Society of Southwest Archivists

Digital Archivist - Texas A&M University

  • 18 Feb 2015 4:25 PM
    Message # 3229089

    Texas A&M University Libraries seeks a creative and dynamic professional to join the Texas A&M University Libraries as a Digital Archivist.  This is a non-tenure track “clinical” faculty position.  Successful candidates will be expected to engage in professional service activities, consistent with the Libraries’ and University’s requirements for promotion.


    Reporting to the Director of Cushing Memorial Library and Archives, the Digital Archivist will establish and maintain a digital archiving program in collaboration with the University Archivist, Digital Preservation Librarian, Cushing archivists and curators, and other Libraries units.  Responsibilities include: processing, describing, and providing access to born-digital and digitized archival and special collections materials; demonstrate initiative and innovation in developing and implementing processes for archiving current and legacy electronic and digital materials including document, image, and audio/video files, email, web sites, social media; and digital primary materials acquired on formats such as tape, floppy disks, hard drives, Compact Discs, and mobile devices.  Additional responsibilities include acquiring and maintaining legacy hardware and software that may be necessary for providing access to digital materials.  Working with the University Libraries Preservation unit, the Digital Archivist will aid in the development, documentation, and implementation of a digital preservation plan as it pertains to Cushing Memorial Library and Archives collections.  The Digital Archivist will educate and raise awareness of digital archives issues and concerns within the Libraries, as well as contribute to Cushing outreach activities to the campus and community. The individual also participates in committees and administrative groups, as appropriate.

    Required Qualifications:

    • Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution (or International equivalent)
    • A minimum of two years of professional experience working in the area of digital archiving
    • Knowledge of current trends, tools, and protocols in digital archiving and preservation
    • Understanding of principles and techniques for archiving of web sites, email, social media, and other online primary sources
    • Familiarity with metadata standards relevant to the archival control of digital collection materials such as EAD, Dublin Core, MODS, or PREMIS
    • Excellent organizational skills and ability to plan, coordinate, and implement complex projects
    • Excellent oral and written communication skills
    • Commitment to diversity and to serving the needs of a diverse population

    Desired Qualifications:

    • Knowledge of forensic technologies utilized by the archival or cultural heritage communities for harvesting, managing, and preserving born-digital and digitized archival and special collections material
    • Knowledge of legal and ethical issues affecting digital archival and special collections objects
    • Experience with Digital Asset Management Systems
    • Familiarity with major archival software and tools (e.g., Archon, ArchivesSpace, Archive-It)
    • Experience with the creation of online exhibits
    • Relevant coursework or certification in the field of Digital Archives

    ENVIRONMENT:

    The University:

    Founded in 1876 as a land-grant institution, Texas A&M University is the sixth largest university in the nation. The signature Aggie Spirit captures and embodies the university’s traditions and core values: Excellence, Integrity, Leadership, Loyalty, Respect, and Selfless Service.  The university has an enrollment of more than 55,000 students and 2,800 instructional faculty. Based on Vision 2020, the institution’s goal is to become a premier, tier-one research university and to be ranked among the top 10 public universities nationwide by 2020.

    The Libraries:

    In an effort to provide relevant customer service in an ever-changing environment, the Texas A&M University Libraries is developing a core culture representing flexibility, innovation and risk-taking.  In addition, the Libraries recognize the value in creating a culture that draws from the richness and strength reflected in the diversity of our state and our nation and has created an actionable Diversity Plan.

    The Libraries currently rank 13th in materials expenditures ($18 million) and 5th in serials expenditures ($14 million) among all ARL libraries.  Additionally, the Libraries are projected to rank in the top 10 for 2013-2014 for starting librarian salaries among ARL U.S. Public Academic Libraries. Currently the staffing includes 242 individuals which includes 75 librarians holding faculty status.

    The Cushing Memorial Library and Archives is the archival, rare books, special collections and manuscript repository for Texas A&M University Libraries.  The collections of the Cushing Memorial Library and Archives reflect the comprehensive nature of the educational and research enterprise of Texas A&M University as well as a wide diversity of interests of current and former students, faculty, staff and the community.  Collection highlights include University Archives, science fiction and fantasy, Texana, Mexican colonial history, military history, Africana, literature and the history of books and printing.   

    The Community:

    Texas A&M is located in Bryan-College Station, a friendly community where the ubiquitous “howdy” greets friends and newcomers alike. The community boasts excellent medical facilities, live entertainment and the arts, fine-to-casual dining, outdoor recreation, a local airport, and a low cost of living, as well as easy proximity to Austin and Houston. Additionally, Texas residents enjoy the benefit of having no state or local income tax.

    Salary/Benefits/Rank: Faculty rank and salary are commensurate with qualifications and experience. Excellent benefits include health plan and paid life insurance; several retirement plans including TIAA-CREF; paid holidays and vacation; no state or local income tax. Funding is available for professional travel and development activities.

    Applications: Applications received by March 30, 2015 will be given first consideration.  The letter of application should address the responsibilities, qualifications, and experiences listed for the position. Please submit application letter, vita, and the names, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of three professional references.  References will not be contacted without contacting the candidate first and verifying permission.  Send nominations and applications via email to LibrarianJob@library.tamu.edu or mailed to Pixey Mosley, Associate Dean for Administrative & Faculty Services, Texas A&M University Libraries, 5000 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-5000.

    An Equal Opportunity Employer, TAMU Libraries is committed to employing quality faculty who will enhance the rich diversity of our academic community. In that regard, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who are representative of the state’s diversity.

    For more information about the library, see http://library.tamu.edu, about the university, http://www.tamu.edu, and about the communities, http://www.visitaggieland.com.


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