Historic Maryland Newspapers Project Specialist

Position Overview And Key Responsibilities

The Historic Maryland Newspapers Project (HMNP) Specialist will be a self-directed, production-oriented individual who will manage the sixth phase of the National Digital Newspaper Program grant for the University of Maryland Libraries, a two-year project (with the possibility for renewal). HMNP will select, digitize, and contribute to the Library of Congress’ Chronicling America collection approximately 100,000 pages from historically and culturally significant newspapers from across the state of Maryland. The incumbent should be knowledgeable in digitization and digital project standards and best practices for file creation and metadata; file management; digital collections repositories; digital preservation. The HMNP Specialist will also be knowledgeable in project and budget management, and have an understanding of granting agencies and foundations, and their requirements for digitization projects. 

Reporting to the Head, Digital Collections, the HMNP Specialist will collaborate with staff in the Digital Collections unit and Digital Programs and Initiatives department, along with other departments and divisions across the Libraries. The HMNP Specialist also will collaborate with campus and other external partners, including the campus Office of Research Administration, who applies for grants on behalf of the campus, and the HMNP advisory board and content partners from cultural heritage institutions across the state, NEH, and LC. The incumbent will supervise hourly student employees, contract staff, and/or interns, as needed for the grant. 

ABOUT THE LIBRARIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND:

As the largest university library system in the Washington D.C.-Baltimore area, the University of Maryland (UMD) Libraries serve more than 41,000 students and 14,000 faculty and staff of the flagship College Park campus. The Libraries’ extensive collections, programs, and services enable student success, support teaching, research, and creativity, and enrich the intellectual and cultural life of the community. A member of the Big Ten Academic Alliance and the Association of Research Libraries, the UMD Libraries was honored with the 2020 Excellence in Academic Libraries award in the university category from the Association of College and Research Libraries. 

The University of Maryland Libraries are committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. We support university and library efforts to create a more just campus environment, understanding the unique, interdisciplinary focus of libraries and archives as collectors and curators of the historical, literary, artistic, and scientific record. We provide collections, services, and programs that reflect the diversity of our community, heighten cultural awareness, and incorporate the histories, experiences, and expressions of those who have been historically marginalized and/or underrepresented. We work to ensure equitable access to our facilities, resources, and services.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
-Bachelor’s degree in related field by the start of employment. 

Expeirience:
-Three year of prior work experience in a library or other cultural heritage institution
-Project management experience
-Experience supervising students or other employees
-Experience with metadata standards and practices for digital objects used in libraries and archives (e.g. MODS/METS, Dublin Core, etc.)
-Experience using a digital asset management system or digital repository (e.g. Fedora, DSpace, ArchivesSpace, etc.)
-Experience with digitization, digital preservation, and relevant workflows

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
-Knowledge of digitization and digital preservation research and practice
-Knowledge of funding agencies and requirements
-Strong project management skills including demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, meet project milestones, document decisions and procedures, and communicate outcomes
-Ability to use a digital asset management system or digital repository (e.g. Fedora, DSpace, ArchivesSpace, etc.)
-Evidence of capability to manage budgets
-Excellent verbal and written communication skills
-Demonstrated ability of attention to detail

PREFERENCES
Education:
-Master's degree in Library or Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution of higher education, or an advanced degree in a relevant field
-Specialization in archives, preservation studies, digital curation, or special collections

Experience:
-Project management continuing education
-Familiarity with academic, research, or special libraries

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
-Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to function independently and in groups, and to build and maintain relationships with partners
-One year of professional work experience, either performing or managing digitization projects in any of the following formats: still images, monographs or serials, newspapers, microforms, oversize flat objects, audiovisual, or film.
-Experience managing budgets
-Experience working with archival or special collections material
-Experience working on large-scale collaborative projects
-Grant-writing experience, or experience working on a grant

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
-Extensive use of the computer. 
-Frequently pack and move boxes weighing up to 30 pounds.

Licenses/Certifications (optional): NA

Additional Job Details

Required Application Materials: Cover letter, CV, and list of 3 references with email addresses

Best Consideration Date: 01/03/2025

Posting Close Date: NA

Open Until Filled: Yes

Visa Requirements: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Libraries PTK Ranking:
Position is appointed as professional track faculty within the Faculty Specialist Ranks as established by the University of Maryland. This is a non-tenured, contractual position. Rank at appointment is based on the successful applicant's experience and relevant credentials.