Digital Conversion Production Manager

The Digital Conversion Production Manager works in a team environment for creating and deploying online collections, and oversees the Digital Conversion Unit (DCU) within the Digital Library Production Service (DLPS). The DCU is responsible for digital conversion of library collections, working with monograph, serial, newspaper, photograph, and manuscript collections. The DCU converts on average 5,000 volumes per year, and is committed to high-volume, efficient digitization. The DCU also works closely with the Scholarly Publishing Office (SPO) on digitizing materials to be published by SPO, and the DCU staff work closely with library selectors, archivists and special collections librarians in developing cost estimates for digitization projects.

The Digital Library Production Service (DLPS), a part of the University of Michigan University Library, is UM’s key organization for creation, deployment and support of local digital library collections. DLPS, with over 20 FTE, including librarians, computing professionals, and support staff, provides production-level support for digital library collections in a number of subject areas and formats. Online collection resources include significant image-and text-based journal collections, art image collections, and a leading edge XML development effort. Staff members within DLPS assume responsibility for access mechanisms, data loading, security, accounting and billing mechanisms, as well as creation and conversion activities. DLPS provides these services to the University of Michigan as well as other institutions, and works with consortia such as the Digital Library Federation (DLF) and the Committee on Institutional Cooperation (CIC) to advance the development of sound digital libraries.

Under the supervision of the Head of DLPS, the Digital Conversion Production Manager supervises a unit of 6 professionals, and part-time workers and student assistants, including technicians for digital capture and conversion of textual materials and continuous tone images. The incumbent is responsible for coordinating departmental priorities and long-range unit planning with the Head of the Digital Library Production Service.

The Digital Conversion Production Manager develops and maintains a productive and cost effective processing operation which is responsive to the needs of other library units and library users. Establishes and analyzes statistical measurements of productivity. Plans and oversees development of new production formats and workflows based on emerging Library priorities. Plans and implements effective quality control methods for ensuring accurate and reliable digital conversion. As part of the library’s partnership with Google to digitize the library’s collections, the incumbent performs analysis of specifications, and manages the digitization of materials not digitized by Google.

The DCU constantly strives to provide the most efficient, cost-effective and highest quality methods of digitization of library collections. The DCU works with units throughout the library system to digitize library collections, including rare and valuable materials, such as papyri, maps and rare books, as well as damaged library materials. The DCU monitors its quality control processes to reduce errors and provide high quality digital objects for the library’s large online collections.

Further information may be found at www.lib.umich.edu/hr/employment/dcpm.html

QUALIFICATIONS:
REQUIRED:
· ALA accredited Masters Degree, or an equivalent combination of a relevant advanced degree and experience;
· Knowledge of and experience with a wide range of digital formats, including digital text and image formats, and with a wide range of digitization techniques and equipment, and knowledge of standards for digital objects and metadata;
· 2 years or more supervisory responsibility involving digitization;
· Excellent written and oral skills, and ability to work in a team environment;
· Demonstrated strong analytical skills, aptitude for details, and ability to apply complex rules correctly in a variety of circumstances;
· Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and within a team setting.
DESIRED:
· Experience with databases, programming languages, and Windows, Mac and Unix operating systems;
· Knowledge of digitization workflow; Ability to establish measurable goals and objectives and to implement strategies to achieve them.

BENEFITS, RANK, & SALARY
Rank is anticipated at Associate Librarian depending on experience and qualifications. Final rank and salary will depend on qualifications and experience. Professional positions receive 24 days of vacation a year; 15 days of sick leave a year with provisions for extended benefits as well as opportunities for professional development and travel.

RETIREMENT OPTIONS: TIAA-CREF or Fidelity Investments retirement options.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Send cover letter & copy of resume to Bob Campe, Library Human Resources; 404 Hatcher Graduate Library North; University of Michigan; Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1205 by US Postal Service, or email to libhumres@umich.edu (Contact 734 764-2546 for further information.)

APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Review of applications will begin on 6/2/08 and continue until the position is filled.

The University of Michigan is a non-discriminatory, affirmative action employer.