Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Position Summary

Produces digital surrogates of books, manuscripts, audio, and moving image material from Library and other University holdings. Creates images and surrogates according to deadlines and at specified levels of quality to meet Libraries’ goals for preserving collections and providing online resources. The Digitization Specialist, Still Image provides specialized support for still image material (including but not limited to photographs, negatives, early manuscripts and papyri) in the Library’s Digital Production Center (DPC) utilizing both full spectrum and multispectral imaging equipment and techniques.

Responsibilities

• Oversees management of individual digitization projects within the DPC, including: assessing materials to be digitized for condition and processing needs; providing estimates for project timelines; contributing to decisions about project implementation; and collaborating with supervisor around the production schedule and project needs.
• Creates digital resources from a variety of source materials and media, following tiered FADGI guidelines for full spectrum and multispectral imaging, file sizes, and storage of digital objects; adheres to established file movement strategies to enable creation of metadata, access, and long-term archiving.
• Communicate with stakeholders, project partners, and vendors; when requested, represents DPC and still image digitization workflows in various working groups (whether formal or ad hoc), at standalone meetings, and for consultations with colleagues in the library as needed.
• Conducts tests to establish and document settings and benchmarks for still image capture projects; assesses the quality of digital still image files produced in the DPC; calibrates still image digitization equipment to maintain consistent output; ensures quality controls for digitizing still image are developed and followed; and cross-trains and advises other DPC staff on processes, best practices, technology, and standards for still image capture.
• Identifies potential conservation issues and consults with the Head of Conservation Services or members of that department regarding special handling requirements, intervention, and repairs; uses proper handling techniques to minimize damage during imaging.
• Contributes to the development of standards, policies, procedures, and documentation for all aspects of DPC operations.
• Helps maintain and troubleshoot a range of high-performance digitization equipment and tools, including imaging software, databases, scanners, lights, and camera; assists with the budgeting and facilitates the purchase and installation of equipment.
• Monitors channels for professional communication; networks with professionals outside the University; participates in activities to stay informed about trends in library digitization and still image capture.
• Assists visitors and others needing access to the Digital Production Center.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Qualifications

It is the expectation that all Duke University Libraries staff members will demonstrate exceptional workplace behaviors in the execution of their specific position responsibilities and be dedicated to promoting a diverse and respectful environment for people of all backgrounds. These behaviors are customer focus, collaboration, creative problem solving, continuous learning and a commitment to diversity.

Education:

Required: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Photography (or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience).

Experience:

Required: Two years experience using professional level digitization equipment in a production environment; a demonstrable understanding of still image capture in a cultural heritage environment; awareness of FADGI guidelines. Familiarity with digital image editing software, data management, and processing tools. Knowledge of calibration tools and techniques, and still image formats. Experience with operating, cleaning, and maintaining professional still image digitization equipment

Must be detail-oriented and possess excellent organizational and project-management skills; have strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, and an ability to work independently and effectively in a collaborative setting; able to work independently and as a member of a team, responding to changes in project goals or requirements; working knowledge of MS Office applications; demonstrated commitment to providing outstanding customer services.

Preferred: Demonstrated experience with Phase One, Zeutschel, Fujitsu, Hasselblad, Epson and Nikon capture devices, advance Photoshop scripting, Xrite color calibration technology, and mass digitization in a cultural heritage environment. Demonstrated project management experience, with ability to manage projects, plan and execute workflows, track progress and meet deadlines and objectives. Experience working in a cultural heritage environment. Familiarity with standards for care and handling of rare and fragile materials. Knowledge of metadata practices and standards such as DC, METS, MODS, PREMIS, VRA, EAD and TEI. Experience with audio and video digitization.

Working Conditions

• Must be able to lift 25 pounds and unpack, shelve and shift large quantities of library materials;
• Must be able to work in an environment in which exposure to materials containing dust and mold is possible;
• Must be able to tolerate camera and scanner lights;
• Frequent repetitive movements, bending, crouching, stooping;
• Normal office environment

These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.

Salary and Benefits

Salary dependent on qualifications and experience. Comprehensive benefits package includes 15 days’ vacation, 13 holidays, 12 days sick leave; health, dental, disability and life insurance and support for professional development and training.

Environment

Since its founding in 1924, Duke University has grown into one of the most prestigious private universities in the world and its medical center ranks annually among the top in the nation. The Duke University Libraries are the shared center of the university's intellectual life, connecting people and ideas. The Libraries consist of the Perkins Library, Bostock Library, Rubenstein Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Lilly Library, and Music Library, and the library at the Duke Marine Laboratory in Beaufort. Duke's library holdings of 6.2 million volumes are among the largest of private universities in the United States.

Duke is a diverse community committed to the principles of excellence, fairness, and respect for all people. We recognize that the workplace only truly flourishes with an active presence of different backgrounds and unique abilities. We value the unseen perspective, the unheard voice, and the unnoticed ideas. We hope to give a platform of growth and connection, where employees can be free to produce new ways of thinking to promote inclusion and respect for all. Duke University Libraries encourages an environment where shared goals are reached by exceptional individuals.

Duke's hometown is Durham, North Carolina, a city with vibrant research, medical and arts communities, and numerous shops, restaurants and theaters. Durham is located in the Research Triangle, a growing metropolitan area of more than one million people that provides a wide range of cultural, recreational and educational opportunities. The Triangle is conveniently located just a few hours from the mountains and the coast, offers a moderate climate, and has been ranked among the best places to live and to do business.

Duke offers a comprehensive benefit packages which includes both traditional benefits such as health insurance, leave time and retirement, as well as wide ranging work/life and cultural benefits. Details can be found at: http://www.hr.duke.edu/benefits/duke_benefits.html.

Application

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. An electronic resume, cover letter, and list of references should be submitted at: https://careers.duke.edu/. Search for requisition ID # 91055. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, especially minorities and women.

Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual’s age, color, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The Duke University Libraries have a strong commitment to Affirmative Action and is actively seeking to increase the racial and ethnic diversity of our staff.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Refer to Job Description

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essentialjob functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.