[Libs-Or] Job Posting: Digital Initiatives Librarian at Portland State University Library

[Anne Keech]

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.
Qualifications
Required
•	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 at 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