Hire, train, and manage digital imaging student assistants, including overseeing all student-generated work from imaging through processing.
Safely handle and digitize rare, fragile, and unique materials, using proper support techniques and advanced imaging tools to prevent damage and produce detailed, high-resolution images that preserve the originals' integrity.
Implement quality assurance protocols for all cultural heritage scanners and Phase One cameras, ensuring adherence to FADGI standards across the Library. Perform routine maintenance, equipment calibration, troubleshooting, and vendor coordination to maintain optimal equipment performance.
Promote efficient, team-oriented workflows by sharing expertise, providing technical guidance, and fostering a positive work environment. Identify areas for improvement and collaborate with the Digitization Manager to implement changes.
Acts as a resource for a project team and provides analytical guidance. Interprets complex project issues and provides analytical guidance to a project team.
Is responsible for tracking progress, conducting analysis, as well as preparing for and facilitating project meetings.
Performs other related work as needed.
Requirements
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
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Bachelor's degree in Photography, or a related field.
At least 3 years of professional experience in digital photography, preferably in a cultural heritage or academic setting.
At least 3 of experience working in a digital production environment, preferably in a library, museum, cultural heritage institution, or commercial setting, handling rare and fragile cultural heritage materials.
Experience leading digitization projects in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
Experience in color management, profiling, calibration, and quality assurance.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:
Demonstrates expert
Benefits
Health insurancePaid time off
Additional Information
Department
Library C & A - Preservation - Digitization
About the Department
Widely known as guardian of one of the largest academic library collections in North America, the University of Chicago Library is redefining its role as a provider of services within an increasingly open global knowledge ecosystem. We value open and equitable access to knowledge, freedom of speech and inquiry, and working in partnership within and beyond the UChicago community. We are creating a working environment that embraces innovation and respect and that celebrates and develops staff.
As part of the University of Chicago, we offer a wide variety of strong benefits and programs to academics and staff. From a choice of comprehensive health plan options and wellness programs, short and long-term disability insurance, continuing education opportunities including educational assistance plans, competitive retirement plans and paid time off (vacation, personal and university holidays), we're committed to providing benefits and a work environment that matters!
Job Summary
Reporting to the Head of Digitization, the Digital Imaging Lead is instrumental to the Library's capabilities in delivering its collections for use in world-class research. The Digitization Department, leads cultural heritage digital imaging projects and exhibition photography at the University of Chicago Library, in a state-of-the-art digitization laboratory. With advanced expertise in digital photography and imaging technologies, this position oversees complex and highly specialized digitization projects, ensures adherence to imaging and material handling standards, and provides mentorship to Digitization Specialist, student assistants, and interns.