82 · SPEC Kit 294
University of Chicago
University of Chicago Library
Title: Preservation Reformatting Librarian
Department: Preservation Department
Division: Special Collections Research Center
Reports to: Preservation Librarian
Preservation Reformatting Summary
Preservation Reformatting, within the Preservation Department, encompasses the entire range of
activities to review and convert library materials in a variety of formats to more stable and
useable formats. This work is in support of the Library’s mission to preserve and provide
continued access to materials for the long-term.
The Preservation Reformatting Librarian is responsible for planning and managing the two
aspects of Preservation Reformatting: Digital Reformatting Services and Replacement. Digital
Reformatting Services converts library collections to digital formats. The goal is to
systematically add content from the Library’s collections to the digital resources available to
users by digitally reformatting books and other materials that need to be preserved and made
accessible on the Library’s public Web site. Library materials from general and special
collections are converted according to existing and emerging standards and guidelines, both in-
house and by external vendors. Replacement work addresses the preservation needs of brittle
and deteriorated items that are identified through use. Preservation options include the purchase
of reprints, paper or microfilm replacements, and the preservation reformatting strategy of
digitization with file or paper output. The Preservation Reformatting Librarian oversees the staff
that search and prepare materials for replacement or conversion and Digital Reformatting
Services that performs digital conversion.
The Preservation Reformatting Librarian works closely and collaboratively with the Special
Collections Research Center staff on the digitization of special collections materials with
Collection Development librarians on the development of selection guidelines, and decision-
making for reformatting and other preservation options with Cataloging on metadata creation
and with the Digital Library Development Center (DLDC) to support web access, archiving, and
overall digital library initiatives.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
Planning &Management: 50%
.notdef.g0001 Plan, develop, promote, and manage Preservation Reformatting
.notdef.g0001 Establish objectives for the Program, set priorities for activities performed in coordination
with grant, department, and library goals
.notdef.g0001 Hire, train and supervise staff
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