Announcements

The University Libraries at Virginia Tech seeks a service-oriented, well-organized, technically savvy, and self-motivated Digital Collections Archivist. The Digital Collections Archivist is responsible for coordinating digital programs for Special Collections and University Archives, which includes managing digital collections, defining the department's digital presence, designing technical infrastructure, and managing digital forensics and reformatting services. The Special Collections and University Archives department includes a dozen full-time archivists working on a variety of collaborative projects. The position is based in the Special Collections and University Archives department but works across many parts of the University Libraries and the campus. The Digital Collections Archivist will be a full-time,12-month faculty-level position on a Continued Appointment track, reporting to the Director of Special Collections and University Archives. They will perform the majority of their duties in the Carol M. Newman Library.

The Digital Collections Archivist will develop, implement, and provide leadership for digital initiatives involving Special Collections and University Archives materials, services, and spaces. They will be responsible for coordinating the digital programs of Special Collections and University Archives in three broad areas. First, they will create, manage, and provide access to digital collections (legacy digital content, digitized content from analog sources, social media content, and born digital materials) for Special Collections and University Archives. Second, they will serve as a liaison to other library departments to define the digital presence of Special Collections and University Archives materials and will play a pivotal role in designing digital library infrastructure and systems for digital collections. Third, they will manage the fledgling digital forensics and reformatting services for the University Libraries.

The successful candidate will hold a master's degree, preferably in library and information studies or computer science. They must have full-time professional work experience in an archives, library, or cultural heritage setting. They must have demonstrated experience in building, managing, and providing access to digital content based in cultural heritage materials. This includes direct experience building websites or digital exhibits, digitizing analog material and creating metadata, and managing large collections of digital content. They must also have working experience with processing (i.e., arranging and describing) analog and digital collections. Required technical skills include a working knowledge of archives and digitization standards and software such as XML, Dublin Core, and Omeka. Effective communication is a must.

Full-time professional experience working in academic archives programs, participation in large-scale digitization projects, familiarity with audiovisual and oral history collections, a working knowledge of common technical standards and software specific to archives such as EAD, DACS, OHMS, BitCurator, and ArchivesSpace, experience with developing and managing grants, the ability to write basic scripts with programming languages such as Python, experience managing students and coordinating staff on digital projects, experience with digital forensics workflows, knowledge of legacy media and reformatting practices, experience providing instruction on digital topics, and evidence of working with diverse constituents, donors, and partners.

A/P Faculty, Continued Appointment Track, Assistant Professor

Minimum of $52,000 dependent on qualifications and experience

January 3, 2020

The application package needs to include a C.V., cover letter addressing the candidate's experience with the responsibilities associated with the position, and the required and preferred qualifications, and names of three (3) references and their contact information.

The successful Candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check

Virginia Tech is a public land-grant university, committed to teaching and learning, research, and outreach to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world. Building on its motto of Ut Prosim (that I may serve), Virginia Tech is dedicated to InclusiveVT-serving in the spirit of community, diversity, and excellence. We seek candidates who adopt and practice the Principles of Community, which are fundamental to our on-going efforts to increase access and inclusion, and to create a community that nurtures learning and growth for all of its members. Virginia Tech actively seeks a broad spectrum of candidates to join our community in preparing leaders for the world.