Audio Digitization Specialist

🔍 University Libraries, Stanford, California, United States

New

📁: Communications

📅   : 9 hours ago Post Date

📅   : 108480 Requisition #

All applications must include a cover letter to be considered.

Stanford University Libraries seeks an experienced audio professional with expertise in the use of digital technologies to preserve sound recordings to join our team as Audio Digitization Specialist. Successful candidates will demonstrate a proven track record of technical skill, sound judgement, high quality results, and successful collaboration. The Libraries values are rooted in a commitment of mutual respect, the idea that every member of the staff has something to contribute, and that learning is constant. We seek a team member who is ready to share their skills and perspectives.

About Stanford Libraries:

Stanford Libraries is a network of over 15 libraries with over 400 employees. We are committed to fueling the teaching, learning and research across Stanford by acquiring, stewarding, and making available a robust collection, currently in excess of 12 million items. Everyone in the organization plays a vital role in fulfilling that objective. Our dedication to discoverability and information management also has us engaged in dynamic global partnerships. We are constantly building and strengthening our organization, and we recognize striving for excellence is a marathon and not a sprint. We are constantly trying to strike the right pace and admit there are times when we find ourselves at a fast jog. While we hope to always find candidates who fit within our organization, what we truly seek is someone who will add to our culture, our profession as well as the greater academic arena. We are invested in the success of our teams and the individuals who represent Stanford Libraries.

About the Position:

The Audio Digitization Specialist works to digitally reformat sound recordings in the Stanford University Libraries’ collections for purposes of preserving and enabling access to historically and culturally important content represented on the recordings. The Audio Digitization Specialist also works on media digitization and preservation services offered to the broader campus community. The role involves working in a production environment, applying their fully developed skills and understanding of the specialization to execute their digital production assignments. As an inhouse expert, they are responsible for careful handling of rare or unique materials, technical analysis of recording characteristics, developing and documenting production processes, creating and processing digital files, purchasing, operating and maintaining video and computer equipment, performing repairs on library materials, and ensuring high quality work. The specialist is an internal and external partner, collaborating with other preservation and digitization specialists, project managers, service managers, collection curators, and archivists. The Audio Digitization Specialist reports to the Associate Director, Digital Library Services, and contributes to the efforts of the Digital Library Systems and Service division to continually build and improve digital library collections, systems, and services.

CORE DUTIES*:

· Set up, operate, and troubleshoot a variety of equipment used in contemporary and historic sound systems. Serve as the library’s audio digital reformatting expert.

· Perform various hardware, software, peripheral, and networking technical assistance.

· Perform treatments and repairs on original, often unique and fragile library collection materials.

· Make recommendations for purchases and repairs of digital and analog media equipment. Diagnose and resolve digital and analog media system problems.

· Maintain and ensure proper operation of all equipment and perform repairs and cleaning of analog and digital media equipment.

· Interface with library staff, faculty, donors, patrons, and outside interested parties requesting media preservation and access services, support, and/or consultation.

· Researches, prepares and produces documentation for training and other communicative purposes for both internal and external audiences.

· May act as liaison with vendors, develop strategies, workflows and rate cards for clients, identify competitive pricing for products and services and close projects for billings.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience:

· Undergraduate degree in a related field, or demonstrated training in audio engineering

· At least 5 years of experience in an audiovisual archive, library, or similar organization, or equivalent experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

· Knowledge of digital and analog audio formats and elements, including the ability to identify recording characteristics

· Familiarity with sound recording and digital preservation issues and standards

· Advanced technical experience using digital media equipment, video creation, editing software, and/or digital media control software.

· Strong knowledge in production techniques including videography, compression and file delivery and other production formats.

· Broad knowledge of all aspects of broadcast quality productions, including field and studio camera, lighting, sound and editing.

· Understanding of online video environment and online distribution.

· Demonstrated ability to perform repairs on a wide variety of audio and computer equipment.

· Ability to adapt equipment setup and provide alternative setup or workarounds if necessary.

· Ability to manage a variety of simultaneous projects within tight deadlines, excellent organizational and time management skills.

· Excellent interpersonal skills, mature judgment, and diplomacy required to interact effectively with and provide customer service to a broad audience.

· Ability to work independently as well as effectively in a collaborative team environment.

· May require experience planning, coordinating, and executing archival digitization projects.

Other Relevant Knowledge, Skills and Abilities May Include:

· Strong written and verbal communication skills

· Familiarity with use of command-line tools

· Background in music performance or composition

· Experience with stylus selection and working with cylinders and transcription discs

· Understanding of physical and material structure of media materials as it pertains to digital reformatting processes

· Understanding of proper handling of rare and fragile library and special collection materials of all types and formats

· Understanding of digital imaging and media reformatting quality standards and their implementation in production environments

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

· Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks

· Frequently stand/walk, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, and reach/work above shoulders.

· Occasionally sit, twist/bend/stoop/squat.

· Visual acuity including color vision.

* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

· Occasional work on weekends, evenings, holidays, and flexible shifts.

· Work on-site in Stanford Libraries facilities located in Redwood City, California.

WORK STANDARDS:

· Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.

· Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.

· Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

The expected pay range for this position is $98,730.00 to $119,197.00 per annum. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs. At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Why Stanford is for You:

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

● Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, and course auditing. Join a TedTalk, watch a film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.

● A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.

● A healthier you. Choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We provide excellent health care benefits.

● Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.

● Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more.

Additional Information