LLILAS Benson Digital Initiatives
University of Texas Libraries
The University of Texas at Austin
LLILAS Benson is seeking a graduate research assistant to assist with the processing of born-digital collections, post-custodial deposits, and the creation, remediation, and transformation of metadata for digitized collections. This position’s duties will include creating and editing metadata for new and existing collections of digitized media and processing digital collections. The GRA will have the opportunity to process born-digital and digitized archival records and test digital tools and documentation used in Benson’s workflows.
The collections that will be processed and described will likely include audio collections of radio programs, selections of digitized manuscripts, and some entirely born-digital collections. As some of these materials and their descriptions are in Spanish, the successful candidate will be expected to have some proficiency with written Spanish. Because of the technical nature of this position, previous knowledge or experience with systems outlined in this posting may be beneficial, however training will be provided.
The GRA will also be able to contribute to other metadata projects such as the creation of authoritative translations of subject headings from English to Spanish.
POSITION AVAILABLE: August 16, 2024. Position is subject to renewal each semester.
WORK SCHEDULE: As arranged with supervisor: Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5pm, for a total of 20 hours per week.
DUTIES:
- Create and edit collections metadata in spreadsheet programs including Google Sheets and Excel
- Manipulate, normalize, and reconcile metadata using tools such as OpenRefine.
- Prepare archival collection metadata for ingestion into the Library’s Digital Asset Management System (DAMS) for publication into our online Collections Portal.
- Contribute to other metadata or digital processing initiatives within LLILAS Benson.
- Assist with processing of digitized material donated by post-custodial partner organizations, including digital asset management, quality control, image and metadata processing, repository ingest, and other related tasks.
- Perform born-digital preservation tasks, including disk imaging, digital forensics, and processing files for long-term preservation and accessibility in Benson’s Rare Books and Manuscripts Reading Room.
- Staff the reference desk in the Benson Rare Books and Manuscripts Reading Room.
- Assist with some administrative tasks as needed.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Graduate student in good academic standing in the School of Information, enrolled for at least three [3] semester hours for summer session and nine [9] semester hours for each long semester (fall and spring semesters).
- An interest in working in the areas of metadata creation and digital preservation.
- Close attention to detail and critical thinking.
- Intermediate proficiency with written Spanish.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience working in or with archives, digital assets, metadata, digital repository platforms.
- Strong computer literacy and interest in or experience with command-line processing, Python, or other scripting methods.
- Familiarity with spreadsheets, non-MARC metadata creation, OpenRefine, JSON, and archival standards, including, DACS and EAD
- Familiarity with controlled vocabularies and authority files such as the Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Knowledge of Latin American and US Latinx history and culture.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise initiative working both alone and in a dynamic team environment.
We want to emphasize that although experience in certain areas is desirable, candidates who meet the required qualifications and demonstrate excellent promise are encouraged to apply and will be given serious consideration.
WORKING CONDITIONS: Regular indoor working conditions.
SALARY/BENEFITS: $1733 per month. Exemption from non-resident tuition. Benefits eligible. TRB is not available for this position for long semesters.
APPLICANT INSTRUCTIONS: Interested candidates should submit, via e-mail, a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three references to:
Ryan Sullivant
Metadata Librarian for Latin American Resources
LLILAS Benson
University of Texas Libraries
The University of Texas at Austin
Email: sullivant@austin.utexas.edu
The University of Texas Libraries advances teaching, catalyzes research, and democratizes learning in order to develop critical thinkers and global citizens. As an essential campus partner in building a rich research and learning ecosystem, we are committed to creating and sustaining a community that welcomes and respects all individuals, celebrates different perspectives and experiences, and fosters belonging.
A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer: The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
