84 · SPEC Kit 294
University of Chicago
The University of Chicago Library
Title: Digital Conversion Manager
Department: Preservation Department
Division: Special Collections Research Center
Reports to: Preservation Reformatting Librarian
General summary: Under the direction of the Preservation Reformatting Librarian, the
Digital Conversion Manager is responsible for planning, managing, and documenting the
digital conversion of library materials as part of Digital Reformatting Services. Materials
for conversion include books and journals, bound and unbound manuscripts, archives,
maps, photographs and other formats. The Manager trains and supervises staff to carry
out conversion work. The Manager works in close cooperation with staff in the
Preservation Department, the Special Collections Research Center, the Digital Library
Development Center and other Library staff to accomplish position responsibilities. This
involves participation in planning and establishing workflow between departments to
accomplish reformatting goals.
Essential functions:
Manages digital conversion: 35%
.notdef.g0001 Makes decisions about appropriate specifications for items and collections
following established and emerging preservation guidelines for conversion so
that files meet standards for digital preservation masters
.notdef.g0001 Trains and supervises approximately 1 FTE student staff (3 to 4 students) in
using databases to log in digital objects, to identify and record anomalies and
other information, to scan materials and enter metadata in the databases, to
perform quality control and make corrections
.notdef.g0001 Integrates the work of several ongoing projects and activities so that resources
are allocated to meet department goals and objectives
.notdef.g0001 Ensures appropriate care and handling routines for library materials drawn from
special and general collections
.notdef.g0001 Performs some scanning work, especially for materials that have challenging
handling or imaging issues
.notdef.g0001 Facilitates the rush processing of special items for scanning to ensure deadlines
are met
Digital Imaging: 35%
.notdef.g0001 Designs workflows incorporating databases, scripts, and image processing
utilities to digitally image library materials produces high resolution master files
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