Columbia University Libraries seeks a Digital Project and Outreach Librarian to coordinate the first phase of what will be a multi-phased Frank Lloyd Wright Digital Archive initiative. The nature of this digitization project is new to Columbia and the Digital Project and Outreach Librarian will play a pivotal role in coordinating production efforts within the Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library as well as across CUL while negotiating needs and requirements suitable for digitizing, describing, and making accessible digital surrogates of Frank Lloyd Wright’s residential drawings. Because of the international demand for these drawings (the basis  of  Phase I), the Librarian will also define outreach and research support approaches as many of the most in-demand materials are taking offline for this project.   As this digitization project progresses, this role will also contribute to prospective considerations about future phases encompassing the entirety of the Archive.

The Digital Project and Outreach Librarian sets the daily production schedule including: coordinating photo studio workflows for the project; coordinating digital asset uploads into Hyacinth, CUL’s repository/digital collection system; overseeing the development of a Frank Lloyd Wright project website; coordinating QC imaging work with the contract photographer and other project staff; initiating improvements to workflows; and, collaborating with Avery and CUL staff in promoting the project to Avery’s local, national, and international constituencies.

Responsibilities:

• Oversees day-to-day operations of the FLW Digital Archive project including coordinating imaging schedule with contract photographer; monitors quality control and ingest workflows; coordinating work of the Technical Assistant VI including QC work and preparing materials for imaging.  
• Consults with FLW Digitization Project Team members on policies and workflows to manage long-term stewardship and access to the project in accordance with emerging standards and best practices.
• Coordinates outreach and research support efforts for the digital archive by a) contributing to the distributed reference service in Drawings & Archives; and, b) supporting research and instruction activities relating to the physical FLW Foundation Archives and the digital archive.
• Oversees the handling and moving of archival materials.  Assists in analyzing materials for suitability in the FLW digital archive and recommends priorities based on level of preservation risk. Logs those materials that require conservation treatment and convenes quarterly meetings to review log and needs with the conservation team.

*This is a three (3) year temporary position from date of hire with possibility for extension*

About Columbia University Libraries:

We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, identities, and abilities to apply for this unique opportunity to become a part of our evolving Libraries and University community. Columbia University Libraries is a globally-recognized academic research library system, serving one of the world’s most important centers of research and learning in the most exciting and dynamic city in the world. Talented Libraries staff build, sustain, and make discoverable collections that transcend traditional boundaries of format and domain, keeping pace with a dynamic and rapidly evolving information environment and creating opportunities for users to encounter 4,000 years of human thought.

Our decisions are informed by new curricula developed to meet the needs of a more diverse student body, new and emerging areas of research being conducted by a broad spectrum of researchers, including graduate students and newly-hired faculty, as well as by perspectives from the diminished or entirely lost voices of historically oppressed, marginalized, and underserved populations and communities. As an organization, the Libraries provides a supportive, connected environment where every employee’s perspective is valued and every employee is encouraged to grow. All staff members have an impact on Columbia’s mission to advance knowledge at the highest levels and make the results of research accessible to the world.

Columbia University has a longstanding commitment to diversity rooted in values of inclusion and social justice, a commitment reflected in the curriculum and throughout University life. Columbia welcomes applications from candidates who share these values and who will foster their contribution to the University's educational mission. We invite applicants who have demonstrated creative approaches to empowering and mentoring staff, leading projects, solving problems, and developing user-centric programs, services, or collections. We offer salary and benefits commensurate with qualifications and experience.  

The Search Committee will review applications and nominations and will continue to receive and review them until the position is filled. Proposed start date is negotiable. 

Minimum Degree Required:

Master’s Degree in Library Science or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience in a library or museum specializing in digital projects, repository or digital asset management, information services, or collection development.
• Demonstrated knowledge of general project management practices.
• Experience delivering research services to faculty, students, and researchers.
• Familiarity working with and handling special/archival collections.
• Good technical skills and flexibility to work in a dynamic and changing environment.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced studies in architectural or art history.
• Familiarity with national imaging and digital preservation standards and practices.
• Hands-on experience with digital imaging, stitching, quality control.
• Supervisory experience in a large, academic library is highly desirable.

Minimum Salary: $73,000

Apply online here