Digital Library Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Description

 LAC Federal is seeking a Digitization Technician/Clerk to work at a federal agency in the Washington, DC metro area. The selected individual will be responsible for providing clerical support for the agency's collection development activities. The Digitization Technician will support a digitization program by ensuring a steady, high-quality workflow of materials through mass digitization and specialized digitization programs. This role performs metadata preparation, physical materials handling, and technical imaging work for general, special, rare, and fragile collections. The position requires strong familiarity with library metadata, MARC records, digitization standards, and the use of specialized imaging equipment and software in a research library environment.

Responsibilities:

• Select materials for digitization according to provided criteria and prepare them for bulk scanning
• Evaluate and prepare physical items from general and special collections for digitization, ensuring compliance with collection care and handling policies.
• Support batch preparation for mass digitization workflows, including coordination with external partners such as Internet Archive.
• Perform post-processing of digital image files using professional imaging software to prepare files for preservation storage and access systems.
• Apply digitization standards and best practices, including practical application of FADGI technical specifications.
• Locate, export, and format metadata from the Library catalog, OCLC, and other sources for materials selected for digitization.
• Interpret and work with MARC bibliographic records and translate bibliographic data into appropriate digital metadata formats.
• Search external catalogs and digital repositories to verify bibliographic data and support selection decisions.
• Ensure all metadata complies with locally required metadata formats, standards, and file naming conventions.
• Use JIRA or similar task management systems to manage digitization workflows and assignments.
• Contribute to monthly activity reporting, including completed work, upcoming tasks, and identified issues.

Requirements

• Experience working with library or archival collections in a research library or cultural heritage environment.
• Demonstrated familiarity with bibliographic records and the ability to interpret MARC records.
• Experience with metadata creation or remediation for digitized collections.
• Working knowledge of digitization standards and best practices (FADGI familiarity strongly preferred).
• Experience using professional imaging or post-processing software.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to meet quality benchmarks (error-free, standards-compliant work).
• Ability to handle physical library materials carefully and follow established collection care procedures.
• Comfort working with specialized equipment and troubleshooting basic technical issues.
• Attention to detail and accurate data entry skills.
• Ability to work within a framework of established policies and procedures
• Following through on all assignments, projects, and duties
• Ability to ask questions to clarify expectations
• Demonstrated knowledge of classification and filing systems
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while preparing materials, reviewing metadata, and performing digitization and image processing tasks at a computer workstation.
• Ability to handle, lift, and move library materials, books, and archival items weighing up to approximately 25 pounds while following proper collection care procedures.
• Ability to perform repetitive hand movements such as keyboarding, mouse use, and careful handling of general, rare, or fragile materials while maintaining a high level of attention to detail.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long-Term Disability
• Training & Development

EEO Statement

The company and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate the population of differences and does not discriminate in its hiring/hiring practices, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Nothing in this job specification restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. 

Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. 

To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. 

Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.