Digital Initiatives Librarian

Portland State University Library
Position Description – January 27, 2011
Digital Initiatives Librarian

The Digital Initiatives Librarian will provide leadership, project management, and work in the creation, development, and production services associated with the Library’s digital collections and related projects. This innovative, energetic individual will work collaboratively with colleagues to develop and implement policies, procedures, workflows, and metadata standards for the Library’s digital collections program; manage assigned digitization projects; and participate in the overall management of digital collections. This position reports to the Associate University Librarian, and is a full-time, 12-month, tenure-track position with the rank of Assistant Professor. The incumbent will be expected to work collaboratively to build partnerships within the Library and the campus; engage in scholarly activities; and provide service to the university, the community, and the profession.

Specific Responsibilities
• Lead, manage, and participate in projects related to the Library’s digital collections and preservation program in collaboration with stakeholders, establishing policies and best practices for the long-term protection of and access to digital objects.
• Lead, manage, and participate in the planning and implementation of digitization projects in a variety of formats. This includes keeping up to date with national metadata standards and schemas, and being responsible for interpreting and adapting those for local purposes.
• Provide plans for digital projects, monitor the timely progress of ongoing projects, and create documentation for project-related activities.
• Lead and participate in content recruitment activities, acting as a liaison for digitization and metadata projects with other teams within the library and/or other campus groups.
• Assist with training and technical advice to library staff regarding digitization standards and metadata assignment.
• Evaluate, analyze, and implement systems-related aspects related to digitization, digital preservation, and metadata operations.
• Participate in the collaborative development of metadata/cataloging tools, and discovery and presentation tools and applications.
• Participate in digital library-related initiatives and projects with Oregon University System institutions, the Orbis Cascade Alliance, and other groups, as assigned.
• Participate in marketing and outreach efforts by contributing content to the Library’s Web sites, blogs, and electronic publications.
• Adhere to University and Library policies and procedures, including Portland State University’s Professional Standards of Conduct (http://www.pdx.edu/hr/professional-standards-conduct).
• Participate in the establishment of short- and long-range goals, objectives, and priorities, aligned with those of the Library and the University.
• Participate in promoting and providing visibility for a positive, responsive image of the Library and its services to the University community and the community at large.
• Communicate openly and professionally with staff, colleagues, and with Library administration.
• Maintain current expertise through participation in workshops, classes, professional associations and networks, and through continued awareness of the scholarly literature.
• Pursue active publication and research agenda.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
• Master’s degree earned from an ALA-accredited Library/Information Science program.
• Demonstrated project management experience in a highly collaborative environment.
• Minimum of two years of professional experience in digital initiatives, digital collections or metadata services in an academic library.
• Demonstrated technical experience with current digital collection technologies, standards, platforms, and products.
• Knowledge of the standards and technological framework for digital preservation.
• Working knowledge of metadata standards, including non-MARC schema such as Dublin Core, MODS, METS, EAD, TEI, VRA.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current and emerging national cataloging standards, including MARC, controlled vocabularies, RDA, FRBR, etc.
• Excellent organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Commitment to professional development and service.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Technology skills and experience appropriate for the position.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse colleagues, faculty, and students.
• Ability to successfully complete a background check.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Substantial experience in collaboratively managing multiple and simultaneous projects.
• Familiarity with DSpace or other content management software, and knowledge of Institutional Repositories management, including policy matters, intellectual property issues, and strategies for recruiting appropriate content.
• Thorough knowledge of OCLC bibliographic utilities, and experience with cataloging in an Integrated Library System, preferably in the Innovative Interfaces, Inc.’s Millennium system.

The Environment:
Located in one of the most livable cities in the United States, Portland State University is a nationally recognized leader in community-based learning, and is located on the tree-lined blocks of downtown Portland. The University offers its 28,000 students more than 100 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees.

Salary and Benefits:
Compensation and rank are commensurate with experience. The salary range begins at a minimum of $61,320, and includes an excellent benefits package including fully paid health care, reduced tuition rates, and a generous retirement and vacation package.

Deadlines:
Review of applicants will begin October 17, 2010, and will remain open until finalists are identified.

To Apply:
Send cover letter; resume; and names, address, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of four references to: Anne Keech, Search Coordinator, keecha@pdx.edu. Transcripts and background checks will be required for finalists. In cover letter, address how your knowledge and experiences meet qualifications. Electronic application materials are strongly preferred (Word or .pdf documents). However, materials may be mailed to:

Portland State University Library – LIBW
Post Office Box 1151
c/o Anne Keech, Search Coordinator
Portland, OR 97207-1151

Portland State University is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Institution and welcomes applications from diverse candidates and candidates who support diversity.