162 · Representative Documents: 2012 Position Descriptions
Smithsonian Institution
Associate Director, Digital Services Division
Expert knowledge of technology industry trends and issues as they relate to computer
applications in research libraries and museums.
Mastery of library technology marketplace to solve highly complex problems to develop new
and innovative approaches to policies, programs, and methods and to serve as an authority for
other libraries or library systems.
Excellent written and oral communication skills as shown by publications or public
presentations.
Supervisory Controls
The Associate Director for Digital Services reports to the Director of Libraries. The incumbent
exercises considerable authority and independence in the administration of web, information
services, and digital imaging units, interpreting both Institution and Libraries’ missions,
objectives, policies, etc. The incumbent serves as technical expert and authoritative source for
information regarding all aspects of web services and digitization. Work is reviewed for results
only.
Guidelines
The incumbent works within established federal and Smithsonian policies but shares in the
development of long- and short-range planning efforts, budget decisions, library-wide policy
formulation, organizational changes, etc. The incumbent also takes into account industry,
Institution, and library standards in areas such as integrated library systems, acquisitions,
cataloging, and document delivery to ensure that SIL practices are compatible. As a senior
executive of the SIL, the incumbent is responsible for implementation of staff and general
policies, requiring considerable personal judgment and initiative.
Complexity
The position involves highly complex web and digital library services issues as well as
considerable supervisory and administrative duties and a broad understanding of all Smithsonian
Institution directives, programs and applications regarding contracts, fund accounting, collection
management, etc. in order to meet the requirements of SIL operations and services. Substantive
political and technical skills are required to guide SIL staff in planning for and employing new
technological applications and standards in support of digital services. Smithsonian requirements
for digital services differ from standard academic institutions due in part to the need to conform
to federal guidelines, the multiplicity of separate administrative units, and the relationship to the
museum community therefore, the incumbent cannot rely completely on existing models. The
position involves assessing, evaluating and implementing new technologies to improve technical
and automated library services.
Scope and Effect
The purpose of the work is to analyze major issues in digitization, web presentation, information
Smithsonian Institution
Associate Director, Digital Services Division
Expert knowledge of technology industry trends and issues as they relate to computer
applications in research libraries and museums.
Mastery of library technology marketplace to solve highly complex problems to develop new
and innovative approaches to policies, programs, and methods and to serve as an authority for
other libraries or library systems.
Excellent written and oral communication skills as shown by publications or public
presentations.
Supervisory Controls
The Associate Director for Digital Services reports to the Director of Libraries. The incumbent
exercises considerable authority and independence in the administration of web, information
services, and digital imaging units, interpreting both Institution and Libraries’ missions,
objectives, policies, etc. The incumbent serves as technical expert and authoritative source for
information regarding all aspects of web services and digitization. Work is reviewed for results
only.
Guidelines
The incumbent works within established federal and Smithsonian policies but shares in the
development of long- and short-range planning efforts, budget decisions, library-wide policy
formulation, organizational changes, etc. The incumbent also takes into account industry,
Institution, and library standards in areas such as integrated library systems, acquisitions,
cataloging, and document delivery to ensure that SIL practices are compatible. As a senior
executive of the SIL, the incumbent is responsible for implementation of staff and general
policies, requiring considerable personal judgment and initiative.
Complexity
The position involves highly complex web and digital library services issues as well as
considerable supervisory and administrative duties and a broad understanding of all Smithsonian
Institution directives, programs and applications regarding contracts, fund accounting, collection
management, etc. in order to meet the requirements of SIL operations and services. Substantive
political and technical skills are required to guide SIL staff in planning for and employing new
technological applications and standards in support of digital services. Smithsonian requirements
for digital services differ from standard academic institutions due in part to the need to conform
to federal guidelines, the multiplicity of separate administrative units, and the relationship to the
museum community therefore, the incumbent cannot rely completely on existing models. The
position involves assessing, evaluating and implementing new technologies to improve technical
and automated library services.
Scope and Effect
The purpose of the work is to analyze major issues in digitization, web presentation, information
