groups.
