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Archival Quality Control Analyst

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The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer:

Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us!

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

BASIC FUNCTION:

The Howard University Moorland-Spingarn Research Center has begun its Black Press Archives Digitization Project. The Center’s newspaper collection, the Black Press Archives, represents more than 2,000 newspaper titles from the United States, Africa, and the African Diaspora, including the legendary Chicago Defender, New York Amsterdam News, Los Angeles Sentinel, Washington Afro-American, Nigeria’s Anglo African, The Bomb from Trinidad and Tobago, and Le Soir from Haiti. The Black Press Archives team is focused on producing and publishing digital materials from physical archives. These newly digitized materials will be made available on a new online catalog website and will be supplemented by story-based content for the public to enjoy and learn from.

SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY:

The Archival Quality Assurance Specialist will focus primarily on ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and overall quality of materials within the Black Press Archives. The Archival Quality Assurance Specialist will work closely with the Black Press Archives staff to ensure the preservation and accessibility of our valuable archival materials. This role also includes supervising and mentoring student interns in the QC process. The Archival Quality Assurance Specialist will work closely with the Archives Technician and will report to the Project Manager.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Internal contacts include administrators, staff, faculty and student workers. External contacts include vendors, other catalogers, and collaborating with technical service professionals across the world.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Quality Control Oversight

Oversee the quality control process for digitized archival materials, ensuring adherence to clarity, readability, and overall quality standards.

Conduct thorough checks to verify accuracy, completeness, and absence of defects like tears or blurriness.

Address discrepancies, damage, and preservation issues in collaboration with staff, and maintain quality assurance protocols.

Develop and maintain quality assurance protocols to uphold archival standards and best practices.

Compliance with Digitization Standards

Ensure that digitized newspaper scans adhere to established digitization standards and best practices.

Verify that digital files meet requirements for resolution, file format, and metadata completeness.

Web Readiness Assessment

Evaluate digitized newspaper scans to determine their readiness for online publication.

Confirm that digital files meet the criteria for being considered "web ready," including suitability for online viewing and navigation.

Develop the Black Press Archives long-term

Create documentation and/or media to track protocols for internal training purposes

Stay informed about current trends and best practices in archival management, preservation, and cataloging through professional development activities such as workshops, conferences, and continuing education.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Understanding of quality assurance principles and methodologies, with the ability to ensure compliance with digitization standards and specifications.

Ability to meticulously review digital images for quality and accuracy, identifying and addressing any issues or discrepancies.

Familiarity with digital imaging software and tools used for image enhancement, restoration, and quality assessment.

Capacity to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to digitized materials and digital file management.

Effective communication skills to collaborate with digitization team members and provide feedback on quality control processes.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor's degree in Library Science, Archival Studies, Information Science, or related field.

Previous experience working with digital imaging technologies and software, preferably in an archival or cultural heritage institution.

Strong knowledge of digitization standards and best practices, with a focus on archival digitization workflows and requirements.

Proficiency in image editing software such as Adobe Photoshop/Lightroom or similar tools used for image enhancement and restoration.

Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.

Familiarity with metadata standards and protocols for describing and cataloging digital materials is desirable.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Expected Salary Range: $55,000 - $60,000

Average salary estimate

$57500 / YEARLY (est.)

min

max

$55000K

$60000K

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What You Should Know About Archival Quality Control Analyst, Howard & Howard

If you're passionate about preserving history and ensuring the quality of archival materials, a role as an Archival Quality Control Analyst at Howard University offers an exciting opportunity! As an integral part of the Black Press Archives Digitization Project at the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center, you'll be responsible for upholding the quality, accuracy, and integrity of our extensive collection, comprised of more than 2,000 newspaper titles from the United States and the African Diaspora. This role will allow you to play a critical part in digitizing invaluable materials for public access, ensuring they’re ready for online viewing. We invest greatly in our team’s well-being and professional growth, providing comprehensive health insurance, flexible work arrangements, and professional development opportunities. You'll also have the opportunity to mentor student interns, collaborating with a vibrant and dedicated team, while ensuring our archival standards are met. With a supportive work culture and commitment to diversity, you’ll thrive in an environment that values your contributions. Join us at Howard University, where your expertise will contribute significantly to the preservation of important cultural artifacts. If you’re ready to make an impact, we can’t wait to hear from you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Archival Quality Control Analyst Role at Howard & Howard

What are the responsibilities of an Archival Quality Control Analyst at Howard University?

As an Archival Quality Control Analyst at Howard University, your key responsibilities include overseeing the quality control process for digitized archival materials, ensuring they meet accuracy and readability standards. You'll perform thorough checks of the digitization quality, addressing any discrepancies or preservation issues, and maintaining quality assurance protocols. Additionally, you'll involve yourself in evaluating the readiness of materials for online publication and contribute to the long-term development of the Black Press Archives.