Digitization Specialist

The Digitization Specialist engages in the digital capture and description of rare and unique visual and print materials held by USM, including photographs, manuscripts, illustrations, printed texts, and other formats.
The Digitization Specialist supervises student employees and practicum students on projects.
This position is required to travel and complete overnight stays occasionally.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities Digitizes, processes, provides access to, and digitally preserves Libraries’ primary source materials.
Tasks include but are not limited to: Manages the daily workflow of digital file request services for library patrons and University entities; provides excellent customer service and timely response to patron requests; handles rare materials with proper care and technique; and digitizes and describes materials in accordance with guidelines and procedures.
Supports University Libraries’ digital initiatives: Supports the Mississippi Digital Library and Aquila Digital Community with technical assistance, digitization assistance, publicity and outreach; and participates in Research Data Management efforts by uploading and digitally preserving research data produced by the university researchers.
Digitizes materials as needed for grants and collaborated projects, and serves as administrative backup in the absence of the Digital Lab Manager on all systems.
Assists in solving routine hardware and software issues.
Supervises student workers.
Tasks include but are not limited to interviewing, hiring, training, and evaluating student assistants and monitoring the student wage budget.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Library Science or a related field; one to two years of experience in digitization or related field; or four years of equivalent combination of education, training, and experience in digitization or related field.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Ability to travel and complete overnight stays occasionally.
Basic computer hardware knowledge.
Excellent attention to detail.
Ability to work effectively in a Windows environment with the Microsoft Office suite.
Demonstrated ability to learn new technologies quickly.
Ability to distinguish colors Preferred Qualifications Experience working with special collections involving scanning and digitization.
Knowledge of metadata standards, particularly Dublin Core and EAD.
Familiarity with digital technology, practices, and standards.
Familiarity with intellectual property issues.
Knowledge of library preservation issues and experience handling rare and fragile materials.
Knowledge of XML.
Supervisory experience.
About The University of Southern Mississippi The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a comprehensive public research institution delivering transformative programs on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online.
Founded in 1910, USM is one of only 131 universities in the nation to earn the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education's "R1: Doctoral Universities - Very high research activity" designation, and its robust research enterprise includes experts in ocean science and engineering, polymer science and engineering, and large event venue safety and security, among others.
USM is also one of only 37 institutions in the nation accredited in theatre, art and design, dance and music.
As an economic driver, USM generates an annual economic impact of more than $600 million across the state.
USM welcomes a diverse student body of more than 14,000, representing 71 countries, all 50 states, and every county in Mississippi.
USM students have collected four Truman Scholarships and 37 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, while also leading Mississippi with 27 Goldwater Scholarships, an honor that recognizes the next generation of great research scientists.
Home to the Golden Eagles, USM competes in 17 Division I sports sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
For more information, visit www.
usm.
edu.
As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.