Stanford University Libraries is seeking a full-time Collections Photographer to join the Digital Production Group in Digital Library Systems and Services. The Libraries' values are rooted in a commitment to 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 apply their skills and share their perspectives.
About Stanford University Libraries
Stanford University Libraries are a dynamic network of resources, spaces and subject experts assembled with the mission to stimulate intellectual curiosity, sustain academic research and support teaching and learning. With over 12 million items, 50 subject specialists and 20 campus libraries, the opportunities for contributing to and transforming scholarship are infinite. By joining Stanford University Libraries, you will become a part of a vibrant, learning community of dedicated professionals who are committed to the important work of advancing scholarship.
About the Position
Stanford University Libraries is seeking a full-time Collections Photographer to join Digital Library Systems and Services (DLSS). The Collections Photographer performs digital imaging of collection materials for research, exhibition, publication, and online access and discovery. They execute professional- and production-level digital capture using a variety of hardware, software, and methodologies. They also perform post-processing of image files to specifications set by the cultural heritage imaging community, and organize completed projects and files for accessioning into the Stanford Digital Repository. They engage with the cultural heritage community to contribute to the profession and to stay abreast of the latest developments in imaging technologies and practices.
This position is part of the Digital Production Group, a unit within Digital Library Systems and Services (DLSS). The DPG team plays a leading role in supporting SUL’s programmatic efforts to digitize collection materials for preservation and access by Stanford faculty, students, researchers and other library patrons. Further, DLSS on the whole develops a range of systems and provides a suite of digital services that together enable the Stanford community and researchers around the world to discover, access and use the variety of digital collection content acquired, cataloged and preserved by the Stanford University Libraries.
The DPG team regularly works with curators, archivists and other staff across the libraries on digitization projects. Expertise in the proper handling of historic, rare, and unique materials undergoing digitization is important. Demonstrated experience and skill in the studio photography of special collections objects, such as rare books or similar artifacts, is highly desirable.
The work schedule is 40 hours per week (8 AM – 5 PM or similar). This role is based in Green Library on Stanford’s historic campus in Stanford, California. The work arrangement is on-site with the possibility of negotiating “work from home” on a pre-arranged basis. The position has potential for renewal.
Approved budgeted annual salary not to exceed: $ 104,500
Core Duties
- Research, prepare and produce digital media for instruction, promotional programs, location and studio programs, live video conferences and webcasts, live-on-tape studio, and/or other communicative purposes for both internal and external audiences.
- Partner with clients on strategic and creative approaches to projects involving abstract or technical content to meet objectives and within time and cost constraints: articulating the production process and expectations, communicating issues, providing status updates, and suggesting appropriate methods for improvement.
- Develop and market digital services to internal and external clients to create visual content, including video and images and provide best practice standards that foster photographic and video excellence.
- Manage all aspects of capturing, recording, and transmitting of all digital media productions, video and/or images.
- Make recommendations for purchases and repairs of digital media equipment. Diagnose and resolve digital media system problems. Create cost estimates for different equipment options. Provide stewardship of university resources.
- May be responsible for producing remote multi-camera programs, supervising field crews and managing technical aspects and overall approach for productions, including all collateral.
- May produce high-quality post-production and editing to ensure a quality product and an accurate depiction of content. May review and edit masters to meet the needs of the client(s) and/or producer and properly store, label, and archive of masters and edited masters.
- May produce high-quality digital surrogates of fragile and/or rare materials or other analog sources for access, display, and preservation purposes using a variety of equipment.
- May set up, operate and troubleshoot on a variety of equipment including but not limited to; video cameras, video projection, video conferencing, still photography, analog and digital audio recording. May train or provide guidance to other staff.
- 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.
Minimum Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree and five years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- 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 professional 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, visual 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.