The Digitization Technician will operate a "Scribe" digitization machine that takes digital photos of books from various collections and displays them online for universal access.

The Internet Archive is a non-profit organization working with 80+ world-class universities and libraries to create the world's largest digital open library. We partner with institutions (in this case, Harry Ransom Center Library at University of Texas, Austin) to digitize and share unique collections of materials.

Gain experience in the following fields of endeavor: building an open source digital library, digital photography and digitization software, preservation and handling of special collections, metadata management, and presentation and production of digital books.

Responsibilities and Duties

We are looking for Digitization Technicians who are patient, conscientious, detail-oriented and who have the ability to work independently in a pleasant, low-stress work environment.

  • Digitally capture images of pages in books and manuscripts using established processes and procedures.

  • Ability to assess image quality and determine if a page has been skipped.

  • Ability to troubleshoot and if that fails, to communicate with others about problems and solutions.

  • Working knowledge of computers, e-mail, and spreadsheets - strong technical skills are preferred.

  • Must be able to lift and move stacks of books (5-15 lbs. each) short distances, sit at a Scribe station, and use a foot pedal to raise and lower a glass cradle.

  • A high tolerance for repetitive tasks and expert attention to detail is necessary.

  • Strong written and verbal communications skills.

  • Ability to manage incoming and outgoing inventory for your digitization queue.

  • A love of books is a plus!

 

Physical/Special Requirements

 

Walking: Ability to move about on foot to accomplish tasks, to pick up materials to scan.

Lifting: Ability to raise and lower objects horizontally from position to position and lift up to 25 pounds safely.

Pushing/Pulling: Ability to use upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, haul or tug carts in a sustained push or pull motion.

Seeing: Required to have close visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of scanning activity.

Sitting: Works at a computer 100% of the time. Must be able to sit at a digitization station for full shift length.

Scanning: Ability to use legs to push a weighted foot pedal, use hands and arms to raise and lower a glass cradle and to use eyes to see materials being digitized.

 

Cognitive Considerations

 

  • Must have the ability to read, write in English and organize materials.

  • Must be able to relate to other people in a professional manner.

  • Ability to remain focused despite internal and external distractions.

  • Must exhibit good safety awareness and judgment.

 

Must have availability Monday to Friday to work in Austin, Texas. This is a full time hourly position (8 hours/day) to be scheduled with the manager during library operating hours (day shift).  

 

Please send a resume to manager-satellites@archive.org with the subject line: IA HRC Digitization Technician. Tell us about why you would like to join our team and what aspects of your work experience you think will be an asset to the project. We are grateful to all applicants but may only respond to those inquiries we would like to proceed with.

 

Internet Archive is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression; and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and perspectives to apply. Background check may be required.