Society of Southwest Archivists

Digital Initiatives Librarian, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

  • 30 Aug 2016 11:45 AM
    Message # 4218610

    DIGITAL INITIATIVES LIBRARIAN


    The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Library seeks a librarian for the faculty position of Digital Initiatives Librarian. The University and the Library have strong commitments to preserving Arkansas’s rich medical and health sciences history and to providing worldwide access to those archival materials through the conversion of analog formats, the creation of digital collections and application of robust metadata. We are looking for a team player to manage our expanding oral history program and to lead projects designed to enhance the accessibility and research possibilities of the institution’s archival collections through digital avenues. This librarian must have a positive, out-going, and open-minded, attitude toward collaboration and a commitment to making collections more readily available, as well as the willingness to represent the Library within organizations, associations, and partnerships.


    CAMPUS SETTING:


    Founded in 1879, UAMS, located in Little Rock, is the primary academic health sciences center in Arkansas. The UAMS Library supports the education, clinical, research, and outreach activities of six colleges (Graduate School, Health Professions, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Public Health), a comprehensive medical center, and several institutes of excellence. The UAMS Library serves the health information needs of the citizens in Pulaski County and provides support to the rest of the state through a nationally renowned network of Regional Center Libraries (formerly AHECs). This Library also serves as the only resource library in the state for the National Network of Libraries of Medicine. Faculty, staff, and students work and study in a stimulating and culturally diverse environment. Information on Arkansas’ beautiful and vibrant capital city can be found at http://www.littlerock.com/.


    The Historical Research Center is the archival division of the UAMS Library and preserves the institutional record of UAMS as well as the history of medicine and the health sciences in Arkansas. Established in 1978, the HRC has an ever-expanding collection of over 500 linear feet of archival materials, including extensive documentation on Arkansas’s public health, records of the Arkansas State Nurses Association and the Arkansas State Health Department, as well as the papers of Roscoe Green Jennings, a Union Army Surgeon and one of the founders of UAMS, among other collections. The complementary History of Medicine book collection contains over 6,100 volumes related to all aspects of medicine and the health sciences.


    This faculty position, reporting to the Director of the HRC, will lead projects designed to document the rich and varied history of Arkansas’s health-related professions through the gathering of oral histories and other related audiovisual materials, as well as the creation of digital collections and development of related metadata.


    SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DIGITAL INIATIVES LIBRARIAN:

    • Manages digitization projects and collaborates with colleagues to set priorities

    • Manages the implementation, management, and discovery tools for digital collections
    • Coordinates the development of metadata to support the discovery and management of digital content, such as digitized collections and born-digital objects
    • Manages the collection, preservation, and conversion of analog and digital formats
    • Leads the oral history program
    • Ensures projects and initiatives adhere to timelines and work plans
    • Advises on copyright policy and related matters as applied to digital content and resources
    • Coordinates workshops and training in support of the digital collections
    • Conducts and contributes to departmental outreach when needed, such as presentations, exhibits, and publications.
    • Acts as liaison to community partners, when appropriate, in building collaborative projects.
    •  Identifies and assists in the writing of grants
    • Develops and maintains current knowledge of and trends in digital scholarship, information technology’s impact on libraries and archives, and other areas related to this position. Applies knowledge to continuously improve and advance digital archives and digital project skills
    • Develops instructional resources, such as Libguides, to assist students and scholars in the effective use of archival materials and other research tools
    • Assists and facilitates telephone, email, and in-person reference requests
    • Participates in department, library, and university planning
    • Participates in professional activities on local, state, and national levels

    QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

    • Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program, or an advanced degree in U.S. history, public history or archival studies
    • A minimum of two years’ experience working in an archives, museum, or other historically-oriented institution
    • Experience working with analog and digital audio formats, including conversion of legacy materials
    • Experience working in digital initiatives, including the creation of metadata for digital objects using standards, such as Dublin Core or METS
    • Knowledge of copyright and digital rights management
    • Demonstrated experience with content management systems, such as ContentDM, Omeka, etc.
    • Experience with developing and documenting digitization policies and procedures
    • Experience in gathering and conducting oral histories
    • Ability to work well independently and as part of a team
    • Experience working with audio and video editing software
    • Proficiency in the use and application of word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software, such as Microsoft Office


    QUALIFICATIONS PREFERRED:

    • Certification in digital archives
    • Experience writing grants and proposals


    POSITION BENEFITS & APPLICATION INFORMATION:


    Minimum salary is $45,000 commensurate with education and experience. This is a non-tenure track, faculty appointment with a benefits package that includes 22 days of vacation, 11 holidays, and 12 days sick leave annually, and retirement plan options including TIAA/CREF and Fidelity.


    Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until an appointment is made.  Priority will be given to applications received before October 1, 2016. Please email a letter of application, curriculum vita, and names of 3 professional references (with full contact information) to:


    Timothy G. Nutt, C.A., MLIS
    Director of Historical Research Center
    University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Library
    tgnutt@uams.edu


    UAMS is an inclusive Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.


    Last modified: 02 Sep 2016 11:15 AM | Timothy G. Nutt

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